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
the exact quantity of individual materials to be loaded into the mixing chamber
for accurate rationing. Individual loads can be weighed or successive loads
accumulated to give total weight of feed. See Section 6 (Weighing System) and
the Readout Manual for more detailed information.
4.2 CHOPPING / MIXING
Load ingredients in sequence recommended by your KEENAN Physical
Nutritionist, or as suggested in Section 7 (Operation).
For non BaleBlend models, ensure bales are broken up prior to loading. For
BaleBlends, 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 tted 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.
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 aect the safe operation and
life of the machine, and will invalidate the warranty.
For BaleBlend models, do not load a complete 6x4 round bale onto the
machine as it may potentially be unstable, possibly falling o and causing injury.
6x4 round bales should be rst broken up and then loaded onto the machine
in sections; alternatively the bale may be held in place by the loader until
suciently 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.
7
Revision G04 July 2018
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