This practical guide shows you how to install cattle scales in Australia with confidence. You will learn where to place load bars and platforms, how to set the indicator, how to pair Bluetooth, how to level the system, and how to check calibration so you are ready to record weights with accuracy. The steps below follow a simple farm friendly process that works for new yards and for older yards.
Why weighing matters and how a system works
Accurate weights help Australian farmers manage growth, set sale drafts, monitor animal health, and match feed rates to the right group. Regular weighing supports better welfare and better profit through timely decisions. A cattle scale system turns downward force into a weight value using load cells inside low profile bars that sit under a platform or under the crush. A digital indicator reads the small change in voltage and converts it to kilograms. With Bluetooth, the weight moves straight into your phone or tablet so you do not have to type numbers in the yard.
What is in a cattle scale system
- Load bars. Low profile units with load cells inside. They sit under a platform or under the crush and carry the load.
- Platform or crush. A flat steel or timber deck or the base of your crush. The load must sit fully and evenly on the bars.
- Indicator. The readout that shows kilograms. Choose a unit with stable tracking, fine increments, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Cables and junctions. Factory made leads connect bars to the indicator. Keep them clear of cattle and protected from strain.
- Power. Mains, a sealed battery, or both. Good power gives a stable reading.
- Software. An app that captures the weight and links it to the animal ID for later review and analysis.
Tip. A well matched system keeps the platform free to move. Any contact with rails, posts, or concrete pads will cause error. Leave a clear gap on all sides.
Planning and site selection
Spend time on planning to save time on install day. Choose a flat, well drained area near the crush or race. The operator needs room to see the indicator and to handle the animal safely. If the yard floods, raise the platform on treated timber bearers or a concrete pad. Shade is useful for animal comfort and also makes the display easy to read.
Decide if you want a portable platform that you can move between yards or a fixed under crush setup. Portable suits mixed sites and agistment. Fixed suits high volume drafting and heavy animals.
Tools and materials checklist
- Spirit level and measuring tape
- Socket set and spanners
- Driver or drill with timber and metal bits
- Packers or shims to remove platform twist
- Cable clips, conduit, and a weather rated junction box
- Zip ties and stainless screws
- Timber bearers or concrete pavers if ground is soft
- Personal safety gear including gloves, eye protection, and steel cap boots
Step by step installation
Step 1. Inspect cartons and confirm parts
Unpack the load bars, platform if supplied, indicator, and cables. Confirm that the bars are a matching pair and that there is no visible damage. Keep protective caps on connectors until you are ready to plug in.
Step 2. Prepare the site and surface
Sweep and clear the work area so the bars and platform sit on a clean flat base. For soil or gravel, lay treated timber bearers or concrete pavers to create a firm and level surface. For under crush installs, check that each crush foot sits square and that welds are sound.
Step 3. Position load bars
Set the bars parallel, the same distance from the centre line, and fully under the platform or crush feet. Cable exits should face the same direction to simplify routing. The bars must sit flat with no rocking. Use packers if the surface is uneven.
Step 4. Place the platform or crush
Place the deck evenly across both bars or lower the crush so that each foot sits square on the top plates. The deck or feet must not touch any rail, ramp, post, or wall. Leave a clear gap on all sides so the deck can move freely when weight is applied.
Step 5. Align, level, and secure
Use the spirit level front to back and side to side. Remove any twist with shims near the low corner, not in the middle of the bar. When the deck is level, secure it with the supplied bolts or clamps. Tighten to firm plus a quarter turn. Do not over tighten as this can preload the cells.
Step 6. Route and protect cables
Run bar leads along the inside of rails where cattle cannot step on them. Avoid sharp bends and pinch points. Use conduit or a protective sleeve where leads cross a walkway. Leave a small service loop near the indicator to avoid strain on the connector.
Step 7. Mount the indicator
Mount the indicator at eye height for the operator and out of the path of animals. If you use mains power, place the outlet where weather will not reach it. If you use a battery, position the cradle under cover and secure it.
