Alltech KEENAN MechFiber250 User manual

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 1Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
Operator’s Manual
MechFiber250 and 280
KEENAN MechFiber250 and 280
Operator’s Manual
Effective from model 25L100 and 28L100
Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 2Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 3Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
SECTION CONTENTS PAGE
PART I (Service & Maintenance)
1 Introduction 5
2 Warning notes 6
3 Warning signs 7
4 Operating principles 8
4.1 Weighing 8
4.2 Chopping/Mixing 8
4.3 Feeding out 8
4.4 Maintenance 9
4.5 Safety precautions 9
5 Safety 10
6 Weighing system 14
7 Operation 15
7.1 Set-Up ` 15
7.2 Hitch height adjustment 17
7.3 Mixer wagon capacity 18
7.4 Loading and mixing 19
7.5 Operating the KEENAN mixer wagon 20
7.6 Washing and chopping root crops 21
7.7 Feeding out 21
8 Maintenance 22
8.1 Chains 22
8.2 Chain tensioning 24
8.3 Greasing 25
8.4 Blade sharpening and replacement 28
8.5 Shear bolts 28
8.6 Nuts and bolts 28
8.7 Tyres 29
8.8 Wheels 29
8.9 Rear feed-out elevator (where fitted) 30
8.10 Side and stub elevator (where fitted) 31
9 Maintenance checklist 32
10 Specifications 33
PART II (Spare Parts)
11 Parts list 34
11.1 Hydraulic system parts 35
11.2 Chassis parts 36
11.3 Front cover parts 37
11.4 Feed-out tray parts 39
11.5 Fold down tray parts 43
11.6 Rear parts 46
11.7 VFC-door parts 48
11.8 VFC-door indicator parts 49
11.9 Rotor and paddle parts 50
11.10 Auger parts 51
11.11 Body sealing parts 52
11.12 Body blade parts 53
11.13 Drive system parts 54
11.14 Axle parts 56
11.15 Ancillary parts 57
12 Troubleshooting 59
12.1 General troubleshooting 59
12.2 Weighing troubleshooting 62
13 Warranty 63
14 EC Declaration of Conformity/CE Certification 64
15 Contact details 65

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 4Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
PART I
(Service & Maintenance)

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 5Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
1 Introduction
KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon
Thank you for purchasing a KEENAN product. The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon is a TMR
feeder with a difference. The original KEENAN mixer wagon became a market leader due to
its reliability and durability, founded on simplicity; fast, efficient mixing and feed out and low
horsepower requirements. The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon has built on these
capabilities by adding the ability to chop and present in a consistent fashion, time and time
again. This ability is the cornerstone of the KEENAN MechFiber System, delivering improved
efficiency and profitability on the farm.
The minimum moving parts ensure a robust machine with high mechanical efficiency. Simple
routine maintenance and correct operation will deliver many years of service. However, in the
event of unforeseen problems, KEENAN’s world-class service means you can be assured of a
prompt solution.
This manual has been designed to present the information you need to operate and maintain
your machine. Recent revision updates are indicated by a line in the right-hand column, as
shown to the right.
If you require further assistance or information, please contact your Physical Nutritionist.
Telephone numbers are listed on the back cover of this manual.
The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon is the cornerstone of the KEENAN
MechFiber System, delivering improved efficiency and profitability on the
farm.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 6Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
2 Warning notes
Please read this manual carefully before operating your new machine, paying particular
attention to the warning notes, explained here.
There are 3 different types of notes, as follows:
Note:
Texts with this heading give general information that improves the operation
efficiency of your KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon.
The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon machines are subject to international patents, including the following:
Europe: E0, 833,558 USA: 5,967,433
Japan: Pending Canada: Pending
Australia: 691418 New Zealand: 305943
South Africa: 96/3148
WARNING:
Read the safety section (section 5) before attempting to operate the machine.
WARNING:
Texts with this symbol contain safety information.
They warn you of serious dangers, possibly involving accident or injury.
CAUTION:
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to a possible risk of damage to your
KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon. Failure to observe the information contained in
a caution may invalidate your warranty.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 7Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
Do not stand between the tractor
and mixer wagon while it is in
operation.
Read the operators
manual before
using the machine.
Danger of flying
objects.
Keep a safe distance
from the machine.
Stay clear of sharp
blades.
Do not open or remove
safety guards while the
machine is connected to
the tractor.
Shut off the engine and
remove the key before
performing maintenance or
repair work on the machine.
Never reach into
the rotating auger.
Danger of
entrapment.
Do not ride on the
platform or ladder.
Look out for
overhead power
lines.
