Alltech Keenan MechFiber350 User manual

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 1Revision D01 21st May 2019
Operator’s Manual
MechFiber350 and 370
KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370
Operator’s Manual
Effective from model MF35K100 and MF37K100
Revision D01 21May 2019

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 2Revision D01 21st May 2019

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 3Revision D01 21st May 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 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 25
8.3 Greasing 26
8.4 Maintenance for blades 29
8.5 Maintenance for bale handler 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 cover parts 38
11.2 Drive line parts 40
11.3 Rotor parts 42
11.4 Auger parts 43
11.5 Auger chamber 44
11.6 VFC-door indicator parts 45
11.7 Standard feed-out tray parts 46
11.8 Fold-down tray parts 48
11.9 Inner body parts 51
11.10 Rear panel parts 52
11.11 Chassis parts 53
11.12 Bale handler parts 54
11.13 Axle parts 59
11.14 Ancillary parts 61
12 Troubleshooting 62
12.1 General troubleshooting 62
12.2 Weighing troubleshooting 65
13 Warranty 66
14 EC declaration of conformity/CE certification 67
15 Contact details 68

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 4Revision D01 21st May 2019
1 Introduction
KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon and KEENAN MechFiber bale handler
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, 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 mixer wagon is the cornerstone of the KEENAN
MechFiber System, delivering improved efficiency and profitability on the
farm.
PART I
(Service and Maintenance)

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 5Revision D01 21st May 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 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 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.

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 6Revision D01 21st May 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

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 7Revision D01 21st May 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-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 operationofthe 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.

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 8Revision D01 21st May 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 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 MechFiber mixer wagon (bale handler 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.
VFC-door
BaleBlend creel
Feed-out tray
Chassis
Auger
chamber
Rear auger
bearing
Rear rotor
bearing
Ladder
Hitch
Weighbox
Hose holder

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 9Revision D01 21st May 2019
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.
Figure 2: KEENAN MechFiber rear 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.
Creel
Side panel
Rotor
Body blades
Top knife
VFC-door
Feed-out tray
Feed-out door
Auger
Auger chamber
Paddles
Load bumper assembly
BaleBlend
Load bumper assembly

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 10 Revision D01 21st May 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) 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 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 that 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 isconnected 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 that the handbrake is properly applied. Before driving
the tractor away from the mixer wagon, ensure that all hoses and cables are
disconnected.

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 11 Revision D01 21st May 2019
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 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 MechFiber350 and MechFiber370 have 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 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.

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 12 Revision D01 21st May 2019
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 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 MechFiber350 is 5,000 kg and the maximum for the KEENAN MechFiber370 is
6,000 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 3a: Body blade and blade
cover
Figure 4: Breakaway safety brake
When entering the mixing
chamber, always fit the safety
beading that is provided for
the top knife.
Blade

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 13 Revision D01 21st May 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.

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 14 Revision D01 21st May 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 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 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 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 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 MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 15 Revision D01 21st May 2019
Hydraulic and brake hoses
Operation
Colour
VFC-door
Red and yellow
Feed-out tray
Blue
Bale handler 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 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 5: Valve chest
P
T

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 16 Revision D01 21st May 2019
7.2. Hitch height adjustment
The MF350 and 370 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.
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 turning the complete hitch over, as it is suitable to operate facing either
way up.
Note:
1: A minimum of four M20 x 100 mm Grade 8.8 bolts must be used to secure the swivel ring hitch and the clevis
hitch to the drawbar.
2: Care must be taken when adjusting the hitch height so that there is adequate PTO clearance and enough
ground clearance below the stand.
Figure 6.1: Standard hitch adjustment
Figure 6.2: High hitch adjustment
1300 range
Height adjustment available here
Tyre and or suspension deflection
Figure 6.1: Standard hitch adjustment
Figure 6.3: Clevis hitch adjustment
Figure 6.2: High hitch adjustment
Tyre and or suspension deflection
Tyre and or suspension deflection
Height adjustment available here
Height adjustment
available here
Clevis hitch eye
TÜV hitch eye
Swivel ring hitch eye

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 17 Revision D01 21st May 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 (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 7: Photograph illustrates a well-mixed
ration, showing consistent fibre length and
the integration of forages and grains.

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 18 Revision D01 21st May 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 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 8: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber mixer wagon
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

KEENAN MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 19 Revision D01 21st May 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 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 MechFiber350 and 370 Operator’s Manual 20 Revision D01 21st May 2019
7.6 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber bale handler
Table 3: Loading the KEENAN MechFiber bale handler
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 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