Cattle scales do one simple job. They turn the live weight of a beast into a reliable number you can trust. What makes the difference is how smoothly that number moves from the platform in the yards into the records that guide your next decision. This guide walks through the full workflow from hoof to cloud so you can see exactly how a modern system fits together on an Australian farm.
Along the way you will see practical tips that save time on yard day, a plain English view of the hardware and software, and a checklist to help you choose the right gear for your property. When you are ready to buy, you can order quality systems at https://cattlescales.com.au and connect your data to the AgriEID platform at https://agrieid.com.au for simple and powerful analytics.
Quick summary
If you want the short version, here it is.
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A beast steps onto a platform that is supported by four load cells. Each load cell senses force. The system converts that force into weight.
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A digital indicator reads the weight, stabilises the number, and gives you a clear display. It can also capture a stable reading on hold when the animal is moving.
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The indicator can connect to a mobile device over Bluetooth. Your app pairs weight with an animal ID, adds notes, and sends the record to the cloud.
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In AgriEID you can see trends, set targets, and build draft groups based on live weight, age class, and history. You can do this from the paddock, the ute, or the office.
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The full loop is platform to indicator to app to cloud. The result is better decisions and less stress in the yards.
What a cattle scale system is made of
A cattle scale system has a few core parts. You can mix and match to suit your yards, herd size, and budget. Here is what you will work with.
Load bars or load cells
Under the platform are two heavy duty bars. Each bar contains two load cells. Some designs use a full frame with four separate load cells. The job of each cell is to convert force into a tiny electrical signal that changes in a precise way when weight is applied. The system sums those signals and gives you one true reading.
Weigh platform or crush mount
The platform is a flat surface the animal stands on. You can also mount load bars under a crush. Both approaches work. Platforms are simple and portable. Crush mounts are neat when you already have a good race and head bail setup.
Indicator
This is the brain and the face of the system. It shows the weight, filters movement, and logs data. Good indicators offer stable hold, averaging, and smart filtering so the number you see is dependable even when the beast is dancing.
Power
Most systems run on mains power, a 12 volt battery, or a rechargeable pack. Portable setups can run for long sessions between charges. A good practice is to start yard day with a full charge and keep a backup on hand.
Connectivity
Bluetooth links the indicator to a phone or tablet. This lets you capture weight, match it to an EID tag or visual tag, and add notes on dentition, condition score, or treatments. Your app can then sync to the cloud.
Software
You need a place where all those weights turn into insight. AgriEID gives you a clean workflow, fast data entry, and clear reports for growth, draft, and compliance. You can invite staff, view from any device, and stay productive even with patchy reception.
From hoof to cloud: the full flow
The best way to understand a system is to follow one animal through the process.
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Approach and entry. The animal moves through the race with calm, steady pressure. Good yard design and quiet handling matter more than any piece of gear. A relaxed beast steps onto the platform faster and gives you a clean reading.
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Load cell response. As the animal stands on the platform, each load cell senses force. The signal from each cell changes in proportion to the load. The indicator reads those signals many times each second.
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Stabilisation. The indicator applies filtering and stability checks. When the animal shifts weight, the reading may bounce. A good indicator recognises a stable window. It holds that number so you can record the true live weight.
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Capture and ID. You pair that stable weight with an animal ID. Many operators use an EID reader. Others use a quick manual entry or the visual tag. The goal is one animal, one accurate weight, one clean record.
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Local save. The indicator or the app saves the reading on the spot. This protects your work in case you are out of range.
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Sync to cloud. When your device has coverage, the app pushes the session to the cloud. In AgriEID the data flows straight into dashboards, reports, and draft tools. You can sort by live weight, average daily gain, sex, breed, or mob.
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Decide and act. With fresh weights you can draft sale groups, adjust feed, pick holdbacks, and plan treatments. Next yard day, you build on the same records and watch trends.
Hardware in detail
Let us dive deeper so the moving parts make sense on day one.
Load cells and accuracy
Load cells are small blocks of metal engineered to flex a tiny amount under load. Inside each cell is a strain gauge. As the metal flexes, the electrical resistance changes. The indicator measures that change and converts it into kilograms. With good calibration and a stable setup, you can expect accuracy that is more than enough for drafting and sale decisions. The key is good footing, a level platform, and a patient workflow.
Indicators and readability
A bright, high contrast display saves time. You want large digits you can read in full sun and dust. Look for a simple keypad, a clear hold icon, and fast menu access for zero and tare. The best indicators make the right setting obvious so you do not have to dig through menus while a beast is waiting.
Power and weather
Australia is hard on gear. Heat, dust, and rain will find weak points. Choose sealed connectors, a sturdy case, and proper strain relief on cables. Keep your battery fully charged and carry a backup. Charge gear the night before and store cables in a dry tub between jobs.
