Alltech KEENAN MechFiber270 User manual

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 1Revision E01 25 February 2019
Operator’s Manual
MechFiber270 and 320
KEENAN MechFiber270 and 320
Operator’s Manual
Effective from model MF27K101 and MF32J194
Revision E01 25 February 2019

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 2Revision E01 25 February 2019

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 3Revision E01 25 February 2019
SECTION CONTENTS PAGE
PART I (Service and Maintenance)
1 Introduction 4
2 Warning notes 5
3 Warning signs 6
4 Operating principles 7
4.1 Weighing 7
4.2 Chopping/mixing 7
4.3 Feeding out 8
4.4 Maintenance 8
4.5 Safety precautions 9
5 Safety 9
6 Weighing system 13
7 Operation 14
7.1 Set-up 14
7.2 Hitch height adjustment 16
7.3 Mixer wagon capacity 17
7.4 Loading and mixing 18
7.5 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon 19
7.6 Operating the KEENAN BaleBlend 20
7.7 Specific instructions for BaleBlend models 21
7.8 Washing and chopping root crops 22
7.9 Feeding out 22
8 Maintenance 23
8.1 Chains 23
8.2 Chain tensioning 25
8.3 Greasing 26
8.4 Maintenance for blades 29
8.5 Maintenance for BaleBlend models 29
8.6 Shear bolts 30
8.7 Nuts and bolts 31
8.8 Tyres 31
8.9 Wheels 32
8.10 Rear feed-out elevator (where fitted) 32
8.11 Side and sub feed-out elevator (where fitted) 33
9 Maintenance checklist 34
10 Specifications 35
PART II (Spare Parts)
11 Parts list 37
11.1 Front guard parts 37
11.2 Driveline parts 40
11.3 Rotor parts 42
11.4 Auger parts 43
11.5 Auger chamber/VFC-door parts 44
11.6 VFC-door indicator parts 45
11.7 Standard feed-out tray parts 46
11.8 Fold-down tray parts (optional; extra option) 50
11.9 Inner body parts 53
11.10 Rear panel parts 54
11.11 Chassis parts 56
11.12 BaleBlend parts 57
11.13 Axles 62
11.14 Ancillary parts 64
12 Troubleshooting 65
12.1 General troubleshooting 65
12.2 Weighing troubleshooting 68
13 Warranty 69
14 EC declaration of conformity/CE certification 70
15 Contact details 71

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 4Revision E01 25 February 2019
1 Introduction
KEENAN MechFiber Mixer Wagon and KEENAN MechFiber
BaleBlend
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 and 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. More recently,
the BaleBlend models have introduced the ability to handle bales of all sizes and types.
The minimum moving parts ensure a robust machine with high mechanical efficiency. Performing
simple routine maintenance and correctly operating the machine will help ensure that it stays in service
for many years. However, in the event of unforeseen problems, KEENAN’s world-class support means
you can be assured of a prompt solution.
This supplement has been designed to present the additional parts lists and operational and
maintenance information for a rear feed-out machine with the standard KEENAN Operator’s Manual
for the corresponding model of the machine. It is to be used in conjunction with the main Operator’s
Manual regarding overall aspects of safety, operation, maintenance, parts lists and warranty. Recent
revision updates are indicated by a line in the right-hand column.
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-farm.
PART I
(Service and Maintenance)

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 5Revision E01 25 February 2019
2 Warning notes
Please read this manual carefully before operating your new machine, paying particular attention to the
warning notes, which are explained here.
There are three different types of notes, as follows:
The KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon and KEENAN MechFiber BaleBlend 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:
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.
Note:
Texts with this heading give general information that can improve the operational
efficiency of your KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon.
WARNING:
Read the safety section (Section 5) before attempting to operate the machine.

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 6Revision E01 25 February 2019
Do not stand between the
tractor and mixer wagon while
in operation.
Read the
Operator’s
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

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 7Revision E01 25 February 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 an exact quantity of
individual materials to be loaded into the mixing chamber for accurate rationing. Individual loads can
be weighed, or successive loads can be accumulated to give the total weight of the feed. See Section
6 (on the 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 (on operation). For non-BaleBlend models, ensure bales are broken up prior to loading.
For BaleBlends, wait until the bale has been taken in completely before adding further bales. As a
general rule, material should be tumbling freely when mixing; if it is not, 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 6-8 rpm. 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 optimize mixing by sweeping the material from end to end. The placement of
the blades ensures that the materials reach optimum size/length without grinding 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 the procedures outlined in this
manual or consult your KEENAN physical nutritionist for further information.
For BaleBlend models, do not load a complete 6x4 round bale onto the machine, as it has the potential
to become unstable, possibly falling off and causing injury. Instead, 6x4 round bales should first be
broken up and then loaded onto the machine in sections; alternatively, the bale may be held in place
by the loader until it is sufficiently chopped down (to a third or half of its size) so that complete chopping
can be done safely on the top of the machine. If in doubt, consult your local KEENAN representative
for the recommended safe operation of the machine to suit your particular application.
CAUTION:
For BaleBlend models, do not load a complete 6x4 round bale, or more than one 5x4
or 4x4 round bale, onto the machine at any one time. Overloading the machine may
seriously affect the safe operation and life of the machine and will invalidate the
warranty.