Step 8. Connect and power on
Plug bar leads into the indicator. Check that connectors are fully seated. Power on. Allow the display to warm for a minute. With the deck empty, press zero. If the deck moves, press zero again once it has settled.
Step 9. Quick calibration check
Place known test weights or bags of feed on the centre of the platform. Confirm that the reading matches the known value. Move the weight to each corner to check for even response. A small variation is normal. If one corner is light or heavy, recheck level and that nothing touches the deck.
Step 10. First animal through
Bring a calm animal into the crush or onto the platform. Wait for a stable reading. Use the hold or stable function to capture weight. Record the value in your app. If readings jump, look for wind, a rail touching the deck, or the animal leaning on a gate.
Pairing with phones and software
Modern indicators send weight to an app so you can store it with the animal ID. On iPhone or iPad, turn on Bluetooth, open the app, and select the indicator. The device will show as a nearby scale. Once paired, each stable weight appears in the app and syncs to the cloud when you have coverage.
AgriEID provides fast setup with clear screens for weights, treatments, and drafts. With AgriEID you can scan an NLIS ear tag, capture the weight, and see growth since the last session. You can review mobs, filter by weight range, and export a clean CSV for your records. Learn more at AgriEID.
Works well with Bluetooth cattle scales and NLIS tag readers. If you need hardware plus software in one package, visit CattleScales.com.au for bundles ready to ship in Australia.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Deck or crush foot touching a rail or wall. Leave a clear gap all around.
- Bars not level. Use a spirit level and shims to remove twist before tightening.
- Cables in the path of animals. Route inside rails and protect with conduit.
- Over tightening bolts. Firm plus a quarter turn is enough for most installs.
- Zeroing while the deck is moving. Wait for stillness, then press zero.
- Wind or slope. Shield from wind and set up on a true level base.
- Skipping a corner check. Confirm even response at all four corners.
Care and maintenance
Keep the platform free of mud and stones. Rinse after wet sessions and avoid pressure washing the indicator face or connectors. Check cable clips and conduit at the start of each session. Store portable systems under cover when not in use. Charge batteries after each weighing day so you start the next session with strong power.
Plan a simple annual check. Confirm level, inspect bolts, and repeat the corner test with known weights. Replace worn rubber feet or pads. Check that Bluetooth pairing is stable and that your app is current.
Troubleshooting quick answers
- Unstable reading. Check for contact with rails, wind, animal movement, or a twisted deck. Confirm power and level.
- No reading. Confirm connectors, try a different port if available, and reboot the indicator.
- Reading is low or high. Re zero on an empty deck, recheck level, and repeat the corner test.
- Bluetooth not pairing. Toggle Bluetooth off and on, restart the app, and confirm that only one phone is connected.
- Indicator shows overload. Remove weight, inspect for a jammed deck, and re zero after the deck is clear.
Costs and return on investment
A well installed system pays for itself through better drafting, more accurate feed planning, and fewer errors in records. Even small gains in sale weight per head add up across a year. Accurate weights also support better welfare by helping you find animals that need attention early.
Frequently asked questions
How long does install take
Most first installs take about half a day including planning, leveling, and a calibration check. Repeat setups with a portable platform are faster.
Do I need concrete
No. You can use treated timber bearers or pavers on firm soil. Concrete helps for permanent setups and high throughput yards.
Can I fit bars under my existing crush
Yes. Most crush bases accept low profile bars. Measure the foot spacing and height, then choose a bar length that suits your base.
What capacity should I choose
For cattle, choose bars rated to at least two thousand kilograms for safety. Heavier breeds or mixed species may suit a higher rating.
How do I record weights with IDs
Use an app such as AgriEID to pair the indicator and scan an NLIS ear tag with a reader. The app links the weight to the animal record.
How do I keep readings stable
Work on a flat base, keep rails clear of the deck, reduce wind, and let the animal stand calmly before you capture the weight.
What about sheep or calves
A small crate on the same bars works well. Keep the crate centred and free to move, then follow the same steps.
Can I move the system between yards
Yes. Choose a portable platform option. Mark the best positions for the bars in each yard so you can repeat the setup quickly.
