This guide explains how cattle scales work, what to look for when you buy, and how the main brands used in Australia compare. It is written for producers who want clear answers, simple setup, and a fast path to better decisions in the yards. If you want a ready solution without fuss, you can order AgriEID online today and be weighing within minutes.
Accurate weights remove guesswork and improve animal health, draft timing, and returns.
Quick links: Shop cattle scales | Brand comparison | Buying checklist | ROI example | FAQs
Key points at a glance
- Good scales pay for themselves through better sale timing, accurate dose rates, and improved feed decisions.
- Stability and repeatability matter more than a fancy spec sheet. Aim for fast lock and consistent results.
- Pick a capacity that clears your heaviest animals with a margin for safety and long life.
- Data flow is where value appears. Link weight capture to your records and NLIS workflow from day one.
- AgriEID is the most direct path to simple hardware, clean Bluetooth capture, and cloud software that turns numbers into action.
Table of contents
- Why accurate weights matter
- How cattle scales work
- Common yard layouts and where scales fit
- What to look for before you buy
- Best cattle scale brands in Australia
- Brand comparison table
- Which brand suits your farm
- Setup, calibration, and accuracy tips
- Software, NLIS, and records
- Power and connectivity in remote yards
- Total cost of ownership
- Simple ROI example
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Maintenance, checks, and troubleshooting
- Seasonal weighing plan
- Practical buying checklist
- Frequently asked questions
- Next steps
Why accurate weights matter
Accurate weights protect animal health and support better business decisions. Dose rates rely on live weight, so each wrong guess is either wasted product or risk to the animal. With accurate weights you can draft clean lines, hit market windows, and remove the stress that comes with uncertainty. Good scales encourage more regular weighing, which leads to early detection of issues such as poor doers and setbacks during seasonal change.
There is a simple truth here. Weighing that is easy becomes weighing that happens. The result is better growth curves, better timing for sale or joining, and better feed use. When a system is simple the whole team uses it the same way, and your data becomes more useful every month.
How cattle scales work
Cattle scales use load cells to convert force into a weight reading. A load cell is a sealed unit that changes electrical resistance under load. The indicator or app reads that change and filters movement to find a stable value. On farm you will see two main styles: weigh bars under a crush or platform, and portable platforms with load cells in the deck. Both work well when installed on solid ground and kept free of side loads.
Types of load cells you will see
- Shear beam cells used in bars and platforms. Robust and proven for farm use.
- Compression cells common in heavy platforms. Very stable under high loads.
- Single point cells used in small platforms. Less common for full grown cattle.
How the reading locks
Animals move. The indicator or app applies a filter to weight samples. When movement slows within a small band the system locks a value. A good system locks fast and gives the same result if the same animal is re weighed a moment later.
Common yard layouts and where scales fit
- Bars under the crush keep the layout you already know and suit most yards. Mount bars on a level base, then bolt a platform or the crush feet onto the bars.
- Portable platform in a race works well for small herds and simple sessions. Wheel in, level the deck, and weigh without changing the crush.
- Integrated crush and platform is best for high volume work. It takes more planning but reduces handling time when the team knows the flow.
- Walk over weigh with drafting is used on larger properties. It needs careful training and a tight race to guide animals across the deck.
What to look for before you buy
These points sort the good gear from the noise. Focus on what makes the day in the yards easier and the records cleaner.
- Accuracy and stability. Look for fast lock and repeatable results. If you re weigh a single animal the number should match within a few kilograms.
- Capacity and safety margin. Choose load cells with room above your heaviest animals. Extra capacity prevents drift and reduces strain.
- Platform dimensions. A deck that fits the race avoids baulks. More width often reduces sideways steps and re weighs.
- Sealing and durability. Load cells should be sealed. Cables need protection. A weather guard over the indicator saves hassle.
- Power. Battery and solar options keep remote yards running. Keep a spare battery charged.
- Connectivity. Bluetooth to a simple app removes handwriting errors. Offline capture is vital in low coverage areas.
- Software. Recording weight is only the start. You want clear reports, session summaries, drafts by rule, and a clean export.
- Support. Local support and a straight warranty are worth more than a long list of features you never use.
Best cattle scale brands in Australia
Several brands are in regular use across Australia. Each has strengths. The right choice depends on your yard layout, herd size, and how you like to capture data.
