This guide gives Australian producers a clear path to diagnose and fix cattle scale problems in the yard or in the paddock. You will learn what to check first, how to stabilise readings, how to calibrate with confidence, and how to prevent faults from coming back. Real world steps, simple language, and time saving checklists you can follow in busy yard conditions.
Tip: bookmark this page or print the quick checklist near the end. For new systems and upgrades, you can order cattle scales and AgriEID software online today.
How cattle scales work in simple terms
Cattle scales convert force into a digital number. The animal stands on a platform. The platform sits on load bars with strain gauges. As the animal puts weight on the platform the strain gauges flex and create a small voltage change. The indicator reads this change and converts it into kilograms. When everything is aligned, dry, and tight, the reading is steady and accurate.
Most systems in Australia use two load bars under the platform. Cables carry the signals to the indicator. Many modern indicators then send data to a mobile device over Bluetooth so you can log sessions and connect to AgriEID cattle software for real time analytics, NLIS Tag Reader integration, and cloud sync. Because we work in dust, rain, heat, and sometimes mud, small things like a loose bolt or moisture inside a connector can turn into big problems fast. The goal of this guide is to remove guesswork and get you back to steady readings.
Fast start checks
- Power: confirm the indicator turns on, the battery icon shows charge, and the power cable and plug are seated. If you use external 12 volt power, confirm clean terminals and a solid earth.
- Platform: remove mud and stones from under the platform and around the feet. Confirm there is daylight around the platform so it does not touch the ground or race.
- Load bars: confirm bars are pointing in the same direction, sit flat, and the mounting bolts are tight to spec. No twist and no rock.
- Cables: trace each cable from the load bars to the indicator. Look for crushed jacket, split insulation, green corrosion at the plug, or loose locking rings.
- Zero: remove all weight. Press zero and confirm a stable zero reading for at least ten seconds.
- Test weight: use a water drum to prove the reading. Two hundred litres of water is about two hundred kilograms. Use this to confirm linear response.
- Bluetooth: if you connect to a phone or tablet, move the device within two metres for the first pairing in a quiet radio area. Confirm only one device pairs during testing.
If one of these checks fixes the fault you can move on with confidence. If the fault remains, work through the symptoms below and then the deeper diagnostics. Save notes as you go so you can share clear information with support.
Common symptoms and fixes
Use this table to jump to likely causes and fixes. It covers the issues we see most often across Australian yards from small family blocks to busy feedlots. These fixes apply to AgriEID systems and to most other brands.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Reading jumps up and down | Platform touching race, loose bolts, animal movement filter too low | Clear platform, torque bolts, increase stability filter in the indicator or in your AgriEID app |
| Slow to settle | Platform friction, low battery, vibration from gate or crush | Level platform, charge battery, reduce vibration and close gates gently |
| Drifts away from zero | Moisture in connectors, temperature swing, load bar creep | Dry and clean plugs, re zero after temperature change, inspect cable glands |
| No weight shown | Damaged cable, wrong input selected, failed bar | Check cable continuity, select correct channel, test bars one at a time |
| Always shows the same number | Indicator hold locked, overload damage, crushed cable | Disable hold, check for overload history, replace damaged section |
| Bluetooth drops during a run | Phone too far away, metal blocking signal, two apps connected | Keep device within two metres, mount above steel level, ensure only one active connection |
| Buttons do not respond | Water under keypad, cold start lock, firmware hang | Power cycle with a full off for thirty seconds, dry the face, update firmware if available |
| Weights feel wrong | Lost calibration, wrong unit, non linear output from one bar | Run a two point calibration with known weights, confirm kilograms, test each bar |
Erratic or noisy readings
Erratic readings nearly always come from movement and friction. Start by making sure the platform does not touch the ground, rails, or debris. Confirm there is a clean gap around the platform and under the deck. Check that mounting bolts are tight and evenly torqued on both bars so the platform cannot twist on one side. If the indicator has a stability filter, raise it one step at a time until numbers settle within two seconds with a test weight. If you use the AgriEID app you can also apply a stability rule so that only steady weights are captured to the session log.
Zero drift over time
When the display wanders from zero with no load, look first for moisture in connectors and cable joints. Unplug, dry, and reconnect. Inspect for green residue that shows corrosion. Temperature change can also shift zero. Allow the system to sit for ten minutes to reach ambient and press zero again. If drift returns, isolate each load bar by unplugging one at a time to find the bar that moves. A bar that drifts when alone likely needs replacement.