Apply the handbrake
when parked.
3 Warning signs

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 8Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
4. Operating principles
The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon’s main operating functions are weighing,
chopping/mixing and feeding out.
4.1 Weighing
The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon’s electronic weighing system allows the exact quantity
of individual materials to be loaded into the mixing chamber for accurate rationing. Individual
loads can be weighed, or successive loads accumulated to give total weight of feed. See
Section 6 (Weighing System) and the Readout Manual for more detailed information.
4.2 Chopping/mixing
Load ingredients in the sequence recommended by your KEENAN Physical Nutritionist, or as
suggested in Section 7 (Operation). Ensure bales are broken up prior to loading. As a general
rule, material should be tumbling freely when mixing. If not, then the machine is overloaded
and will not achieve the desired mix quality. Mixing is carried out by a centrally-mounted rotor
fitted with six angled paddles revolving at 5–6rpm. Each paddle imparts a shearing action,
sweeping the feed ingredients onto the strategically placed knives to produce a consistent and
thorough mix with all types of materials, including baled silage, hay or straw, roots and liquids.
The angled paddles help mixing by sweeping the material from end to end. The placement of
the blades ensures the materials reach optimum size/length, without grinding it down and
destroying the all-important ‘scratch factor’ of the forages, producing a MechFiber mix.
Mixing time will be determined by the required chop length. Follow procedures contained in
this manual or consult your KEENAN Physical Nutritionist for further information.
4.3 Feeding out
During mixing, the mixing chamber is separated from the feed-out chamber by a Variable Feed
Control (VFC) or guillotine door, thus ensuring complete mixing. The feed-out chamber
contains an auger which runs the entire length of the machine.
When chopping/mixing is complete, the feed-out tray should be set to the required position,
and the VFC-door dropped, allowing the material to be swept up by the paddles and pushed
onto the auger –see figure 2. The VFC-door should be partially opened at first, and when feed
is seen discharging, then 15–20 seconds should be allowed before opening the VFC-door fully.
Door position and ground speed should be set/used to allow an even feed-out rate.
CAUTION:
The VFC-door should only be opened or closed when the PTO is engaged (paddles
turning) when material is in the machine.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 9Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
4.4 Maintenance
Figure 1: KEENAN MechFiber250 Mixer Wagon
A properly operated and maintained KEENAN mixer wagon promises to operate trouble-free
for years. Regular maintenance of the machine is essential both for long machine life
and also to meet the warranty requirements. Refer to instructions in the Maintenance
section of this manual. Weekly cleaning of the machine is recommended to prevent corrosion
to the mixer body from old feed. The level of cleaning required will depend on the material
being mixed. Still, any material that sits or lodges on the machine may adversely affect
both the operation of the machine and the quality of the mix, if it subsequently falls into
the feeder during mixing. It is therefore essential to routinely clean and wash down the
feeder.
4.5 Safety precautions
KEENAN mixer wagons have been designed to reduce risk to a minimum. However, as with
any machine, careful observation of safety procedures is necessary to prevent accidents.
See inside for further details on each section. If you have any further questions, please contact
your local KEENAN centre for advice.
WARNING:
Read the following Safety section (section 5) before attempting to operate the
machine.
WARNING:
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the machine at all times. This
machine should only be operated by one person at all times. The machine should never
be left unattended during operation.
WARNING:
The Breakaway Safety Brake Device should be attached to the tractor at all times.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 10 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
5 Safety
The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon has many safety features built into its design, but
ultimately, safe operation requires the vigilance of the operator and an understanding of
potential safety hazards. The machine is designed to be used as a mixer/chopper wagon for
mixing animal feeds. It should not be used for any other purpose which will affect its
performance or safety.
Figure 2: KEENAN Machine Rear View
The following safety points are general guidelines. Given the wide variety of possible operating
conditions, other safety risks may exist which are not captured in the list over.
a) Always park the mixer wagon on level ground and apply the handbrake when not in use.
b) Do not exceed 15 km/h (10 mph) when in use/transit. Local road traffic laws will apply
when the machine is in transit on public roads, on which the maximum permissible
speed is 25 km/h. Exceeding this will compromise the life and safety of major
components such as the hitch, axle, wheels and chassis.
c) Ensure the VFC-door is closed and all feed-out trays/elevators are in the closed and
transport position prior to use on the public road.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 11 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
d) Exercise extreme caution for possible overtaking traffic at either side when turning.
e) Do not stand on the ladder while the feeder is in transit. The mixer wagon should never
be used for the transport of people, animals or objects.
f) Do not stand between the tractor and mixer wagon while it is in use.
g) Use only a PTO shaft with a properly fitted safety guard and correct shear bolt.
h) Always connect the PTO shaft with the shear bolt end to the machine. The operating
speed of the PTO is 540 rpm, and the direction of rotation is marked on the front cover.
