Alltech KEENAN MechFiber345, Operator'S Manual

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Figure 21: Photograph illustrates a well-mixed ration showing consistent fibre
length and integration of forages and grains.
5.5 Loading & Mixing
Load ingredients in sequence recommended by your KEENAN Physical
Nutritionist, or as suggested in Section 5.7
For non BaleBlend models, ensure bales are broken up prior to loading. For
BaleBlend models, 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 not, then the machine is overloaded and will not achieve the desired
mix quality. Mixing is carried out by a centrally-mounted rotor fitted with 6
angled paddles revolving at 5-6rpm. Each paddle imparts a shearing action,
sweeping the feed ingredients onto the strategically placed knives to produce a
consistent and thorough mix with all types of materials, including baled silage,
hay or straw, roots and liquids.
The angled paddles help mixing by sweeping the material from end to end.
The placement of the blades ensures the materials reach optimum size/length,
without grinding it down and destroying the all-important ‘scratch factor’ of the
forages producing a MechFiber mix.
Mixing time will be determined by the required chop length. Follow procedures
contained in this manual or consult your KEENAN Physical Nutritionist for
further information.
For BaleBlend models, do not load a complete 6x4 round bale onto the
machine as it may potentially be unstable, possibly falling off and causing injury.
6x4 round bales should be first broken up and then loaded onto the machine
in sections; alternatively, the bale may be held in place by the loader until
sufficiently chopped down, 1/3 to 1/2 way, to allow it safely complete chopping
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.
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Revision A04 July 2018