Do I need to recalibrate after moving
Perform a quick corner check after each move. If it passes, a full calibration is not required.
Where can I get help
Visit the help section at CattleScales.com.au or message the AgriEID team.
Choosing bar length, platform size, and capacity
Match bar length to the base you plan to support. A common choice is a bar around six hundred to one thousand millimetres for most crush bases. For platforms, allow enough length for a full stride so the animal can settle with all feet inside the deck. A deck around one thousand eight hundred millimetres by seven hundred millimetres suits many farms. For capacity, a pair of bars rated to two thousand kilograms covers most cattle. Heavy bulls may suit a higher rating for long service life.
If you are building a timber platform, use solid bearers, galvanised screws, and a flat sheet top. Seal timber ends to reduce water ingress. For steel decks, add ribs under the sheet so the top stays flat under load.
Calibration deep dive
A factory calibrated indicator will arrive ready to use, but a quick field check builds confidence. Use known weights such as feed bags, mineral blocks, or gym plates. Place them at the centre and note the reading. Move the same weight to each corner and record any variance. An even response tells you the deck is level and free.
If your indicator supports a user span, follow the manual to enter an exact reference weight. Perform span only after you are sure the deck does not touch rails and that the bars sit on a stable base. Keep records of each check in your app so you can track stability across seasons.
Safety and animal flow
Calm cattle give the fastest sessions and the most stable readings. Use clear sides so the animal can see the exit, remove loud rattles, and keep dogs and people out of the animal line of sight during weighing. Fix loose rails and avoid slippery surfaces. A simple rubber mat on the deck can improve grip and confidence for young cattle.
For workers, use gloves and keep hands clear of pinch points near the deck and crush feet. Lift with legs when moving portable bars and use a second person for longer decks. Keep power leads away from water and use a safety switch if you connect to mains.
Power, weather, and protection
Indicators run well on sealed batteries for yard use. Charge after each day and store under cover. If you have mains at the yard, mount the outlet where rain cannot reach it and use a drip loop on leads so water sheds before the connector. A small shade over the indicator improves screen visibility on bright days and protects buttons from sun aging.
Load bars are sealed units but live best when mud is not packed under them. After wet days, rinse gently around each bar and let the area dry. Do not lift the deck by its cables. Always handle by the frame.
Yard layout ideas that speed up weighing
A straight approach to the platform helps animals step on without pause. Avoid tight turns just before the deck. Guide rails that remove visual clutter keep animals moving. A quiet operator at the shoulder is more effective than a loud voice behind the animal. Draft gates after the scale allow you to sort by weight or by condition with no extra steps.
If you weigh in the race, place the platform where the floor is flat and where rails will not touch the deck at any point. A short stop gate before the deck lets the next animal see the way forward without pushing.
A simple software workflow with AgriEID
Open the AgriEID app and select your session. Scan the NLIS ear tag with a reader or enter the visual tag number. Bring the animal onto the deck and wait for a stable reading. The app will capture the weight and time stamp it. You can add treatments, condition scores, or notes. At the end of the session, sync to the cloud and review a clear report on your desktop.
With AgriEID you can compare growth between mobs, filter by weight range, and flag animals that lag behind the mob average. You can export a CSV straight to your accountant or feed advisor. This saves time and reduces errors that happen when paper notes are typed later.
NLIS and clear records
Accurate weights support smart management, and clean records support traceability. Keep NLIS numbers linked to weights and treatments inside the app so you have a complete history for each animal. When you sell, you can draft with confidence and provide buyers with clear data when required.
Seasonal maintenance plan
At the start of spring, wash and inspect the deck, confirm level, and test all corners with a known weight. In summer, shade the indicator and check battery health. In autumn, check all screws after busy drafting. In winter, keep mud from building up and store portable sets off the ground to dry.
Case study. a mid north coast beef farm
A family farm with two hundred breeders installed a portable platform with Bluetooth indicator. The team weighs at weaning, pre sale, and after pasture changes. In the first season they lifted average sale weight by six kilograms per head by sorting earlier and adjusting feed on a small dry lot during a short pasture gap. The platform moves between two sets of yards on a trailer, and setup time is under fifteen minutes now that the team has markers for the bar positions.