Always use a well-maintained PTO shaft and keep the safety covers in good condition.
i) Ensure all trailing leads, hoses, etc. are well clear of the PTO.
j) Never operate the PTO in “ground speed mode” or drive the PTO in reverse.
k) Make sure all covers/guards are fitted and closed correctly. Never remove guards when
the mixer wagon is connected to the tractor.
l) Ensure the mixer wagon and the immediate area surrounding it is clear of people,
especially children, before commencing operation. Ensure that there is sufficient
visibility for the operator to observe all danger zones and that the tractor is equipped
with mirrors to enable the operator to see both sides of the machine while it is in
operation.
m) When connecting the tractor to the mixer wagon, only connect using the ring hitch/hitch
on the mixer wagon to ensure safe coupling. Ensure that the hitch is connected properly
to the tractor and that all pins and clips are properly installed. Then connect the PTO
shaft in the correct fashion. Connect the hydraulic hoses ensuring that the functions
match the indicated valve on the tractor.
n) When disconnecting always ensure that a stand or jack is used to secure the mixer
wagon in the park position and ensure that the handbrake is properly applied. Before
driving the tractor away from the mixer wagon ensure that all hoses and cables are
disconnected.
o) Load only from the side indicated —see figure 7 (auger chamber side), using suitable
equipment.
p) Standing level with or above the machine in order to load manually is not permitted.
Loading should only be carried out with suitable equipment.
q) Regularly inspect all chains (at least weekly), sprockets and moving parts for wear and
check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
r) The ladder on the rear of the mixer wagon is to be used as a viewing point for the mixing
chamber. It should not be used as a means of access to the mixing chamber nor onto
the body of the machine. It is strictly forbidden to climb on the upper rim of the machine
body. The height of the machine presents a potential fall hazard during entry and exit.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 12 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
s) The noise emission level of the KEENAN MechFiber250 has been recorded at 89.4dB.
Noise emission levels above 90dB would require the wearing of suitable ear protection.
t) The Breakaway Safety Brake device should be attached to the tractor at all times. Cable
ties fix the wire rope along the handbrake handle in place. Cable tie the wire rope to the
drawbar (see figure 4). Fix the other end of the wire rope to a solid location on the back
of the tractor (e.g., the top link pin). In the event that the Breakaway Safety Brake device
has been activated or damaged, it is recommended that KEENAN Service is contacted
for directions to reset.
u) Routine cleaning may be carried out using a power washer. Isolate any power sources
before beginning. If washing the inside the Mixing Chamber, open the drain bung
underneath the body to allow water to escape. Always disconnect PTO shaft from the
tractor & stand on suitably safe ladder or platform. Do not to climb on top of the machine
or into the Mixing Chamber.
v) It is recommended that only trained and qualified KEENAN maintenance
personnel enter the mixing chamber.
In the case of an untrained person entering the mixing chamber, at the very minimum,
the following precautionary safety guidelines should be strictly adhered at all times.
1. Ensure the PTO and hydraulic hoses are disconnected
2. Apply the mixer wagon handbrake and disconnect the tractor from the machine on
level ground
3. Use suitable PPE such as protective footwear, eyewear and gloves
4. Personnel should make themselves familiar with the location of all potential
hazards before entering the machine, in particular, the location of the top knife and
body blades.
5. Be aware that sharp components may be hidden in or under material within the
mixing chamber
6. The top knife should always be fitted with the supplied guard (Figure 3b) before
entering the machine. Begin by fitting the first 500 mm of the guard from the rear of
the machine. Then as you enter, continue to fit the guard along the full length of the
Top Knife
Note: the machine is supplied with a top knife guard, which can be found inside the
driveline covers of the mixer wagon
7. Use a suitable & secure ladder for access to and from the mixer wagon. Note: The
ladder at the rear of the machine is provided as a means of viewing the ration only
and should not be used as a means of access the mixing chamber.
8. Always maintain 3 points of contact while entering, exiting & moving within the
mixing chamber of the machine
9. When entering the base of the body, it is recommended to cover the body blades in
the vicinity of where work is to be carried out.
10.When removing trapped objects, be aware that some machine components may
move unexpectedly when cleared.
