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.

Keenan self-propelled Mech Fibre 345SP diet feeder

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.

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.