"We are distributor of Keenan feed mixing products for the northern and western regions of the State, and with fluctuating seasonal conditions over recent years we are experiencing an increased demand for feed mixers from all sections of the livestock industries including dairy, beef, sheep and pig producers, as well as from feed lotters," he said.

"We have on offer this week a used machine traded-in by a producer who has upgraded to a bigger capacity machine.

"It is a model FP170 BH unit and I believe it is an ideal entry mixer for a producer looking for a boost in livestock productivity and profitability

"It is four years old, is in top condition and at our asking price of $70,000 plus GST is ready for a quick sale".

"It is a 17cubic metre unit with 3m elevator for filling self feeders, is mounted on fully sprung tandem wheels and has a four point weighing scale.

Mr Stanway said Keenan feed mixers were unlike other machines on the market in that they used horizontal paddles to mix the feed as against revolving screw systems used by other manufacturers.

"This paddle system creates a gentle tumbling action for a more thorough and even mixing of the feed," he said.

"It chops the fibre instead of mashing it, to correct lengths according to the size and type of animals being fed, while at the same time maintaining the fibre's physical structure to maximise its nutritional value.

Mr Stanway said the gentle chopping and mixing action of the Keenan system also minimised the power requirements of the mixers and with fewer moving parts, extended the life and reliability of the machines.

* Full Machine of the Week report in Stock Journal, January 21 issue.