Auger Knives
To ensure better cutting and less power usage, sharp knives should always be used. This saves on fuel and protects the life of your mixer. Undertake regular checks on your knives to keep your cutting at the optimum level.
The timing of your auger knives is important. Make sure the knives are placed at 60 degrees to each other to guarantee a good mix. The knife positioning should be determined by the ration being created and the mixer model.
Ration with short grass is assumed by default but if you are using long materials (such as round bales) long knives should be added. Install the first long knife right behind the auger wing, with the second knife being placed opposite. A third knife can be added if necessary.
Counter Knives
Counter knives should be added if using long feeds such as hay or straw to improve cutting performance. However, using counter knives is only recommended for long feeds as it may impede the mixing quality of short feeds.
Loading
Feeds should be loaded into your mixer in a specific order. The general rule is long and dry > short and wet, e.g. long feeds first, then grass, cereals, minerals, and proteins, followed by wet byproducts, and lastly any other liquids.
Always load your mixer into the centre between the augers, this gives you a rapid distribution throughout the mixer. Make sure not to exceed the maximum fill of your mixer, staying at least 10cm below the edge, otherwise this may impact on mix quality.
Feeding
Closely monitor your driving speed and height of discharge door to guarantee consistent discharge. When your mixer is 2/3rds empty, switch to a higher gear and increase engine RPM to maximum to completely empty the mixer.
Maintenance
Maintain your mixer regularly to preserve its life and performance.
- Check the oil in your mixer gearbox routinely, changing after the first 500 hours (if using a 540RPM driveline) or every 200 hours (if using a 1000RPM driveline).
- Lubricate your auger glide bearings when the augers are moving, using 8 strokes from a grease gun every 20 hours.
- Periodically grease your mixer’s PTO shaft; the frequency of which is determined by your model (consult user manual or contact P.V. Dobson for assistance).
- Check the accuracy of your mixer’s weigh system regularly. If you detect inaccuracy contact your P.V. Dobson dealer.
- Frequently check the tyre pressure, the details of which are determined by the model of your mixer (consult user manual or contact P.V. Dobson for assistance).
- Maintain your discharge unit by checking the cross conveyor for misalignment or feed build up every two weeks, this prevents an uneven discharge.
If you require assistance with your maintenance don’t hesitate to contact us. Ensure you keep up to date on your mixer services and stock up on replacement knives with P.V. Dobson in order to prolong the life of your machine.