Summary: Choose the right solution for your sized farm. This guide gives simple recommendations for 0 to 20 head, 20 to 150 head and 150 plus head. You will see what platform and load bars to choose, what to expect from the indicator, how to set up for repeatable accuracy, and how to send records to the cloud with AgriEID. You can order the gear online today at cattlescales.com.au.
For a deeper shopping checklist you can also read how to choose the best cattle scales in Australia.
Contents
- Why herd size matters
- How cattle scales work in plain English
- Quick compare by herd size
- Best setup for 0 to 20 head
- Best setup for 20 to 150 head
- Best setup for 150 plus head
- Yard layout and installation tips
- Simple workflow with AgriEID
- Return on investment made simple
- Care and maintenance
- Troubleshooting guide
- Buyer checklist
- Common questions
Why herd size matters
Herd size changes the job in front of you. A small herd is about flexibility and speed. You want gear that is easy to move, quick to set on a flat pad and simple for one person to run. A mid sized herd needs more strength and a smoother workflow so you can weigh several times a year without stress. Large herds depend on throughput and uptime. That means permanent mounts, protected cabling and indicators that handle long sessions and save data without a fuss.
Three parts decide how well your weighing day goes.
- Platform or crate. The surface the animal stands on. It spreads weight, protects the load cells and keeps hooves comfortable. Length and width must suit your race and stock class.
- Load bars. Steel bars with load cells inside. They sit under a platform or crush and convert force into a signal that the indicator reads. Length and capacity must match your platform and the largest animal you expect.
- Indicator. The box with the screen. It locks stable weights, stores sessions and sends data to your phone or tablet. Look for clear digits, fast stable lock, good battery life and Bluetooth so AgriEID can file records for you.
When these parts match your herd size you get repeatable accuracy and calmer flow through the race. Staff and stock both have a better day.
How cattle scales work in plain English
Each load bar has two load cells. When weight is applied the cells change resistance. The indicator measures this change and converts it into a number on the screen. The platform spreads weight over both bars so the signal stays clean even when the animal shifts a hoof.
Accuracy comes from four basics. A level base. No contact with rails or gates. Calm flow so the animal stands square. A stable weight lock mode on the indicator that averages small movements. Zero the indicator before you start and you will avoid drift during the session.
Mounting options include a portable platform on short bars, or a crush mount with longer bars. Both can be very accurate if the base is firm and level. For portable use a compacted pad or small slab works well. For permanent use bolt the crush to footings and protect cables with conduit so they do not suffer pinches or hoof strikes.
Quick compare by herd size
| Herd size | Platform and bars | Indicator features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 20 head | Portable platform about 1200 mm long and 600 to 800 mm wide. Load bars around 600 mm with enough capacity for cows plus platform weight. | Fast stable lock, large digits, simple session memory, Bluetooth to phone or tablet. | Hobby and lifestyle blocks, one person jobs, quick weights during routine husbandry. |
| 20 to 150 head | Heavier platform or crush mount. Bars 700 to 1000 mm with higher capacity and sealed connectors. | Stable averaging, templates for repeat sessions, Bluetooth to AgriEID, easy CSV export. | Family farms that weigh at weaning, joining, preg testing and pre sale. |
| 150 plus head | Permanently mounted platform or crush. Long high capacity bars with cable protection and a durable deck surface. | Fast lock under movement, support for draft gates, big offline storage and direct sync to the cloud. | Higher throughput yards that weigh often and make weight based decisions all year. |
Best setup for 0 to 20 head
At this size portability and ease win. You want a platform two people can move, that sits flat on a simple pad and gives a clean weight without drama. This suits calves, yearlings and small framed cows. The aim is to weigh during jobs you already do rather than plan a special day.
What to look for
- Platform. About 1200 mm long with a grippy surface. Low profile edges help flow and reduce hesitation.
- Load bars. Around 600 mm with sealed connectors. Choose capacity well above the heaviest animal plus the platform.
- Indicator. Clear screen, one touch zero and lock, strong battery life. Bluetooth link to the AgriEID app keeps records tidy.