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 8Revision E01 25 February 2019
4.3 Feeding out
During mixing, the mixing chamber is separated from the feed-out chamber by a variable feed control
(VFC) 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). At first, the VFC-door should only be partially opened (not more than halfway). When
feed is seen discharging, allow 15–20 seconds to pass before fully opening the VFC-door. Door position
and ground speed should be set and used to allow an for even feed-out rate.
CAUTION:
The VFC-door should only be opened or closed when the PTO is engaged (with
paddles turning) when material is in the machine.
4.4 Maintenance
Figure 1: KEENAN MechFiber320 mixer wagon (BaleBlend option shown)
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, but 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.
BaleBlend creel
Rear rotor
bearing
Rear auger
bearing
Auger
chamber
VFC-door
Chassis
Feed-out tray
Weighbox
Hose holder
Ladder
Hitch

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 9Revision E01 25 February 2019
Figure 2: KEENAN
MechFiber rear view
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 center for advice.
WARNING:
Read the following safety section (Section 5) before attempting to operate your
machine.
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 the 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 that could affect its performance or safety.
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 a time. The machine should never
be left unattended during operation.
WARNING:
The breakaway safety brake device should be attached to the tractor at all time.
BaleBlend
Load bumper assembly
Paddles
Auger chamber
Auger
VFC-door
Top knife
Creel
Side panel
Rotor
Feed-out door
Feed-out tray
Body blades

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 10 Revision E01 25 February 2019
The following safety points are general guidelines. Given the wide variety of possible operating
conditions, other safety risks that are not listed here may exist.
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
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/transport
position prior to using on a public road.
d) When turning, exercise extreme caution for any potentially overtaking traffic on either side.
e) Do not stand on the ladder whilst 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 the 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 are 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 fromthe side indicated (see Figure 7; auger chamber side), using suitable equipment.

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 11 Revision E01 25 February 2019
p) Standing level with or above the machine to load manually is not permitted. Loading should only
be carried out with the 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 to the body of
the machine. It is strictly forbidden to climb on the upper brim of the machine body. The height
of the machine presents the hazard of potentially falling during entry and exit.
s) The noise emission levels of the MechFiber270 and MechFiber320 have 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 in place along the handbrake handle. 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.,
using the top link pin). In the event that the breakaway safety brake device has been activated
or damaged, contact KEENAN service for directions for resetting.
u) Routine cleaning may be carried out using a power washer. Isolate any power sources before
beginning. When washing the inside of the mixing chamber, open the drain bung underneath
the body to allow water to escape. Always disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor and stand
on a 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 qualified, KEENAN-trained maintenance personnel enter the
mixing chamber.
In the case that an untrained person should enter the mixing chamber, at the very minimum,
the following precautionary safety guidelines should be strictly adhered to 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, particularly 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 and secure ladder for access to and from the mixer wagon.
Note: The ladder at the rear of the machine is provided only as a means of viewing the
ration and should not be used as a means of access the mixing chamber.

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 12 Revision E01 25 February 2019
Figure 3a: Body blade and blade cover
8. Always maintain three points of contact while entering, exiting and moving within the mixing
chamber of the machine.
9. When entering the base of the body, it is recommended that you cover the body blades in
the vicinity of where the work will 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.
SODA GRAIN: Additional safety instructions and warnings are covered and available 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: When
mixing soda grain, the maximum gross load that can be mixed in the KEENAN MechFiber 270 is 3,000
kg and in the MechFiber 320 is 3,800 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
When entering the mixing
chamber, always fit the safety
beading that is provided for
the top knife.
Blade

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 13 Revision E01 25 February 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 (a readout box) at the front of the machine. The system uses 12-
volt DC power from the tractor, or a battery, if fitted. The weigh box unit can be rotated for visibility
during loading and from the tractor cab, but it should be folded out of the line of the tractor wheel for
road work. Loads are displayed in kilograms or pounds, with scale increments of 5 kg/10 lbs. The unit
is capable of measuring up to 18,140 kg (39,999 lbs) with the appropriate weight bars. The system is
maintenance-free, as it is fully electronic, with no moving parts. All components are sealed against
moisture and dust and are resistant to frost and corrosion. The unit should not, however, 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

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 14 Revision E01 25 February 2019
7 Operation
The simplicity of the KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon’s design is reflected in its low power
requirement. The power required does vary, 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 a much 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 not 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 is well-secured.
3. As appropriate, connect the hydraulic hoses (see Table 1) from the machine to double- and
single-acting spool valves on the tractor.
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 that the power lead from the weighing system is connected to
the tractor battery via either a direct fused line, a 7-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 until “end”appears on the screen, then release the buttons. If the power is supplied
through a 7-pin lights connection, the tractor lights will need to be switched on to provide power
to the weigh box. If you stand on theladder 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.