11.Take extreme care when moving around inside the body as surfaces may be
slippery.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 13 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
Figure 3a: Body blade and blade cover
SODAGRAIN: Additional safety instructions and warnings are available and covered in a soda
grain leaflet which should be read carefully before soda treating grain. When finished treating
grain, clean out any remaining material in the mixing and/or auger chamber by loading in 200–
300 kg of silage or 50 kg of straw and allow the machine to mix before unloading in the normal
manner.
Note that when mixing soda grain, the maximum gross load that can be mixed in the KEENAN
MechFiber250 is 2,500 kg & KEENAN MechFiber280 is 2,750 kg.
The soda grain process can be completed using a KEENAN mixer but before treatment on
your farm, make sure you are adhering to local animal feed legislation and health and safety
guidelines involving the treatment of grain.
WARNING:
Failure to follow the safety guidelines above may lead to accident or injury.
Blade
When entering the mixing
chamber, always fit the safety
beading that is provided for the
top knife.
Figure 3b: Top Knife Protection
Figure 4: Breakaway Safety Brake

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 14 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
6 Weighing system
The weighing system is designed to be simple to operate, accurate and robust. It consists of
four load cells connected to a weigh box unit (readout box) at the front of the machine. The
system uses 12-volt DC power from the tractor, or battery if fitted. The weigh box unit can be
rotated for visibility during loading and from the tractor cab but should be folded out of the line
of the tractor wheel forroad work. Loads are displayed in kilograms or lbs with scaleincrements
of 5 kg/10 lb. The unit is capable of measuring up to 18,140 kg (39,999 lbs.) with the appropriate
weight bars. The system is maintenance-free, being fully electronic with no moving parts. All
components are sealed against moisture and dust and are resistant to frost and corrosion. The
unit should, however, not be directly exposed to a high-pressure water jet. The weigh box unit
may vary from model to model and region to region. A separate manual is supplied for your
weigh box unit, which you should refer to for specific operating instructions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTRONIC READOUT BOX ARE CONTAINED IN A
SEPARATE MANUAL

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 15 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
7 Operation
The simplicity of the KEENAN Mixer Wagon design is reflected in its low power requirement.
The power required varies, depending on the mix used, the dry matter, and the amount of
chopping required.
If a tractor is at its limit during mixing, this will translate into extra strain on moving parts as
there will be surges in power as the engine recovers during certain periods of the mix.
A tractor that has sufficient power will provide amuch smoother drive to the mixer wagon during
all stages of operation.
7.1 Set-up
1. Ensure the machine is level when hitched up. If the machine is un-level, this can be
corrected by adjusting the hitch height. The hitch height on the KEENAN MechFiber
mixer wagon provides a certain level of adjustment from the manufactured height.
2. The PTO shaft should be attached with the shear bolt end coupled to the machine.
Make sure that the PTO guard is in good condition and well secured.
3. Connect the hydraulic hoses (see table 1) from the machine to double- and single-acting
spool valves on the tractor, as appropriate.
4. Examine the mixing chamber to ensure that:
• All blade covers have been removed.
• All spare parts and foreign objects have been removed.
• No damage has occurred during transport.
5. Check the weigh box and ensure the power lead from the weighing system is either
connected to the tractor battery via a direct fused line, seven-pin plug or to a 12-volt
battery located in the side box of the feeder. To zero the weigh box press and hold the
‘zero’ and ‘minus’ keys together and hold until ‘end’ appears on the screen then release
the buttons. If the power is supplied through a seven-pin lights connection, the tractor
lights will need to be switched on to provide power to the weigh box. If you stand on the
ladder, at the rear of the machine, you can check the reading on the weigh box against
your known weight. This may require assistance.
6. With the tractor running, check that the VFC-door opens fully and closes completely.
Similarly, check the movement of the feed out tray. Engage the PTO and check the
turning of the paddles. The initial turning of the paddle rubbers against the side of the
KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon will generate noise, but this will decrease as the
paddle rubbers become more pliable.
CAUTION:
Do not operate the PTO in “ground speed” mode. Reversing the drive on your machine
will cause serious damage.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 16 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
Hydraulic and brake hoses
Operation
Colour
Guillotine door
Red & yellow
Feed-out tray
Blue
Brakes
White
Beetgrid
Black
Table 1: Hydraulic and brake hoses
Note:
A: The design life of hydraulic hoses is subject to the level of wear and tear/usage and also
factors like harsh climate. It is recommended that they be reviewed periodically (yearly) and
typically replaced after ten years of operation if necessary.
B: The maximum oil pressure of the hydraulic system is 3000 psi.
