KEENAN
MechFiber400 Operator’s Manual
Revision G02 28
th
Sept 2020
21
7.7 Specific instructions for bale handler models
1.
The creel should be raised before loading bales.
2.
Round bales should always be loaded in the centre of the
machine to allow for the maximum agitation of the paddles.
3
. The bale should be gently lowered in the centre of the machine
onto the tines. The bale handler will then begin its cutting action,
with the tines/rings working in conjunction with the top knife, body blades and six paddles
to evenly chop the bale material in a timely manner. The bale should be chopped evenly
throughout this process, which will keep large lumps of the bale from entering the mixer at
any time. This will result in a better mix quality and more even chopping action.
4.
After the bale has been fully chopped and enters the machine, the next bale can be added
to the mix in the same manner.
5.
T
he standard chopping times for different materials of round 4’ x 4’ (120 cm) bales are as
follows:
Bale:
Time:
Straw
6
–8 minutes (140 kg)
Hay
4
–6 minutes (300 kg)
Wet silage (up to 20% DM)
2
–4 minutes (700 kg)
Dry silage (20
–30% DM)
4
–5 minutes (500 kg)
Very dry silage (over 35%)
4
–6 minutes (400 kg)
Note:
Heavy bales must be loaded gently onto the bale handler, not
dropped from a height, as doing so can result in damage.
6.
These times are dependent on the bale being loaded in the correct
position and on using the correct loading method, as described
above. These times may vary slightly depending on the tightness of
the bale and the behaviour of the bale as it is chopped.
7.
When loading large square bales, load the bales so the sections lie
across the tines, as this will prevent the sections from falling through
the gap in the tines (see diagram to the right: sections of large square
bale loaded perpendicular to the tines). The easiest way to do this is
to load the bale in two halves on the loader (one half on each side of
the bucket, if wide enough) and flick the sections out onto the tines.
By doing so, the sections will remain on the tines and rings longer
and get a better chop against the top knife. If loaded incorrectly, the
sections will fall through the tines and will not get chopped, putting
additional stress on the chopping mechanism.
8.
To successfully operate the bale handler, the bale should remain on top of the tines long
enough to allow the pre-chopping to take place against the serrated top knife. This will
ensure that further chopping within the mixing chamber is reduced, and though it may take
longer for the bale to be taken in, during this time, the material that has already been cut
from the bale will be processed within the chamber.
Incorrect
Correct