Portability and mounting
A platform that two people can lift is handy when you work across blocks. For a permanent yard, bolt down a frame for repeatable setup. Under a crush, mount bars on solid beams and fix cabling away from hooves and teeth.
Ramps and footing
A gentle entry angle helps. Use cleated rubber or checker plate for grip. Keep the platform free of mud and manure. Clean treads at breaks. Straight, quiet flow is the single best way to speed the day and improve accuracy.
Software and data: simple in the yards, powerful later
Hardware captures the number. Software makes the number useful. Here is how to keep the digital side simple.
One screen that does the job
On a busy yard day you do not want to tap through five screens. Use an app that shows weight, ID, and notes on one view. That is the AgriEID approach. You see the live weight, you scan or type the ID, and you add a quick note if needed.
Pairing weight with identity
Use an EID reader when you can. It reduces errors and speeds the session. When a tag does not scan, fall back to visual tag entry. The app should log the method so you can audit later.
Working offline
Coverage drops in many yards. Your app should save locally without fuss. When reception returns, sync should be automatic. You should not have to think about it.
From session to insight
Once synced, AgriEID groups the session by mob and location. You can see weight distributions, average daily gain, and draft suggestions based on your targets. You can also export a clean CSV for compliance or share a simple PDF summary with a buyer.
User access
Staff come and go. Set clear roles. Allow a contractor to record, but keep admin rights for owners or managers. That keeps your records safe while the day runs smoothly.
Installation and setup
Good setup pays for itself with faster sessions and fewer retries.
Level and solid
Set the platform on a level, hard surface. A timber or concrete base removes bounce and twist. Check that all four corners carry weight. If one corner floats, shim until the platform is stable.
Zero and tare
Before you start, zero the system with the platform empty. If you use a crate for small stock, tare out the crate weight. Check zero again after meal breaks and at the first sign of drift.
Cable routing
Protect cables with conduit or ramps. Keep them clear of hooves and away from the head bail. Avoid pinch points. Use weatherproof glands where cables enter boxes.
Test weights
Use known test weights to check accuracy before the first beast. Two drums of water on a pallet work well. Record the check in your notes. This small routine builds trust in every number that follows.
Indicator settings
Start with moderate filtering and a sensible hold window. Too little filtering means noisy readings. Too much filtering slows you down. Adjust once at the start, then leave it alone for the session.
Accuracy and throughput
Accuracy and speed are a trade off. Your goal is a stable process that gives true numbers at a pace your team can sustain.
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With good flow you can record a stable weight in a few seconds for each beast.
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The first few beasts in a new yard design may take longer. As the mob settles, pace improves.
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Do not chase speed at the cost of noisy data. A clean hold is worth the extra second.
To keep accuracy high, keep the platform clean, check for rocks or debris under the bars, and avoid side loads from the race rails. When a reading looks wrong, step the animal off, check debris, and repeat. Two good reads beat one fast wrong read every time.
Handling and welfare
Good cattle work is calm, quiet, and clear. Scales fit best into low stress handling.
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Keep people and dogs out of the animal vision line when not needed.
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Aim for steady, even pressure in the race. Short bursts and shouting add stress and slow the day.
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Keep water up in holding yards, rest the team, and have a plan for heat.
Calm yards give better data and safer work for people and animals.
The dollars that matter: ROI in plain language
Live weight is money. The value comes from clear decisions made with fresh numbers. Here is where the return shows up.
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Sale timing. Hitting a grid at the right time adds dollars per head. Missing a grid costs money. Fresh weights help you ship at the sweet spot.
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Feed and pasture. Weigh a draft, review gains, and shift feed where it is doing the most good. Move poor doers to a different plan.
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Genetics and selection. Over time you will see which lines hold condition and convert feed. Keep the winners and cull the rest.
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Health and compliance. Accurate records make audits simple and reduce the risk of errors that lead to claim backs.
Even a small lift in performance across a mob pays for the gear in short order. The more you use the system, the faster it pays back.
Choosing the right scale for your property
Use this checklist to match a system to your needs.
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Yard type. Portable platform for mixed work across blocks. Crush mount for a permanent site with good flow.
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Herd size. Bigger herds benefit from heavier duty platforms and indicators with larger memory and faster processing.
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Power. If mains is handy, use it. If not, pick a system with long life battery and simple charging.
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Connectivity. Bluetooth to a phone or tablet is the most flexible setup for most producers.
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Build. Thick cables, sealed connectors, stainless fittings, and a solid frame will last in Australian conditions.
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Support. Pick suppliers who answer the phone and offer plain English help.
When you are ready, browse options and order at https://cattlescales.com.au. If you want a simple end to end data flow, connect your gear to AgriEID at https://agrieid.com.au.