C: If there is a valve chest fit to the machine, it is essential to connect the valve chest hydraulic
feed and return pipes correctly. The return pipe is not designed to take the hydraulic pressure
normally seen in the valve chest feed pipe, and so seals and/or the valve chest itself may be
damaged if oil flows in the wrong direction through the chest. Typically, the hydraulic return
pipe on the valve chest is fitted with a one-way flow valve to prevent oil being fed to the valve
chest in the wrong direction. This is identifiable as a steel connection on the end of the pipe
with an arrow stamped on its side to indicate the direction of oil flow through it. Oil flows into
the valve chest through holes marked P (Pressure) and out through holes marked T (Tank),
see Figure 5 below.
(The valve chest is set up for open centre hydraulics. If the tractor has an alternative hydraulic
system (other than open centre), then contact should be made with the tractor agent. To alter
to closed centre hydraulics, there is a plug that can be fitted to the spool valve block and is
available from KEENAN Service on request.)
Figure 5: Valve Chest
P
T

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 17 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
7.2. Hitch height adjustment
The MechFiber250 and 280 hitches have been designed to allow for various hitch height
options with the same components used. Hitch height is normally selected for the application
and set at the factory. However, if required, the hitch can be adjusted on-farm to level the
machine. Some options are shown below.
Standard Hitch
High hitch (typically for the German market)
Clevis hitch (typically for the U.S. market)
Note:
Care must be taken when adjusting the hitch height, so that there is adequate PTO
clearance and that there is enough ground clearance below the stand.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 18 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
7.3 Mixer wagon capacity
Due to the diversity of the materials available for feeding and the KEENAN ability to incorporate
a wide range of feed types into the ration, the capacity of the machine will vary. Ensure that
overloading is avoided at all times as mix quality will be seriously affected and potential
machine damage may result.
Overloading must be avoided because:
• The mix will not be homogenous (evenly mixed), preventing the maximum benefit being
gained from the machine.
• Mechanical failure will result. Due to the nature of the loading, this may occur at load levels
below that necessary to break the shear bolt.
The overall amount of material that can be chopped/mixed in one load depends on the
following:
• Machine size.
• Overall dry matter of the TMR.
• The chop length and quality of the material added.
• The loading procedure and loading order of the materials used (this has a major effect on
machine capacity, e.g., the addition of straw first or last).
• Tractor H.P. rating.
CAUTION:
The machine can be overloaded, before the shear bolt breaks. Therefore not breaking
a shear bolt is not an indication that the machine is not being overloaded.
Figure 6: Photograph illustrates a well-mixed ration showing
consistent fibre length and integration of forages and grains.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 19 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
7.4 Loading and mixing
Note: The unique tumbling action of the machine is what carries out the mixing. If the machine
is overloaded or loaded in an incorrect order, or insufficient time is allowed for proper chopping,
this tumbling action will not take place correctly. In addition to reducing mix quality, it increases
the horsepower requirements and reduces the life of the machine.
The effectiveness and speed of chop are determined by:
• The number of effective (sharp and intact) blades.
• The dry matter of the material to be added.
• The amount of pre-chopping of material.
• The loading sequence.
• The total amount of material to be chopped.
• The density of the bale.
Figure 7: Loading the KEENAN mixer wagon
CAUTION:
Overloading will seriously affect machine performance and life and will invalidate your
warranty.

KEENAN MechFiber 250 and 280 Operator’s Manual 20 Revision C01, 04th Dec 2019
7.5 Operating the KEENAN mixer wagon
Table 2: Loading the KEENAN Mixer Wagon
LOADING THE KEENAN MIXER WAGON
GENERAL
• Park on level ground.
• Ensure variable feed control door (VFC) is closed.
• Do not start PTO when VFC-door is open.
LOADING AND MIXING SEQUENCE
• Load feed as close as possible to the loading side of the unit.
• Load concentrate feeds along the length of the machine.
• Load forages to the front, back and centre of the unit in alternate grabs during mixing.
• Remove all twine, wrap or polythene from bales.
• Round or square bales should be split or broken into four pieces minimum.
Use front grab or forks as required.
• Stop PTO before moving to feed out area.
• Mixing time will depend on chop length required.
Below is a guide to the correct loading order. Consult your local InTouch
office/nutritionist for best loading order for your ingredients.
Order Feed Ingredients Paddle RPM Tractor Engine
Speed
1st
Straw, Hay
All at 6–8 RPM
1,400–1,600 RPM
2nd
Water, Liquid Feeds
3rd
Minerals, Concentrates, Protein
Meals, Pulps, Cereal Grains
4th
Grass Silage
5th
Maize Silage