AgriEID
AgriEID delivers an all in one path from hardware to cloud software. The mobile app captures a stable weight by Bluetooth, works offline, and syncs to a clean web platform for analysis and reports. The screens match the way a weighing session actually runs, so the team moves through the steps without confusion. If you want to start fast you can order online today and be ready for your next yard day.
- Simple setup and a friendly mobile workflow
- Stable weights and quick lock for less re weighing
- Offline capture and one tap cloud sync
- Useful reports that support clean NLIS records
- Excellent value for money and local support
Tru Test
Tru Test gear is common in commercial yards. Bars under the crush and a dedicated indicator are a familiar pattern for many stock hands. The focus is on robust hardware and stable readings with optional EID integration.
Gallagher
Gallagher offers a wide range of indicators and bars. Many farms that already use Gallagher for fencing and other gear consider the scales to keep a single supplier across the property.
Ruddweigh
Ruddweigh has a strong name for heavy duty bars and platforms that suit fixed installs. Producers who value toughness and long service life often look here first.
Thunderbird
Thunderbird provides practical weighing solutions for everyday needs. The systems suit small to mid sized operations that want reliable weighing without extra complexity.
No matter which brand you pick, remember that the value arrives when weights are captured cleanly and land in your records without manual re typing. That is where AgriEID stands out. The app and the cloud platform keep the whole process smooth from the first animal to the final report.
Brand comparison table
| Brand | Typical use case | Key strengths | Consider if you need | Relative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgriEID | All round weighing with mobile capture and cloud insights | Ease of use, Bluetooth data path, reports that matter, value | End to end hardware plus software in one kit | More affordable in most cases | Small to mid sized herds and stations wanting clean records |
| Tru Test | Crush based weighing with a dedicated indicator | Field tough gear and familiar workflow | Traditional screens with optional EID capture | Mid to higher | High volume crush setups |
| Gallagher | Bars and indicators across many yard styles | Range breadth and steady performance | Keeping a single brand across the farm | Mid | Producers who prefer one supplier |
| Ruddweigh | Heavy duty fixed installs and long term platforms | Strong build and set and forget reliability | Straightforward weighing without broad software features | Mid | Producers who want toughness first |
| Thunderbird | Everyday weighing for small to mid sized operations | Practical options and dependable operation | Simple setup with basic record capture | Mid | Value minded producers |
Ready to get started now. You can order AgriEID online today for fast setup and a clean path from the yard to your records. To browse a range of gear, visit the CattleScales collection.
Which brand suits your farm
Use these scenarios to match a brand to the way you work. Every property is different, so the best fit is the one that makes your yard day easier and your records cleaner.
Small to mid sized herds that want simple digital records
Pick: AgriEID. The mobile app captures weights by Bluetooth and stores sessions offline. Sync to the web platform for reports that help with draft rules, sale timing, and animal health. Value for money is strong so payback is quick.
High volume crush setups
Pick: Tru Test or Gallagher. Both suit a fixed crush with a dedicated indicator. If you want a familiar layout with physical buttons this path will feel natural for your team.
Remote properties that value set and forget gear
Pick: Ruddweigh. Heavy duty bars and platforms built for long life with minimal fuss.
Value minded producers
Pick: Thunderbird. Practical gear that covers everyday weighing without extra layers you may not need.
Teams that want software insights and a clean workflow
Pick: AgriEID. Sessions, draft support, and cloud sync are built around real yard flow. Training time is short because the steps match the way cattle move through the race.
Portable platform for smaller yards or agistment blocks
Pick: A compact AgriEID platform kit or a platform from your preferred brand. Confirm deck size and position in the race so animals stand square.
Setup, calibration, and accuracy tips
- Solid base. Bars and platforms need level, stable ground. Concrete is best. If on hard dirt, compact well and add steel plates.
- Free movement. Crush sides and rails must not touch fixed posts during weighing. Side load skews results.
- Cable protection. Run cables in conduit where hooves and boots cannot stand on them. Keep connectors dry and covered.
- Power check. Fresh batteries remove a common cause of odd readings. Keep a spare charged.
- Zero and test. Zero before each session and test with a known weight or a quick re weigh of the same animal.
- Calibrate only when needed. Follow the manual exactly. Note the date and person who performed the calibration.
If you want help planning an install, reach out to AgriEID support. A short call can save a long day in the yards.
