Alltech KEENAN MechFiber380 User manual

KEENAN MechFiber380 Operator’s Manual Revision D02 09th Sept 2020
1
Operator’s Manual
MechFiber380
KEENAN MechFiber380
Operator’s Manual
Effective from model MF38L122
Revision D02 09th Sept 2020

KEENAN MechFiber380 Operator’s Manual Revision D02 09th Sept 2020
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KEENAN MechFiber380 Operator’s Manual Revision D02 09th Sept 2020
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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 Diet feeder capacity 17
7.4 Loading and mixing 18
7.5 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder 19
7.6 Operating the KEENAN bale handler 20
7.7 Specific instructions for bale handler 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 (540 RPM) 25
8.3 Chain tensioning (1000 RPM) 26
8.4 Greasing 27
8.5 Blade maintenance 29
8.6 Maintenance for bale handler models 29
8.7 Shear bolts 30
8.8 Nuts and bolts 31
8.9 Tyres 32
8.10 Wheels 32
8.11 Rear feed-out elevator (where fitted) 33
8.12 Side and stub feed-out elevator (where fitted) 33
9 Maintenance checklist 35
10 Specifications 36
10.1 Weight 36
PART II (Spare parts)
11 Parts list 37
11.1 Hydraulic parts 38
11.2 Chassis parts 39
11.3 Front covers 40
11.4 Rotor parts 42
11.5 Standard feed-out parts 43
11.6 Fold-down tray parts 45
11.7 Rear panel parts 48
11.8 Front panel parts 50
11.9 1000 RPM driveline 51
11.10 540 RPM driveline 52
11.11 VFC-door 53
11.12 Auger 54
11.13 Body inner parts 55
11.14 Weighing system 56
11.15 Bale handler parts 57
11.16 Axle options 63
11.17 Ancillary parts 65
12 Troubleshooting 66
12.1 General troubleshooting 66
12.2 Weighing troubleshooting 68
13 Warranty 70
14 E.C. Declaration of Conformity/CE Certification 71
15 Contact details 72

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1 Introduction
KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder and KEENAN MechFiber bale handler
Thank you for purchasing a KEENAN product. The KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder is a
TMR feeder with a difference. The original KEENAN diet feeder 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 diet feeder 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, bale handler 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, the
parts lists and the 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 diet feeder is the cornerstone of the KEENAN
MechFiber System, delivering improved efficiency and profitability on the
farm.
PART I
(Service and Maintenance)

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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 diet feeder and KEENAN MechFiber bale handler 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 diet feeder. 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 diet feeder.
WARNING:
Read the safety section (Section 5) before attempting to operate the machine.

KEENAN MechFiber380 Operator’s Manual Revision D02 09th Sept 2020
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Do not stand between the
tractor and diet feeder 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

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4 Operating principles
The KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder’s main operating functions are weighing,
chopping/mixing and feeding out.
4.1 Weighing
The KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder’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-bale handler models, ensure bales are
broken up prior to loading. For bale handlers, 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 bale handler 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 bale handler 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.

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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
for an 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 MechFiber380
A properly operated and maintained KEENAN diet feeder 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.
Feed-out door
Auger
chamber
Fiberglass doors
Hydraulic hose
holder arm
Feed-out tray
Chassis
VFC-door
Load cell
Rear
rotor
bearing
Mixing chamber
Drive system
oil reservoir

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4.5 Safety precautions
KEENAN diet feeders 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 your
machine.
5 Safety
The KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder 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.
Figure 2: KEENAN MechFiber380 rear profile view
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 times.
Side panel
(Bellyband)
Top
knife
Rotor
Body blades
Feed-out tray
VFC-door
(variable feed control door)
Auger
Feed-out door
Auger chamber
Paddles

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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 diet feeder 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 diet feeder should never
be used for the transport of people, animals or objects.
f) Do not stand between the tractor and diet feeder while it is in use.
g) Only use 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 standard
operating range of the PTO is 540 RPM. However, an optional operating range of
1000 RPM may be available if the machine has been built to that specification. This
will be clearly marked on the front of the machine and on the operation procedure
decal. The direction of rotation is marked on the front cover (clockwise when
viewing from rear of machine). 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 diet feeder is connected to the tractor.
l) Ensure that the diet feeder 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 diet feeder, only connect using the ring hitch/hitch
on the diet feeder 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 diet
feeder in the park position and that the handbrake is properly applied. Before driving

KEENAN MechFiber380 Operator’s Manual Revision D02 09th Sept 2020
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the tractor away from the diet feeder, 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 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 diet feeder 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 level of the MechFiber380 has been recorded at 89.4 dB. Noise
emission levels above 90 dB 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 diet feeder 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.

