Summary of Contents for Alltech KEENAN MechFiber Plus
Page 1
KEENAN MechFiber+ General operator’s manual All models Revision A01 April 2022 EN KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
Page 2
KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
Page 3
3031 Catnip Hill Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356, United States of America Telephone: 859-885-9613 Website: keenansystem.com Email: keenaninfo@alltech.com Alltech Farming Solutions (U.K.) Limited KEENAN Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom, PE9 1TZ Tel. Administration: 0800 587 3296 24-Hour Service: 0800 587 3296 Fax:...
Contents: General service and maintenance manual SECTION CONTENTS PAGE Introduction Identification Warranty Safety Operation Set-up Weighing system Machine telematics (where fitted) Machine storage Diet feeder capacity Loading and mixing Feeding-out Operating the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder Washing and chopping root crops 5.10 Lifting hooks and anchoring points Troubleshooting...
Page 5
KEENAN MechFiber+ diet feeder Thank you for purchasing a KEENAN product — we appreciate your business. Your decision to choose a KEENAN means that you are joining thousands of farmers worldwide who are benefitting from the KEENAN system. The KEENAN MechFiber+ diet feeder is a total mixed ration (TMR) feeder with a difference.
1.3 Ordering this manual You can order this operator’s manual by sending a request to: Alltech Farming Solutions Ltd Borris Co. Carlow R95 K223...
Page 7
1.5 Description and warning terms Please read this manual carefully before operating your new KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder, paying particular attention to the warning notes, as explained here. There are three different types of notes, as follows: WARNING: Texts with this symbol contain safety information. They warn you of serious dangers, possibly involving accident or injury.
2 Identification 2.1 General view of the machine Figure 1 Figure 2 KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
Page 9
Reference Description Weigh box Drive system covers Drawbar Stand Feed-out tray Lighting Bale handler (optional)* Paddle rubber Bale handler cradle arm/tine location (optional)* VFC-door Auger Body blades Chassis and wheels Paddle Rotor Top knife Table 1 *Optional; see bale handler operator’s manual supplement for information. KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
Page 10
2.2 Identification plates Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 The serial number plate is located on the front left-hand drive system cover Reference Description Machine type/version Gross vehicle weight in kilograms Axle weight in kilograms Hitch weight in kilograms Year of manufacture Machine serial number Table 2...
Page 11
Axle identification plate type 1 Figure 7 Figure 8 Reference Description Axle type Brake type Homologation number CEMAGREF Loads Homologation number TUV-speed-load Axle code Order number Identification plate number Table 3 Axle identification plate type 2 Figure 9 KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
Page 12
2.3 Machine identification When receiving the machine, please enter the corresponding data below. This document must remain within this user manual. Information Complete this column with the requested information Machine type Serial number Year of manufacture Options Date of first use Dealer name Dealer address Dealer telephone number...
3 Warranty 3.1 KEENAN Warranty policy Alltech Farming Solutions Limited, trading as “KEENAN” (the “Company”), shall undertake to correct by repair or replacement, only at the Company’s option, any defect of material or workmanship that occurs in any of its products as listed herein within the following warranty period.
Page 14
Irish Courts. 3.2 Product changes and improvements Due to our policy of continuous improvement, Alltech Farming Solutions Ltd reserves the right to make changes in design, to add improvements or to otherwise modify any of its products without incurring any obligation on products previously supplied.
4 Safety 4.1 Safety instructions The KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder 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.
Page 16
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 diet feeder in the park position, and ensure that the handbrake is properly applied.
Page 17
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 (see Figure 12) before entering the machine. Begin by fitting the first 500 mm of guard from the rear of the machine.
Page 18
See further details in each section. If you have any further questions, please contact your local KEENAN service partner for advice. WARNING: Failure to follow the safety guidelines above may lead to accident or injury. WARNING: Read the safety section before attempting to operate the machine. WARNING: The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the machine at all times.
Page 19
4.2 Safety signs and locations Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Operator’s manual Figure 17 KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
Page 20
Do not open or remove Read the operator’s Stay clear of sharp Danger of flying objects. safety guards while the manual before blades. Keep a safe distance machine is connected to using the machine. from the machine. the tractor. Shut off the engine and Never reach into the Look out for Do not ride on the...
5 Operation 5.1 Set-up The simplicity of the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder design is reflected in its low power requirements. The power required varies 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 the moving parts, as there will be surges in power as the engine recovers during certain periods of the mix.
Page 22
KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder will generate noise, but this will decrease as the paddle rubbers become more pliable. If the machine is fitted with a bale handler, please refer to the bale handler-specific manual supplied. • If the machine is fitted with a fold-down tray (OE-31 or OE-100), it will be necessary to remove the transport bracket from the tray, as per Figure 18 below.
Page 23
Hydraulic and brake hoses Operation Colour VFC-door Red and yellow Feed-out tray Blue Bale handler creel (optional) Green Brakes White Beet-grid Black Table 5: 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 factors like harsh climate.
