This week, for the first time, Keenan showed its new self-propelled paddle-type diet feeder. The MechFibre 345SP had its first official outing at the SIMA show in Paris.

The new machine is the result of a tie-up between Keenan and Italian firm Storti.

The new self-propelled offering – the 345SP – is built on a Storti chassis, which is powered by a 4-cylinder, 170hp Iveco engine. The front elevator also comes from the Italian firm's parts inventory.

The mixer wagon unit itself appears to be a 'standard' Keenan MechFiber paddle feeder. It boasts a capacity of 16m³ and, according to Keenan, can mix a ration for around 95 cows. A new knife design is claimed to provide more clearance at the ends of the paddles, to enable better mixing of the ration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95jZjZLTmrw

The list price for the MechFibre 345SP at the show, in Paris, was in the region of €140,000 excluding VAT.

Trailed vertical-auger feeders

Keenan also recently unveiled a new range of trailed tub feeders which, again, were borne out of the collaboration with Storti.

Together, the two companies have developed a range of twin and triple-auger vertical (tub) feeders. Long synonymous with the paddle feeder, Keenan is now enthusiastic about the virtues of the tub-type concept.

Twin-auger models form the VA2 range; larger triple-auger units make up the VA3 line-up. Capacities are from 18m³ right up to 44m³.

According to Keenan, the new machines feature “heavy-duty augers with long-lasting, tungsten-coated blades”.

Two additional blades are located at the top of each auger for “faster processing of bales”. The machines can also be had with front (right-hand side) and rear (left-hand side) discharge doors. Two-speed gearboxes, with mechanical cable adjustment to switch between speeds, are fitted as standard.

The twin-auger 24m³ VA2-24S carries a list price of €52,000 excluding VAT here in Ireland.