Keenan head in new direction with streamlined diet feeder
KEENAN HAS unveiled its first self-propelled diet feeder, marking a new path for the company since its acquisition by Alltech last year.
Keenan CEO Robbie Walker said customers have been requesting a self-propelled MechFiber machine, and the firm has spent time perfecting its design.
They focused on researching the loading and chopping mechanisms available on the market to ensure the best fit. In Italian firm Storti, they identified a partner that could deliver self-loading technology.
“When we announced our collaboration with Storti, some thought it was all about introducing a vertical auger to our range,” said Mr Walker. “Keenan and Storti had been in talks for quite some time about a self-propelled machine with a loading mechanism that does not destruct fibre and delivers the quality mix that is so important.”
With class-leading cutter head technology, the Keenan self-propelled range has been engineered to deliver rapid loading of a vast array of products, leaving a clean, uniform face for optimum pit face management.
The tungsten-coated blades feature a crossed arrangement, performing clean cuts without damaging the structure of the fibre even with very compact silages.
Special placement of the blades and configuration of the loading channel allows the cutter to load in both directions and easily run in reverse if needed, while a high-speed loading belt drastically reduces mix preparation time.
Producing the noted Keenan MechFiber mix in 16 and 20 cubic meter outputs for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, the range offers left or right front discharge via an adjustable conveyor for homogeneous distribution of total mixed rations.
Available in both 25 kilometres per hour or high-speed “Plus” 40 kilometres per hour models, the operating system of the new range has been designed for ease of maintenance and features a mechanical drive to the six-paddle reel.
This system, by means of a specially designed gearbox and PTO shaft, transfers all the power from the engine to the mixing system, reducing fuel consumption by up to 25pc as well as reducing maintenance costs.
Fitted with the Keenan InTouch controller as standard, the range provides real-time feed advice and ration formulation through a dedicated team of skilled nutritionists.
“A number of self-propelled machines have been pre-sold in continental Europe despite only being unveiled this month,” revealed Walker.
“We now offer the complete range of feeding solutions: farmers can choose from the horizontal paddle machine in both trailed and self-propelled options as well as twin and triple auger vertical trailed units.”