Operating Keenan Mechfiber Models With Bale Handler; Loading And Mixing - Alltech KEENAN I Series Operator's Manual Supplement

2 Operating KEENAN MechFiber models with bale
handler
2.1

Loading and mixing

Load ingredients in the sequence recommended by your InTouch physical nutritionist, or as
suggested in Section 2.2
For bale handler models, wait until the bale has been taken in entirely before adding further
bales. As a general rule, the material should tumble freely when mixing. If not, the machine is
overloaded and will not achieve the desired mix quality. Mixing is carried out by a centrally
mounted rotor fitted with six angled paddles revolving at 6–8 RPM. 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.
Do not load a complete 6x4 round bale onto the machine as it may potentially be unstable,
possibly falling off and causing injury. These 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, one-third to halfway, 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 bale handler 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 invalidate the warranty.
Note: The unique tumbling action of the machine is what carries out the mixing. If the machine
is overloaded or loaded in an incorrect order, or insufficient time is allowed for proper chopping,
this tumbling action will not take place correctly. In addition to reducing mix quality, it increases
the horsepower requirements and reduces the life of the machine.
CAUTION:
Overloading will seriously affect machine performance and life and will invalidate your
warranty.
Figure 3: Correct loading side
KEENAN Bale Handler Operator's Manual Supplement Rev A01 March 2022
Load from
left side only
Load long fibres slowly on paddles
5