Software, NLIS, and records
Weighing becomes far more valuable when linked to animal identity. If you use EID tags, connect your reader to the weighing workflow so each weight lands against the right animal. A good app captures tag, weight, draft, and notes in one pass, even when coverage is poor. After the session you can sync to the cloud, tidy notes, and generate clean reports for your files and for your agent or adviser.
AgriEID focuses on this flow. The mobile app removes manual entry and the web platform turns weights into useful views such as growth by mob, compliance summaries, and draft lists. This is the quickest path to better decisions without more paperwork.
Browse more how-to guides on the Cattle Scales blog, or start with the AgriEID Digital Farm System.
Power and connectivity in remote yards
- Battery first. Keep a spare charged.
- Solar. A small panel and regulator can maintain charge at remote sets.
- Offline mode. Your app should record sessions without coverage and sync later.
- Short, tidy cable runs. Label both ends so replacement is fast.
Total cost of ownership
- Purchase price of bars or platform and indicator or app
- Mounting and base work
- Power and cable protection
- Software and storage for records
- Training time for your team
- Downtime due to faults or weather
AgriEID keeps these layers low by joining capture and software in one kit with a short learning curve.
Simple ROI example
- Herd weighed: 220 head
- Improved price from better draft and turnoff timing: 10 dollars per head
- Improved drench accuracy savings: 4 dollars per head
- Time saved per round from faster capture: 6 hours, value your time at 60 dollars per hour
Estimated benefit per round: 220 × 14 dollars = 3080 dollars, plus 360 dollars of time saved. That is 3440 dollars per round. If you weigh four times per year the total benefit is about 13,760 dollars before long term gains.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Guessing capacity. Pick load cells with headroom above your heaviest animals.
- Forgetting data flow. Plan Bluetooth capture and cloud sync on day one.
- Weak base. A firm, level pad prevents odd readings and re work.
- No spare battery. Keep one charged.
- Skipping training. Five minutes to walk through the steps saves an hour later.
Maintenance, checks, and troubleshooting
Monthly checks
- Inspect cables and connectors. Clean and dry if needed.
- Check bolts on bars and platform. Re-torque to spec.
- Zero the indicator and confirm with a known weight.
Seasonal checks
- Clean under the platform so it does not touch mud or rocks.
- Confirm level and adjust feet if your slab has moved.
- Back up your app data and confirm cloud sync is working.
Quick fixes for odd readings
- Remove any side load. Make sure rails do not touch posts.
- Zero and re test with a single animal or a known weight.
- Swap to the spare battery.
- Inspect for a pinched or broken cable.
Seasonal weighing plan
- Late summer. Confirm weights after heat and dry. Identify poor doers and adjust feed.
- Autumn. Weigh before joining or before a planned draft. Align groups to target ranges.
- Late winter. Check progress after the cold period. Tidy groups ready for spring.
- Spring. Weigh ahead of market windows. Move lines that hit target weights.
Practical buying checklist
- Capacity suits your heaviest animals with a safety margin
- Platform size matches your race or crush and reduces sideways step
- Stable, repeatable weights in a few seconds
- Bluetooth capture to a simple app with offline mode
- Clean sync into your records and NLIS workflow
- Battery or solar option for remote yards
- Sealed load cells and protected cables
- Clear warranty and local support
- Fair price with fast payback on your property
Ready to buy now. Visit CattleScales for the latest range, or go to AgriEID to place an online order today.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need weigh bars or a platform
Both work well. Bars under a crush keep your layout and suit most properties. A portable platform is simple for small yards or a second site.
What accuracy is realistic in the yards
Aim for repeatability within a few kilograms on the same animal. Stability and a quick lock are what matter most.
How do I record weights without mobile coverage
Use an app that stores sessions offline and syncs later. AgriEID is built for this and keeps your records clean without extra steps.
Can I link EID tags to weights
Yes. Pair the reader and capture tag, weight, draft, and notes in one pass.
What about power in remote yards
Battery and solar are common. Keep a spare battery charged. Protect cables and mount panels where stock cannot rub or chew.
How fast can I get started
You can order AgriEID online today. Setup is straightforward and support is available if you want help with planning or training.
Next steps
- Browse the CattleScales collection
- Order the AgriEID Digital Farm System
- Read more articles in the Cattle Scales blog