Slow stabilisation
Slow settling happens when the platform rubs on a side rail or when the surface under the bars has a soft spot. Use a straight edge to confirm the concrete or timber pad is flat. Add a solid shim under the low corner if required. Confirm the platform and crate are centred and that the animal cannot lean on the race. A firm stand and smooth flow improve both welfare and data quality.
No reading or a fixed number
When the display does not change no matter what you do, look for a locked hold feature first. Disable hold and try again. Then confirm the indicator is reading from the correct port or channel. Check the cable from each bar for cuts or crush points where stock have stepped on it. If you can swap bars left to right, do that. If the fault follows the bar, replace that bar. If the fault stays on the same input, focus on the indicator.
Bluetooth connection problems
Pair in a quiet radio area. Restart Bluetooth on the phone or tablet. On iOS and Android, remove old pairings from the device and from the indicator menu, then pair again within two metres. Mount the device above the level of the steel work to improve line of sight. Only one device should be connected during a live session. The AgriEID app automatically resumes the session when the connection is restored so you do not lose numbers.
Step by step diagnostics
When a fast fix does not solve it, use this short process to isolate the fault. Take five minutes for each step and write down what you find. Clear notes save time if you need support.
- Visual sweep: clean around the platform. Look for anything that touches. Check bolts on the platform feet and on the load bar mounts. Confirm no twists and no gaps under feet.
- Power proof: run the indicator on a known good power source. If you have a spare battery or mains supply, try that. Weak power can mimic many faults.
- Zero and warm up: let the system sit for ten minutes, then zero. Watch the display for sixty seconds. If it walks more than one kilogram, note it and continue.
- Single bar test: unplug one load bar and test the other alone with a known weight. Then swap. This reveals a faulty bar or a cable fault.
- Corner test: place the same test weight on each corner of the platform and record the reading. All corners should read within one or two kilograms of each other for a two hundred kilogram load.
- Cable continuity: if you have a multimeter, confirm continuity from each pin end to end with the cable unplugged. No pin should short to the shield or to another pin.
- Indicator reset: perform a factory reset according to the manual. Then input calibration again. A corrupt setting can cause odd behaviour.
- Firmware check: if your indicator supports updates, apply the latest release. Keep a copy of the old version in case you need to roll back.
Reliable calibration without guesswork
Calibration aligns the voltage from each bar with real world kilograms. Use the same process every time and record the result. You do not need certified test weights for a good result on farm. Clean water is reliable and easy to handle.
Two point method with water drums
- Zero the system with the platform empty.
- Place a drum with a known volume on the centre of the platform. Two hundred litres gives about two hundred kilograms. Record the reading.
- Add a second drum with the same volume. Record the reading again. Use these two points to set the gain so the display matches the expected total.
One litre of water is close to one kilogram at room temperature. Use the same drums each time and fill to the same mark. If your platform is narrow, strap the drums so they cannot roll. If your indicator allows linearisation, use the two points to set a straight line. Most farm systems are accurate to within one kilogram once set this way.
Corner balance
After the two point method, repeat the corner test with the same single drum. If one corner is light by more than two kilograms, check for friction or a loose mount near that corner. Bars must sit flat and in the same orientation. If you can rotate the platform one hundred and eighty degrees and the light corner follows, the issue is with the platform. If the light corner stays in place, the issue is under the platform or with the bar.
How often to calibrate
Calibrate after any transport, after maintenance on the platform, after a large temperature change, and at the start of each season. If your work is continuous, set a reminder every three months. Keep a note of the date, the water volume, and the final readings.
Platform, crate, and load bars
Hardware alignment is the core of reliable weight. A strong platform and a straight crate protect the bars and give the animal a confident stand. Here is what to focus on.
Platform and crate alignment
- Gap: maintain a clean gap around the platform. No rail or floor contact.
- Level: both bars must sit on a level pad. Use a level across the platform and along each bar.
- Tight and even: torque mounting bolts to the same value on each side.
- Centre: load should pass down through the middle of each bar. Avoid off centre force from a crooked crate.
Load bar care
- Keep bars dry and clean. Avoid direct high pressure water at cable glands.
- Route cables away from crush points and use conduit where stock walk.
- Never weld with bars connected. Disconnect and protect electronics first.
- Do not exceed rated capacity. Overload can cause permanent shift.