The farm uses AgriEID to scan NLIS tags and to record weights for every session. Draft lists are built in the app and shared with the team. Reports show growth curves for each mob, and the accountant receives a neat CSV after each sale. The main gain was better timing, not more feed. Clear data gave the confidence to act sooner.
Getting the most accurate reading
- Let the animal settle with all feet on the deck and the head still.
- Use the stable hold function on the indicator so you capture a consistent value.
- Zero the deck between animals if dirt builds up.
- Keep people and gates off the deck during a reading.
- Block wind with a simple sheet on the upwind side.
Pre use and post use checklists
Before weighing
- Inspect cables and clips.
- Confirm indicator power and Bluetooth connection.
- Check that the deck has a clear gap all around.
- Zero the deck and test with a small known weight.
- Open your AgriEID session and confirm mob name.
After weighing
- Rinse mud and remove stones from the deck and around bars.
- Power down and store the indicator under cover.
- Charge batteries.
- Sync the session to the cloud and review the report.
- Note any repairs needed before the next session.
A simple return example
Assume a herd of two hundred head with an average sale price of five dollars per kilogram live weight. If regular weighing and better drafting add three kilograms per head at sale, the extra revenue is three thousand dollars per draft. Repeat that across two drafts and the gain covers a large share of a complete system. Add the value of fewer errors in records and a smoother sale process and the payback arrives quickly.
Buying tips and bundles
Choose a bundle that includes bars, an indicator with Bluetooth, and a platform if you do not plan to weigh under a crush. A good bundle ships with cables, bolts, and clear instructions. You can find ready to ship options at CattleScales.com.au.
For software first steps and a trial account, visit AgriEID. The app is designed for farmers with simple screens and clear charts that make sense at a glance.
Twenty point installation checklist
- Confirm model numbers on load bars and indicator.
- Read the quick start sheet end to end.
- Choose a flat area with good drainage and shade.
- Lay bearers or pavers if soil is soft.
- Set bars parallel with equal spacing.
- Face cable exits the same way for tidy routing.
- Place the deck or crush feet squarely on the bars.
- Check for a clear gap around the deck.
- Level front to back and side to side.
- Shim low points near corners, not mid span.
- Tighten bolts to firm plus a quarter turn.
- Route cables inside rails and protect with conduit.
- Mount the indicator at eye height out of the animal path.
- Power on and allow a short warm up.
- Zero the empty deck.
- Run a centre weight test.
- Run a corner test.
- Pair Bluetooth to your phone and open your app.
- Record the first animal weight and confirm a stable hold.
- Save a note of the setup so you can repeat it next session.
Plain language glossary
Load bar. A low profile frame with internal load cells that sense force and convert it to an electrical signal.
Indicator. The display and brain of the system that turns the signal into kilograms and sends data to your phone.
Zero. The step that sets the empty deck to read zero before you weigh.
Span. A calibration step that aligns the reading to a known reference weight.
Stable hold. A function that locks a reading when the weight stops moving.
Service loop. A small slack loop in a cable near the connector that prevents strain.
Deck. The platform that the animal stands on.
Crush. A strong frame that holds an animal still for inspection, treatment, and weighing.
When to upgrade your system
If you use an older indicator without Bluetooth, you can still weigh, but you will save time with a modern unit that sends data straight to your app. If your bars are under rated for your heaviest animals, move to a higher capacity pair to protect your investment. If you record on paper and then type at night, consider AgriEID to remove that second job. These upgrades pay for themselves through fewer errors and faster sessions.
Order cattle scales today
Ready to weigh with confidence. Explore options at CattleScales.com.au and choose a bundle that suits your yard. For software that saves time in the yards and in the office, start with AgriEID. Orders ship fast across Australia and support is local.
For more reading, see the Cattle Scales Blog. If you need NLIS readers that work smoothly with the app, visit AgriEID.