Common problems and quick fixes
The weight will not settle
Check that the platform is level and all four corners are loaded. Look for stones or debris under the bars. Reduce side pressure from rails. Increase the stability filter one step if needed.
The indicator shows drift
Re zero the system. Check for temperature swings, low battery, or wet connectors. Dry and reseat cables. If drift continues, test each load bar with a known weight.
Bluetooth will not connect
Restart the indicator and the device. Check that Bluetooth is on. Pair again from the app. Keep the device within a few metres and away from metal that can block signal. If problems persist, record on the indicator and import later.
The app does not sync
Save locally and keep working. When you have coverage again, open the app and allow sync to complete. If a session is stuck, export a CSV and upload from the office.
Readings jump when the beast moves
Use the hold function. Wait for the stability icon. A calm handler at the head bale makes a big difference.
Maintenance that keeps you moving
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Rinse mud and manure from the platform and under the bars after use. Do not blast water into connectors.
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Dry cables before storage. Coil and store in a clean tub with silica gel packs.
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Charge batteries after each yard day. Set a monthly reminder to top up batteries that sit unused.
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Inspect bolts and frame quarterly. Tighten as needed and replace worn parts early.
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Log issues in your app so you can spot patterns and plan upgrades on your terms, not in the middle of a job.
A day in the yards: step by step run sheet
Use this as a starter template. Adjust to suit your team.
The night before
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Charge batteries and check spares
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Pack test weights and cleaning gear
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Check the forecast and adjust start time for heat
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Print a yard sheet if you prefer paper backup
Set up on the day
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Place platform on level base and check all four corners
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Route and protect cables
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Zero the indicator and test with known weights
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Open the app, confirm property and mob, and set your goals for the session
During the session
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Keep flow calm and steady
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Use hold function to capture stable readings
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Match each weight to an ID and add notes only when useful
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Take short breaks for the team and to clean treads
After the session
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Confirm that the app has synced
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Review weight distributions and draft suggestions in AgriEID
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Rinse and dry gear, then charge batteries
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Note any issues while they are fresh
Case study: a 250 head breeder in northern NSW
A family operation in northern NSW runs two main mobs across mixed country. The yards are basic but solid. They added a portable platform with load bars and a mid range indicator. The team uses a phone with Bluetooth to capture weights and the AgriEID app to sync.
The first yard day took longer as the new flow settled. By the second session the team moved smoothly. The platform sat on timber sleepers with a rubber mat, which improved grip and cleaned easily. Weights stabilised in a few seconds per beast. The operator used EID where possible and typed visual tags when needed. The app saved locally while coverage was poor and synced later near the house.
With three sessions logged, the AgriEID dashboard showed clear tiers. A draft group was set for sale at a target live weight. The family moved feed to improve gains for holdbacks and planned a follow up weigh. After six weeks the second draft hit the target and shipped. The team now treats the scale day as a normal part of stock work, not a big event.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EID reader to use scales
No. You can type a visual tag or use a simple numbering system on the day. An EID reader reduces errors and speeds up, so it is worth adding when you can.
Can I mount load bars under my crush
Yes. Make sure the beams are solid and the bars are aligned. Avoid side loads. Protect cables and keep the work area clear.
How long does a battery last
A good portable setup can run for many hours. Charge fully the night before. Carry a spare for long days or hot weather.
What if my yards have no coverage
Work offline on the day. Your app should save locally. Sync later when you are back in range.
How accurate are cattle scales
With a level base, clean platform, and good handling, accuracy is more than enough for drafting and sale decisions. Test weights at the start of a session build trust.
What is the best way to speed up
Quiet flow, good footing, and a clear routine are the real speed boosters. Gear that is easy to read and simple to use helps too.
Why producers choose AgriEID
AgriEID combines solid hardware with simple, smart software. You get the full loop from platform to cloud without a mess of files. The result is a cleaner yard day and better decisions after it.
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Order gear at https://cattlescales.com.au for immediate dispatch across Australia
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Connect your data at https://agrieid.com.au and use the AgriEID apps to record and analyse without fuss
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Enjoy clear reports, simple drafting tools, and a clean interface that works from your phone, tablet, or laptop
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Spend less than long established import brands and get modern software that is built for Australian producers
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Start with a free trial of the software and keep costs low as you scale up
When you are ready to move from guessing to knowing, place your order today and set up a workflow that pays for itself.
Final word
Cattle scales are not just a heavy platform and a number on a screen. They are a simple way to run your place with less guesswork and more confidence. When the system is set up right, the day goes smoother, the numbers are clean, and the work is safer for people and stock.
If you want help matching a setup to your yards, reach out to the team and we will get you sorted. Browse and order at https://cattlescales.com.au and connect your data with AgriEID at https://agrieid.com.au. A good system is ready now and the next yard day can be your best yet.