Concrete, timber, and ground
Bars need a firm base. A concrete pad is best. Timber can work if braced and dry. Bare ground moves with moisture and traffic and often causes slow drift and poor repeatability. If you must work on ground, use large timber sleepers to spread load and re level often.
Bluetooth and data capture
Bluetooth Cattle Scales and a phone or tablet make it easy to capture a clean session log. The AgriEID app stores weights with time, animal ID from your NLIS Tag Reader, breed, sex, and any traits you want to track. When the yard quiets down your data is already in the cloud. If a dropout happens the app resumes and keeps the same session running so you do not lose order.
Pairing steps that work
- Enable Bluetooth on the indicator and on your device.
- Stand within two metres with no other phones pairing at the same time.
- On your device, remove old pairings for a clean start. Then pair again.
- Open the AgriEID app and select the indicator from the device list.
- Start a new session and confirm that stable weights appear in the log.
Why data capture matters
Good weight data improves growth plans, feed decisions, and sale timing. It also shortens the time to find and fix health issues. AgriEID cattle software turns a session log into clear graphs and alerts. You can filter by property, paddock, or mob and share reports with your agent or vet in minutes.
Ready to upgrade to a reliable indicator, rugged load bars, and simple software that just works
- Order cattle scales now at cattlescales.com.au
- Connect to AgriEID cattle software for session capture and analytics
- Browse more help at How to choose the best cattle scales in Australia
Preventative maintenance
Small steps keep faults away. Use this simple schedule and add it to your season planner.
Before a weighing day
- Charge the indicator or pack a spare battery. Confirm the charger light behaves as normal.
- Check for new firmware if your model supports updates. Read the notes first.
- Walk the platform area and remove stones, sticks, and loose wire.
- Open the AgriEID app and confirm your property, paddock, and session names are ready.
After a weighing day
- Wipe down the platform and bars. Let them dry before storage.
- Inspect cable glands and plugs for moisture. Apply dielectric grease to seals if recommended by the maker.
- Review the session log in AgriEID and tag any notes while fresh in your mind.
Quarterly
- Run the two point water drum calibration and record results.
- Inspect mounting bolts and re torque to spec.
- Check cable protection and replace worn conduit.
- Back up your AgriEID data and export a summary to your accountant or agent if needed.
Repair or replace
When you reach the point where time on the tools is higher than time weighing stock, consider whether a repair or a replacement is the smart move. Use these markers to decide.
- Repair if the fault is limited to a cable, a connector, or a single bar and you can isolate it with the steps above. Parts are modest and downtime is short.
- Replace if the indicator shows intermittent faults that survive a full reset and update, if both bars show water ingress, or if the platform is bent. Replacement lowers risk on busy sale weeks.
AgriEID builds systems for Australian conditions with a simple setup and clear software. If you need a fresh start you can order online today and have a kit on the way with fast dispatch. You can also add an NLIS Tag Reader to capture animal ID as you weigh.
Printable quick checklist
Use this on paper or copy into your phone notes. Tick off each step as you go.
- Clear platform and confirm daylight on all sides.
- Bars flat and aligned. Bolts tight and even.
- Cables intact. No crush points. Plugs dry and locked.
- Indicator on a known good power source. Battery charged.
- Warm up for ten minutes. Press zero and confirm a stable zero.
- Test with a two hundred litre drum. Record the number.
- Corner test on all four corners. Note any low corner.
- Single bar test if needed. Swap left and right.
- Update firmware if relevant. Restore settings if corrupt.
- Pair to AgriEID and start a session. Confirm steady capture.
If you need a replacement part or a ready to run kit, visit cattlescales.com.au. For software and support, visit agrieid.com.au.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a bathroom scale or a feed scale to calibrate
Use water for reliable volume and weight instead. One litre is about one kilogram at room temperature and easy to repeat.
What is the best way to mount bars on timber
Use solid timbers with wide bearing area. Add braces under each end to stop bounce. Re check level often. Concrete is better if you can pour a small pad.
How do I keep Bluetooth stable in a steel yard
Mount the phone or tablet above the steel line on a post or arm. Keep it within two metres. Pair only one device for the session.
Does AgriEID work without mobile coverage
Yes. Capture sessions offline and sync when you are back in range. Your data is safe in the device until it uploads.
What is the right capacity for a small herd
For most family properties a six hundred to one thousand kilogram per bar kit is ideal. It keeps cost down and still handles large animals. If you run heavy bulls or load the platform with pallets during other work, go higher.