Cattle scales are specially designed to weigh farm animals. They are typically large, heavy-duty scales that can accommodate the weight of a full-grown cow. Many cattle scales also have features that allow them to take measurements such as height and girth, making them a useful tool for cattle farmers and ranchers.
They are typically placed in a cattle chute, and the cattle are weighed one at a time. There are two types of cattle scales: platform scales and floor scales.
Platform scales use a “platform”, and the cattle are walked onto the platform to be weighed. Floor scales are placed on the ground, and the cattle are herded onto the scale to be weighed.
These scales are used to weigh cattle for various purposes, such as slaughtering, transporting and breeding. They can be used to monitor the health of cattle by tracking their weight gain or loss over time. They can also be used to determine how much feed a cattle need, as well as the amount of water they should drink.
If you've ever wondered how those big cattle scales work, the answer is load cells. A load cell is a type of force sensor that generates an electrical signal proportional to the force applied to it.
When a cow or sheep steps on the scale, the load cells measure the weight and send a corresponding signal which then displays the weight on a digital readout.
So, what are the most common load cells for cattle scales?
4 Types of Load Cells for Cattle Scales
1. Load Bars
The load bars consist of large metal contraptions that cattle herders use to weigh cows, pigs, goats, horses and other farm animals. To install the load bars, farmers first need to level the ground where the scale will be placed.
They need to set the bars in concrete so that they are level with one another. Finally, the animal is placed on it, and the weight is transferred to the load bars through the cattle chute. They are then connected to a digital display where the weight is read.
The whole process is quite simple, and it only takes a few minutes to install cattle scales with load bars.
2. Shear Beam Load Cells - Livestock Scale kit
The main function of shear beam load cells is to weigh the cattle by converting the force exerted by the cattle into an electrical signal. These load cells are installed under the cattle chute, and the cattle are placed on it.
The cattle's weight is then transferred to the shear beam load cell, which converts it into an electrical signal that is sent to a digital display or controller. The load cells are usually made from stainless steel or aluminium and are available in different sizes and capacities.
Cattle scales are designed to weigh cattle quickly and accurately. The most common type is the truck scale, which uses one or more shear beam load cells to weigh the cattle.
You may also opt for an MFSK floor scale kit. This comes with a digital weight Indicator, 4 MT401 shear beam load cells, a water-tight stainless-steel junction box, 5 metres cable, 4 non-skid swivel wheels and 4 spacer plates. This can accurately monitor the variables that affect output, like livestock health, feed quality and breeding performance, to reduce costs and waste.
3. Chassis Load Cells
If you're in the cattle business, chances are you've heard of chassis load cells. They are designed to be installed between the scale platform and the cattle chute and consist of a metal housing that protects the cells.
The load cells are connected to a central control unit, which converts the weight measurement into a digital signal. This signal can then be read by the scale operator, allowing them to accurately weigh the cattle.
Installation is relatively simple; all you need to do is bolt the chassis load cell onto the scale platform. Once it's installed, you're ready to start weighing cattle. This load cell is considered to be one of the most accurate kinds and is, therefore, the preferred choice for ranches and cattle farming.
4. Double-ended Shear Beam Load Cells
A double-ended shear beam load cell is designed for many platform cattle scales. They are typically installed under the platform, and they use two beams that are connected at the centre. The load cells produce an electrical signal that is proportional to the weight on the platform, and this signal is then sent to a display unit.
Double-ended shear beam load cells are considered to be very accurate, and they're also relatively easy to install.
To ensure accurate readings, it is important to properly install the right kind of load cell. The cell should be mounted level with no side-to-side or front-to-back tilt. The cattle chute should be centred over the cell and the cattle should be directed into the centre of the chute. It is also important to keep the area around the cell clean and free of debris.
If you need a load cell that’s versatile and efficient, look no further than the AG scale kits of Meltrons Australia. Contact us now!