- Power. Internal battery and a simple charger that lives in the shed.
Yard tips
- Set the platform on a level pad near your race. Avoid any rail that can touch the animal while on the deck.
- Keep the indicator out of glare so digits are easy to read. Shade helps a lot.
- Weigh during routine work such as drenching so you add no extra moves.
Recommended path
Start with an AgriEID compact platform on 600 mm bars and a Bluetooth indicator. Order online at cattlescales.com.au and connect to AgriEID in a few minutes. This gives a clean entry point at a fair price, with simple software that stores sessions and shows trends without spreadsheets.
Who this suits
Hobby farmers and small blocks who want correct doses, growth tracking and a simple record for buyers. The kit stores easily and sets up fast when needed.
Best setup for 20 to 150 head
A mid sized herd needs more strength and smarter data capture. You will weigh several times a year and you want the job to flow. A robust platform or crush mount is common. Give the bars a good footing, protect cables and keep the indicator at head height out of dust and spray.
What to look for
- Platform or crush mount. Durable non slip surface that takes mixed age mobs and keeps hooves comfortable.
- Load bars. 700 to 1000 mm with heavy wall housings and sealed cables. Capacity to cover your largest bulls and cows.
- Indicator. Stable averaging, session templates, Bluetooth sync to AgriEID and a clean CSV export when needed.
- Power. Battery for the yard and a charger for the workshop.
Example flow
Race to platform, small hold, then draft to two pens. One person manages flow. One person watches the indicator and confirms each lock on the phone. Add an NLIS reader to pair animal ID with weight in a single step through the AgriEID app. You now have dates, weights and IDs stored in one place and ready for a report at tax time.
Recommended path
Choose an AgriEID heavy duty platform with mid length bars and a Bluetooth indicator. It locks quickly, stores sessions offline and syncs to the cloud when back in coverage. Compare current bundles at cattlescales.com.au.
Who this suits
Family farms that weigh at weaning, joining, preg testing and before sale. The setup pays back fast because it supports repeat sessions with little maintenance.
Best setup for 150 plus head
Large herds live on throughput and uptime. A permanent platform or crush with long bars is the right move. Indicators should keep working under movement, store long sessions and control a draft gate when needed. Records must sync to the cloud so you can run reports and share data with partners.
What to look for
- Platform or crush. Strong deck with ramp protectors so sideways hits do not touch the bars. A footing keeps everything square.
- Load bars. Long high capacity bars with stainless hardware and sealed connectors.
- Indicator. Fast lock when cattle move, support for draft gates, large offline memory, Bluetooth and direct sync to AgriEID.
- Power. Long life battery and an option to run from mains when available.
Throughput made practical
On a long day two hundred head can pass over the deck. A quick stable lock saves real time. Mount the indicator where it is easy to read. Run cables in conduit with gentle bends and keep them clear of hooves and hinges. Build a simple routine so one person runs flow and one person checks each weight and ID.
Recommended path
Select an AgriEID long deck platform or crush mounted system with long bars and a pro level Bluetooth indicator. It connects to AgriEID for growth charts, draft lists and clean compliance records. You can build the system online at cattlescales.com.au.
Who this suits
Enterprises that run regular yard days and want a clear data trail for buyers and finance. The system keeps a full history across seasons so you can decide on feed and sale timing with confidence.
Yard layout and installation tips
- Pick the spot. Level section of the race or a firm pad. Avoid any rail contact when the animal stands on the deck.
- Place bars and deck. Keep cables tidy and away from hinges. Make sure the deck does not rock or twist.
- Zero the indicator. Do this at the start and after breaks. Wind on a large panel can add load so keep the area calm.
- Run a test. Use a known weight to confirm accuracy before you start with cattle.
- Manage flow. Calm cattle give faster locks and more repeatable weights.
- Protect cables. Conduit and a clear path add years of life to your gear.
