The recent herd expansion and labour shortage issues have greatly increased the level of interest from farmers in Ireland. As time goes on there is a noticeable demand for a higher-capacity machine, especially amongst larger dairy herds and specialised beef-finishing units. These all-in-one machines are claimed to reduce costs in terms of labour, fuel and feeding time, (up to 30%).

Keenan MechFiber345SP and 365SP models

Keenan's new MechFiber265SP loading up at the clamp
At the end of 2016, Keenan, an Alltech company, introduced a self-propelled diet feeder and vertical feeder to the market. This was a big move away from its core business of trailed paddle feeders but something Keenan realised the market was looking for. This is a collaboration between Keenan and the Italian feeder company Storti. There are currently two models available, the MechFiber345SP (16m³) and now the MechFiber265SP (20m³). “There was a noticeable demand for a higher-capacity machine” says Keenan. The recently released 20m³ model is named the MechFiber365SP. Both models come in the paddle design offering a six-paddle reel with fixed mounted knives at the bottom.

The cutter head used in the Keenan MechFiber SP range has been engineered to deliver rapid loading of a vast number of products (grass silage, hay, waxy maize, pulp, pellets, flour, square or round bales of straw or hay, etc) leaving a clean, uniform face for optimum pit face management. The mini-cutter feeding unit, according to Storti, can absorb 95% of the forage on just one revolution. This eliminates the twisting and turning of the grass in the feed unit. Keenan now offers a near-infrared (NIR) system to measure the dry matter content of different forage then transferring it to the InTouch controller in the cab. The tungsten-coated blades on the cutter rotor are configured to reduce any damage to the silage structure by not over-chopping during loading. The cutter rotor can load in both directions and easily run in reverse if it gets blocked. Its high-speed loading belt drastically reduces mix preparation time. Once the material reaches the paddle-mixer, it can be discharged via a cross conveyer on both the left and right side depending on operator preference.

To drive all this, a four-cylinder 4.5-litre 170hp Iveco FPT engine is fitted. Through a specially designed gearbox and PTO shaft, featuring Storti’s exclusive mechanical transmission, reducing fuel consumption up to 25%. This means there is no hydraulic pump required to drive it. This is claimed to transfer all of the engine’s power to the mixing unit, capable of road speeds of up to 15km/h as well as “plus” 25km/h models available.

On this machine and unlike the trailed machines, the mixing unit is driven from the rear. This is so the cross conveyor can fit in behind the engine with close proximity of the driver’s view rearwards. To aid visibility on this machine, two cameras feed into a display in the cab.

The cab on this machine is compact due to the loading arm on the right. Climate control is also fitted to make the operator’s life that bit more comfortable. On the subject of comfort, all wheels have independent hydro pneumatic suspension. Complementing the mechanical performance of the Keenan self-propelled mixer wagon is the InTouch controller that comes fitted as standard. InTouch is a live review and support service with skilled nutritionists using unique technology to ensure animals get exactly what they need every day. The InTouch controller allows for the execution of the most accurate loading sequence and mixing process, ensuring optimised rumen function, animal performance, herd health and feed conversion efficiency. The controller calculates the target weight for each feed component in real time compared with the target ration, showing this on the display, therefore adjustments can be easily made depending on the dry matter content of the forage. For example, if the dry matter is higher in the measured sample than the planned ration, the quantity of ingredients can be reduced, meaning large savings in feed costs.

Strautmann Verti-Mix 2002 SF

Straumann Verti - mix 2002 SP diet feeder

Kilkenny-based machinery importer and distributor IAM Agricultural Machinery had Strautmann’s flagship self-propelled diet feeder the Verti-Mix 2002 on display at this year’s Ploughing Championships. They recently sold the machine to an Irish dairy farmer. Strautmann has a range of self-propelled feeders from 11m³ to 22m³; this feeder has a capacity of 22m³, the first of its kind in the country. Strautmann’s range features an auger compared to the paddle design offered by Keenan.

Starting with the 2m wide intake, the brand offers 114 knives on a helical arrangement for maximum pickup performance leaving a clean cut surface, 60 knives cranked and 54 straight. The centrally mounted elevator consisting of a rubber conveyor, features an infinitely variable speed adjustment for clean, fast feed flow. As well as a reverse feature for blockages etc, all powered by a hydraulic motor. The Verti-Mix also has an automatic lowering cutter arm for quick and effortless working while at the clamp. Mineral feed funnel for easy adding of small quantities of fodder and fodder additives is done via this elevator hatch.

Inside the feeder is the Vario² mixing auger having a super strength. Due to the patented knife adjustment system, the Vario² mixing auger can be perfectly adapted to your specific conditions of use. The robust and low maintenance angular gear ensures long service life even under challenging Irish conditions. At the heart of the auger are a large pair of double-sealed tapered roller bearings enclosed within a grease chamber. Strautmann also offers its effective magnetic system on the feeders, mounted at the mixing auger. This offers optimum health protection for the livestock being fed, mounted in such a way that it is in direct close contact with the mixed fodder. The mixer is driven by a two-speed hydrostatic pump allowing for proportional control at each level. The mixed ration is dispensed behind the cab via conveyor to either side of the machine.

All this is powered by a six-cylinder turbo engine having a power output of 175ho. Strautmann has opted for a hydrostatic transmission allowing for infinitely variable speed adjustment. 25kmh comes as standard while 40kmh feeders are available. Other optional extras include four-wheel steer and all-wheel drive. Maximum driving comfort is by means of parabolic suspension.

The cab of the Strautmann Verti-Mix 2002 SF features safety glazing on three sides with a curved front windscreen for optimum visibility, a double windscreen wiper, heated outside mirrors and an air-suspended seat.

On the more technical side of things the controls are clearly organised, having three displays on one 10.4in touchscreen display. The machine’s mounted cameras are displayed on this screen as well as the weighing device information.