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 15 Revision E01 25 February 2019
Hydraulic and brake hoses
Operation
Colour
VFC-door
Red and yellow
Feed-out tray
Blue
BaleBlend creel
Green
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 as well as to factors
like harsh climate. It is recommended that they be reviewed periodically (i.e., yearly) and should
typically be replaced after ten years of operation, as is necessary.
B: The maximum oil pressure of the hydraulic system is 3,000 psi.
C: If there is a valve chest fit to the MechFiber machine, it is very important to connect the valve chest
hydraulic feed and return pipes correctly. The return pipe is not designed to handle the hydraulic
pressure normally experienced in the valve chest feed pipe, 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 fit 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 the 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], contact the tractor agent. To alter closed-centre hydraulics, there is a plug
available on request from KEENAN Service that can be fitted to the spool valve block.)
Figure 5: Valve Chest
P
T

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 16 Revision E01 25 February 2019
7.2. Hitch height adjustment
The MechFiber270 and 320 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 in Figures 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3.
Notes:
1. Care must be taken when adjusting the hitch height so that there is adequate PTO
clearance and enough ground clearance below the stand.
2. Optional towing eye bush can be used on standard hitch —see section 11.10.
Figure 6.1: Standard hitch
Figure 6.2: High hitch (typically for the German market)
Figure 6.3: Clevis hitch (typically for the U.S. market)

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 17 Revision E01 25 February 2019
7.3 Mixer wagon capacity
Due to the diversity of the materials available for feeding, and to the KEENAN MechFiber’s 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 the machine could
potentially be damaged.
Overloading must be avoided because:
• The mix will not be homogenous (evenly mixed), preventing the machine from providing the
maximum benefits.
• Mechanical failure will result. Due to the nature of the loading, this may occur at load levels
below those that would 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, which 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 necessarily an indication that the machine is not being
overloaded.
Figure 7: Photograph illustrates a well-mixed
ration, showing consistent fiber length and
proper integration of forages and grains.

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 18 Revision E01 25 February 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 the incorrect order, or if insufficient time is allowed for proper chopping, this
tumbling action will not take place correctly. Beyond reducing mix quality, this also increases the
horsepower requirements and reduces the life of the machine.
The effectiveness and speed of chop is 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 the material.
• The loading sequence.
• The total amount of material to be chopped.
• The density of the bale.
Figure 8: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon
CAUTION:
Overloading will seriously affect machine performance and life and will invalidate your
warranty.
Load this
side only
Load long fibers slowly onto paddles

MechFiber270 and 320 Operator’s Manual 19 Revision E01 25 February 2019
7.5 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon
Table 2: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon
LOADING THE KEENAN MECHFIBER MIXER WAGON
GENERAL
• Park on level ground.
• Ensure variable feed control (VFC) door is closed.
• Do not start PTO when VFC-door is open.
LOADING AND MIXING SEQUENCE
• Load feed as close to the loading side of the unit as possible.
• Load concentrate feeds along the length of the machine.
• Load forages to the front, back and center 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 a minimum of 4 pieces.
Use front grab or forks as required.
• Stop PTO before moving to feed-out area.
• Mixing time will depend on the required chop length.
Below is a guide to the correct loading order. Consult your local InTouch
office/nutritionist for more guidance on the best loading order for your ingredients.
Order Feed ingredients Paddle RPM Tractor engine
speed
1st
Straw, hay
All at 6-8 RPM
1400-1600 RPM
2nd
Water, liquid feeds
3rd
Minerals, concentrates, protein
meals, pulps, cereal grains
4th
Grass silage
5th
Maize silage

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7.6 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber BaleBlend
Table 3: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber BaleBlend
LOADING THE KEENAN BALEBLEND
GENERAL
• Park on level ground.
• Ensure variable feed control (VFC) door is closed.
• Do not start PTO when VFC-door is open.
LOADING AND MIXING SEQUENCE
• Set paddles running at 6-–8 RPM for all bale types. Note: When chopping straw, higher
revs can be used.
• Load round bales to the center of the unit with the flat end toward the top knife.
• Allow a minimum of 2 minutes for the bale to chop down before adding another.
CAUTION: Do not load more than one bale at a time.
• Stop PTO before moving to feed-out area.
• Mixing time will depend on the required chop length.
Below is a guide to the correct loading order. Consult your local InTouch
office/nutritionist for more guidance on the best loading order for your ingredients.
Order Feed ingredients Paddle RPM Tractor engine
speed
1st
Straw, hay
All at 6-8 RPM
1400-1600 RPM
2nd
Water, liquid feeds
3rd
Minerals, concentrates, protein
meals, pulps, cereal grains
4th
Grass silage
5th
Maize silage