Simple workflow with AgriEID
Clean data turns a yard day into insight. With AgriEID the indicator sends weights to your phone or tablet by Bluetooth. You can pair an NLIS reader so animal ID and weight save together. The app stores data offline while you work. When you return to coverage the session syncs to the cloud.
- Capture. Indicator locks a stable weight. AgriEID receives weight and time. Optionally the reader streams the ID so records link automatically.
- Sync. Data stores offline during yard work and then syncs. No paper to lose. No late night data entry.
- Use. See growth charts, draft by weight range and export a CSV for your adviser. Share secure access when needed.
You can start a free software trial at agrieid.com.au. If you want to check national standards and animal ID rules, see NLIS and Meat and Livestock Australia.
Return on investment made simple
Scales do more than give a number. They change timing and confidence. Here are three common wins that add up over a season.
- Targeted nutrition. Draft a tail of slow growers earlier and feed them smarter. That protects the average daily gain of the main mob and lifts the tail.
- Sell at the right weight. A small lift in price per kilogram across a draft can pay for gear quickly. Weights let you hit the range buyers want.
- Correct treatment rates. Drench and vaccine rates based on weight reduce waste and improve outcomes.
Even a small herd can justify a compact kit when you add these items across a year. A mid sized or large herd sees value very quickly when throughput improves and decisions are based on data instead of guesswork.
Care and maintenance
- Keep the deck clean and free of packed manure that can create contact or side load.
- Check bolts and cable points each session. Tight bolts and tidy cables protect accuracy.
- Store the indicator out of weather and keep it charged.
- Re zero if temperature changes a lot through the day.
- Run a quick check with a known weight at the start of big sessions.
Troubleshooting guide
Weights drift during the day
Re zero the indicator. Confirm that no rail touches the deck. Check for wind on a large panel and shield if needed.
Lock takes too long
Set the indicator to a stable lock mode. Level the base. Add a short hold just before the deck so cattle settle for a moment.
No Bluetooth connection
Charge the indicator. Toggle Bluetooth on your phone. In AgriEID forget and re pair. Keep the device within a few metres during the session.
Buyer checklist
| Item | What good looks like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Solid deck with grip. Length that fits your stock class and your race. Easy to clean and move. | Comfortable footing improves flow and repeatable weights. |
| Load bars | Sealed connectors, high capacity, correct length, protected cabling. | Accuracy and durability in dusty and wet yards. |
| Indicator | Fast stable lock, clear digits, long battery life, Bluetooth to AgriEID, offline storage. | Confident weights and clean records in the cloud. |
| Mounting | Level base, no rail contact, crush bolts tight, cables in conduit. | Prevents drift and reduces damage risk. |
| Support | Australian supplier with guides and fast help. | Quick parts and answers keep you moving. |
See AgriEID cattle scale bundles at cattlescales.com.au
Common questions
Do I need a platform or can I mount bars under my crush
Both work well. A platform is portable and simple. A crush mount is compact and suits regular work. Choose based on how often you weigh and the space you have.
What capacity should I choose
Pick bars with headroom above your heaviest animal plus platform weight. That keeps the cells in a sweet spot and extends life.
How do I get accurate weights
Level base, no rail contact, calm flow and a stable lock setting on the indicator. Zero before each session and keep cables protected.
Will the system work without mobile coverage
Yes. The indicator and the AgriEID app store data offline and sync when coverage returns.
Can I start small and upgrade later
Yes. Start with a compact platform and Bluetooth indicator. As your herd grows you can add longer bars or move to a crush mount and keep using the same AgriEID app.
How is AgriEID different
AgriEID focuses on simple set up, clear data and value. The gear is priced well under many big brand bundles and the software is easier for day to day use.
Can I export my records
Yes. Export a CSV or share secure access with your adviser. You can also view trend charts on the web and in the app.
Who can help me choose
The team at cattlescales.com.au can match a platform, bars and indicator to your yard and your herd goals.
Ready to order online
AgriEID cattle scales are built for Australian farms. Order the right kit for your herd size today from cattlescales.com.au and connect it to AgriEID for simple accurate records you can trust.