KEENAN showcased its long-awaited self-propelled MechFiber345SP machine at the recent SIMA agricultural trade show in Paris.
Synonymous with using nutrition to drive animal performance through optimising rumen health, Keenan said it had focused on researching the loading and chopping mechanisms available on the market in the development of the self-propelled machine.
“Keenan and Storti had been in talks for quite some time about this exciting development: a self-propelled machine with a loading mechanism that does not destruct fibre and delivers the quality MechFiber mix that is so important to Keenan,” Mr Walker said.
The Keenan MechFiberSP range has been engineered to load a variety of array of products, leaving a clean, uniform face on silage.
Mr Walker said the tungsten-coated blades featured a crossed arrangement, performing clean cuts without damaging the structure of the fibre, even with very compact silages. Engineered with a focus on speed, the placement of the blades and configuration of the loading channel allowed the cutter to load in both directions and run in reverse if needed, while a high-speed loading belt drastically reduces mix preparation time, he said.
The 16 and 20 cubic metre Keenan MechFiberSP range offers left or right front discharge via an adjustable conveyor for the distribution of total mixed rations. The machines are also available in both 25km/hour or high-speed ‘Plus’ 40km/hour models.
Mr Walker said the operating system of the Keenan MechFiberSP range has been designed for ease of maintenance and features a mechanical drive to the six-paddle reel.
The Keenan MechFiberSP range is connected to the Keenan InTouch service, which provides real-time feed advice and ration formulation through a dedicated team of nutritionists. Keenan InTouch is proven to deliver consistency in both feed and mixing to ensure improved milk yields and milk solids and better herd health in conjunction with monitoring and control of feed costs.
“Keenan now offers a wide range of feeding solutions,” Mr Walker said. “Farmers can choose from the MechFiber-producing horizontal paddle machine in both trailed and self-propelled options.
“Testament to the level of excitement about this launch of the Keenan self-propelled range is that a number of self-propelled machines have been pre-sold in continental Europe despite only being unveiled at SIMA. That demonstrates the trust our customers have in our attention to detail and commitment to delivering the very best quality machine and mix.”