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Note: the machine is supplied with a top knife guard, which can be found inside
the driveline covers of the diet feeder.
7. Use a suitable and secure ladder for access to and from the diet feeder.
Note: The ladder at the rear of the machine is provided only as a means of
viewing the ration and should not be used to enter the mixing chamber.
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 the
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 MechFiber380 is 7,500 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.
Figure 3a: Body blade and blade cover
Figure 3c: Breakaway safety brake
Blade
When entering the mixing
chamber, always fit the safety
beading that is provided for the
top knife.
Figure 3b: Top knife protection
When entering the mixing
chamber, always fit the safety
beading that is provided for
the top knife.
Blade

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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 displayedin 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.

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7 Operation
The simplicity of the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder’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 put 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 diet feeder
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 diet
feeder 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. As per Figure 3b, make
sure the shear bolt and safety cover are all with the PTO assembly. Before operation,
depending on the model of tractor being used, KEENAN will supply nominal-length PTO
shaft, where alterations to the length of the PTO may be required to suit different models
of the machine. A comparison of the length of the PTO and also the length required
should be noted, and the PTO should subsequently be shortened to suit.
CAUTION:
Do not operate the PTO in “ground speed” mode. Reversing the drive on your
machine will cause serious damage.
3. As appropriate, connect the hydraulic hoses (see Table 1) from the machine to double-
and single-acting spool valves on the tractor.
Hydraulic and brake hoses
Operation
Colour
VFC-door
Red and yellow
Feed-out tray
Blue
Bale handler creel
Green
Brakes
White
Table 1: Hydraulic and brake hoses
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

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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 diet feeder will generate noise, but this will decrease as the
paddle rubbers become more pliable.
As a general rule, the engine speed during loading should be as low as possible without
the risk of stalling the tractor. See the loading and mixing procedure guidelines.
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 from 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 4: Valve chest
P
T

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7.2 Hitch height adjustment
The KEENAN MechFiber380 hitch was 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. Several options are shown below in Figures 5.1 and 5.2.
The main standard hitch assembly is a bolt-on assembly, and once the main setting is
completed at the factory, it may also be adjusted on-farm by moving the assembly up or
down within the bolt holes, or by turning the complete hitch over, as it is suitable to operate
facing either way.
Note:
1: A minimum of four M20 x 100 mm Grade 8.8 bolts must be used to secure the straight hitch eye and the
clevis hitch to the drawbar.
2: Care must be taken when adjusting the hitch height to ensure that there is adequate PTO clearance and
ground clearance below the stand.
Figure 5.1: Standard hitch adjustment
Figure 5.2: Clevis hitch adjustment
82 mm range
Tyre and suspension deflection
Tyre and suspension deflection
Height adjustment available here
Clevis hitch eye

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7.3 Diet feeder capacity
Due to the diversity of the materials available for feeding, as well as 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 could
be seriously affected as a result 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 (e.g., the addition of straw
first or last), which has a major effect on machine capacity.
• 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 6: Photograph illustrates a well-mixed
ration, showing consistent fibre length and
the integration of forages and grains.

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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 happen correctly. Beyond reducing mix quality,
this also increases the horsepower requirements and reduces the life of the machine.
The effectiveness and speed of the 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 7: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder
CAUTION:
Overloading will seriously affect the machine’s performance and life and will
invalidate your warranty.
Load this
side only
Load long fibres slowly onto paddles

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7.5 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder
Table 2: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder
LOADING THE KEENAN MECHFIBER DIET FEEDER
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 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 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
1,400–1,600 RPM
2nd
Water, liquid feeds
3rd
Minerals, concentrates, protein
meals, pulps, cereal grains
4th
Grass silage
5th
Maize silage

KEENAN MechFiber380 Operator’s Manual Revision D02 09th Sept 2020
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7.6 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber bale handler
Table 3: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber bale handler
LOADING THE KEENAN BALE HANDLER
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 centre 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
1,400–1,600 RPM
2nd
Water, liquid feeds
3rd
Minerals, concentrates, protein
meals, pulps, cereal grains
4th
Grass silage
5th
Maize silage