Cattle Scales

Choices To Consider for Portable Cattle Scales

One of the most important things we do for our customers at Central Carolina Scale is to provide them with numerous weighing choices when they are looking to make a purchase for their cattle squeeze chutes. We try to provide both quality and value in every weighing system. The Avery Weigh-Tronix Chute Weigh system load bars are ideally suited for conversion of a manual or hydraulic livestock squeeze chute (cattle crush) into a working livestock scale. Simple and easy to install, with a large weight capacity and weatherproof construction, the chute weigh can be installed within minutes and is a great solution for weighing cattle.

Now when you think of portable, then you have to look at the heavy duty Rice Lake Portable Group Animal Scale - MAS-P. The The Portable Group Animal Scale’s patented design consists of a rubberized deck and pen sides, suspended on load cells at four points within a portable base frame. When in transport mode, the cage is "locked down" to the base frame. This prevents cage movement and load cell damage during transport. And when it comes to scale indicators for your livestock weighing applications, we have them from Triner, Tuffner and Tru Test to Cardinal, Rice Lake and Intercomp as well.

Single Animal Scales for Weighing Cattle: Why Consider Them?

If you're focused on precise animal management, single animal livestock scales bring a lot to the table—especially for operations managing swine, horses, sheep, goats, or cattle one at a time. These scales are purpose-built for both comfort and accuracy, making them a great fit for routine health checks, nutrition monitoring, and treatment dosing.

Here’s what sets single animal livestock scales apart:

• High Precision Weighing: Most models deliver impressively accurate results with resolutions as fine as half a pound, giving you reliable data every time—even with restless animals.
• Versatile Designs: Available with or without built-in pens and slide-out gates, they suit a variety of handling setups. The flexibility in platform widths and lengths means you can match your space and species requirements.
• Durability and Safety: Expect everything from sturdy steel decks and non-slip rubber mat flooring for noise reduction, to load cells made from stainless steel for years of trouble-free use. Adjustable feet ensure the scale sits solidly, even on uneven surfaces.
• Adaptability: Many units can be custom-ordered to your specifications, including dual range options that automatically adjust the readout for lighter and heavier animals—handy when your flock or herd includes multiple species.
• Easy Integration: These single animal scales play nicely with your choice of digital indicators, making it easy to track weights, record data, or connect to farm management systems.

Whether you need to track growth rates in lambs, fine-tune your feeding program for show goats, or simply maintain accurate medication records for cattle, single animal scales are an invaluable addition to your operation. They offer the assurance and flexibility serious producers rely on.

How Scales Deliver Durability and Reliability

When it comes to weighing large animals, harsh agricultural environments are the norm, not the exception. That means a scale isn’t just a scale—it has to handle everything from muddy pens and weather extremes to the nicks and bumps of daily ranch life.

To ensure durability and reliability, modern livestock scales are designed with several key features:

• Rugged Construction: Look for scales built with heavy-duty steel or alloy materials, often powder-coated or galvanized to resist rust, corrosion, and frequent exposure to moisture and manure.
• Protected Load Cells: High-quality load cells are typically stainless steel or otherwise sealed to keep out water, dust, and mud. Some designs include weatherproof shrouds or shielding to add an extra layer of defense against the elements.
• Weather-Ready Components: Cables and connectors usually feature reinforced sheathing—like polyurethane—to guard against animal bites, dragging, and the occasional run-in with a pitchfork.
• Non-Slip Surfaces: For animal comfort and handler safety, decks are frequently finished with rubberized mats or patterned steel/concrete to reduce slips and minimize noise, so livestock stays calm on the platform.
• Easy Maintenance: Scales intended for livestock often have thoughtful details like drain gaps or open-access panels, which make cleaning out mud and waste quick and hassle-free.
• Legal-for-Trade Certification: If you need to buy or sell livestock by weight, look for NTEP-certified options to ensure both accuracy and compliance.

By combining these features, today’s livestock scales from brands like Avery Weigh-Tronix, Cardinal, and Rice Lake stand up to the daily grind of ranch and farm operations—no matter how tough the conditions get. For example, with the Cardinal lineup, a top plate allows easy access to load cells and bumper bolts in a concrete deck design. The scale platform arrives ready for the field pouring of concrete. With stainless steel beam cells and a low 10-inch profile that cuts foundation costs to a minimum, this livestock scale requires the most minimal economical foundation work and easy to install.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance Features

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your scales, there are a few standout features that make life easier for you—and safer for your animals:

• Washout Access: Many premium models, such as those from Cardinal, include a slight gap or clearance between the weighing platform and surrounding gates. This design helps prevent debris buildup and allows for quick washdown with minimal effort. It’s especially handy after particularly muddy weighing sessions.
• Textured Deck Surfaces: Look for scales with diamond tread plates or patterned surfaces. Not only do these help with traction for your animals, but they also make it easier to hose off dirt, manure, and bedding—resulting in better hygiene all around.
• Accessible Construction: Scales with removable or swing gates, as well as pens that arrive mostly assembled, make routine cleaning a breeze. Openings are designed to allow tools and hoses easy access, so you don’t have to wrestle with tricky corners.
• Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Stainless steel indicators, weatherproof junction boxes, and sealed load cells help protect the most vulnerable parts of your system from moisture and corrosion, extending the life of your scale and keeping maintenance simple.