KEENAN
MechFiber400 Operator’s Manual
Revision G02 28
th
Sept 2020
12
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 MechFiber400 is adjustable
from approximately 350 mm to 650 mm, with 6 different settings, please refer to the drawing
on the next page for exact details.
Note:
The dimensions shown in this drawing are based on an unladen machine with 385/65
R22.5 wheels/tyres. The hitch heights will be reduced by 40mm if using 385/55 R22.5
wheel/tyres and by 70mm if using 445/45 R19.5 wheels/tyres.
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.
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”
