Dairy farm margins are tightening and efficient use of feed inputs has never been more important. So, a range of mixer wagon models that cost a third less than the existing machines should be an attractive proposition for dairy farmers who have so far been reluctant to invest in a wagon.

That’s the thinking of Irish mixer wagon maker Keenan. It points out that maximising the recycling of previously owned machine parts is an ethos that fits well with the need for all businesses to cut waste. And while it’s a useful marketing tool for the company, it’s also enabling cost-conscious milk producers to take the plunge at a reduced cost.

Billed as a half-way house between a refurbished and new machine, the Eco mixer 500 series uses parts such as the chassis, weigh-cells, sprockets and other reusable components from older machines that have been traded in. Parts are refurbished if necessary and combined with a new hopper and six-paddle mixing and chopping system.

Donor machines

Rather than shipping complete donor machines back to Ireland, Keenan will now strip all reusable parts off these trade-in machines and transport only the components required back to the factory to be re-used in the Eco mixer range.

“The Eco range uses high-quality recycled parts as well as new parts, where required, combined with a new machine body,” says Michael French, Keenan’s regional business manager.

“It gives farmers the chance to benefit from the latest features of the Mech Fibre 300 series wagons but for around 30% less cost.” A 14cu m Mech Fibre 340, for instance, has a list price of £27,500 compared to £22,500 for an Eco Mixer 540.

While Keenan says it will continue to offer refurbished machines, these will tend to be the modern Kompact 320, 340 and 360.

“The recovered parts from the donor machines are thoroughly checked by us at our plant at Borris and repaired to the same standards as new machines,” said Mr French.

To win a £25,000 Keenan Eco 54 mixer wagon, head to our competition page.