5.2 Weighing system The KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder’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 can be accumulated to give the total weight of the feed. There are several different options available depending on the level of functionality required.
Page 25
2. Oil level sensor The oil level sensor will trigger a warning symbol in the top bar of the KEENAN controller once the oil level drops below the minimum threshold required for correct operation. 3. Chain tension sensors The chain tension sensors will trigger a warning message on the KEENAN controller once the chain pre-load tension has reduced to a level that requires intervention.
5.4 Machine storage At the end of the feeding season, follow the steps below for machine storage. Wash the machine down thoroughly, preferably using a power washer. Grease or oil all lubrication points, and open the drain bung on the bottom of the machine to evacuate any water inside the mixer.
Figure 21: Photograph illustrates a well- mixed ration showing consistent fibre length and the integration of forages and grains. Loading and mixing Load ingredients in the sequence recommended by your InTouch physical nutritionist, or as suggested in Section 6.2. For non-bale handler models, ensure that bales are broken up prior to loading. As a general rule, material should be tumbling freely when mixing.
The effectiveness and speed of chop are 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. •...
Page 29
Slowly open the VFC-door to a maximum of halfway open, then allow at least 1 minute before opening the door fully. Select a ground speed to feed out at an even rate along the feed area. When feed-out is complete, close the VFC-door, run the machine for 10–20 seconds to empty the auger chamber, then disengage the PTO before turning out of shed.
5.8 Operating the KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder LOADING THE KEENAN MECHFIBER MIXER WAGON GENERAL • Park on level ground. • Ensure that the variable feed control (VFC) door is closed. • Do not start PTO when VFC-door is open. LOADING AND MIXING SEQUENCE •...
Washing and chopping root crops With the machine stopped, add the root material to be washed and chopped. Ensure that there are no stones or foreign objects hidden in the roots. 1. Add water at approximately 300 kg (660 pounds) per ton of material to be chopped. Rotate the machine for 1–2 minutes at 6 RPM.
Page 32
Figure 24: Rear tie-down points Figure 25: Front tie-down point for transport CAUTION: Lifting and support equipment accessories must be compliant and controlled in accordance with the regulations in force. KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
6 Troubleshooting 6.1 General troubleshooting ITEM PROBLEM: SOLUTION: Weighing display Check Section 6.2 on weighing. won’t work properly VFC-door does not Check hydraulic hoses and that valves are open. move Check tractor hydraulic oil level. Check ram condition and ensure that pins are secure. VFC-door drops Insufficient hydraulic pressure —...
Page 34
ITEM PROBLEM SOLUTION Machine breaks Check chain alignment of large sprocket, tolerance +/-2 mm. drive chain link Check chamfer on edge. Check roll pins used in joiner link. Check chain tension. Bale goes in too If the bale goes into the machine too quickly, it may place an quickly unnecessary load on the tractor and drive line and slow the overall mixing time, as the body blades aren’t as efficient at...
Page 35
ITEM PROBLEM SOLUTION Blockage at rear Use VFC-door to meter material intake into auger. feed-out conveyor Refer to Section 5.7: Feeding out for correct operation of VFC- door. Ensure that the conveyor belt rotates as VFC is opened. Check setting of priority flow valve (if fitted). In the unlikely event of a large blockage occurring, which prevents the machine from restarting using the tractor, it may be necessary to enter the mixing chamber or gain access to the...
6.2 Weighing troubleshooting KEENAN troubleshooting tips on weighing If you experience problems in the operation of the weighing system, read through this troubleshooting section first before contacting KEENAN service. Reading drifting If the reading on the weigh box is drifting or does not stay steady, the most likely cause of the problem is dampness/moisture in or around the weigh box or cables.
7 General maintenance 7.1 Maintenance advice A properly operated and maintained KEENAN diet feeder promises to operate trouble-free for years. Regular maintenance of the machine is essential both for a long machine life and also to meet the warranty requirements. Refer to the instructions in the maintenance section of this manual.
7.2 Wheels Each year, lever off the hub cap, remove the split pin and castle nut and remove the hub. Check seals, bearings, brake shoes, springs, studs and all other internal parts. Replace worn parts, re-grease and refit. Note: When re-fitting the wheels, tighten the castle nut until resistance is felt (do not over- tighten).
7.4 Side and stub elevator (where fitted) An elevator system requires regular maintenance in order to achieve optimal performance. Every week, the elevator needs to be checked to make sure that the belt is running straight and not wearing unevenly on one side. If the belt is not running straight, then adjust the tension by adjusting the tensioner nut on the side, and run it again to check.
7.5 Axle maintenance Tightening and retightening wheel nuts The following steps should be taken to tighten and retighten wheel nuts: 1. Impact wrenches should not be used, as the impact torque may be excessive. 2. Wheel nuts should be tightened diagonally every time in conjunction with a torque wrench.
Page 41
KEENAN MechFiber+ General Operator’s Manual Rev A01 April 2022...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the KEENAN MechFiber Plus and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers