Cattle weighing scales

blue5000

Anybody recommend a cattle scales, they all seem to be starting at around €1300, then on up depending on how much you want the display to do.

epfff

blue5000 wrote: »

Anybody recommend a cattle scales, they all seem to be starting at around €1300, then on up depending on how much you want the display to do.

I am talking about buying one for over year
Got no further than talking
Starting to see less need for 1 as I go on

I said

Did our minister announce a grant for those at the ploughing,along with other safety features for slurry lagoons and the such like.

Zr105

blue5000 wrote: »

Anybody recommend a cattle scales, they all seem to be starting at around €1300, then on up depending on how much you want the display to do.

One that's plenty wide(as in if there's a lip up the side that it's narrow and the bottom is plenty wide, the overall dimensions are fairly standard to fit a crush), low and long. Have seen big bullocks standing on 7ft scales and their bunched up in themselves and it can make it hard to get them to put 4 legs on, their grand on an 8ft, it helps if you leave it back from the head gate a foot or so,

Count Mondego

Bought a connacht agri one for 1400 last year. 8" long and display that doesn't store results. Money well spent for me anyway.

LivInt20

I would go for Tru Test

O’Donovan Enginineering are Irish agents for TruTest weighing equipment

I have one and won't be without it.

TAMS opening up again including 60% grant for cattle weighing scales.

Dunedin

LivInt20 wrote: »

TAMS opening up again including 60% grant for cattle weighing scales.

What is TAMS

Miname

i have a connaught agri one here and wouldnt get one again, theres something finnicky wrong with it and i cant just get it right, theres been new leads and recalibrated a couple of times and still not right. just make sure whoever you buy it from has a good back-up service.

Farrell

Got 1 during the summer, weighted lambs & it was very accurate & useful.
Even weighed calves & dry cows which was useful.
It's a handy tool but like all tools, do you want it or do you need it.

severeoversteer

have an o neill scales here, never a bother

I gave up power washing it and it sits out in the sh1t and rain and I just leave a bucket over the control box to stop it getting wet

leave all the cords plugged in all the time

not a bother just change batterys when needed

LivInt20

Dunedin wrote: »

What is TAMS

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)

Department likely to reopen TAMS 1 to use up funding

Some unspent funding remains in TAMS 1 and the Department of Agriculture is expected to reopen the scheme to applications to allow it be used.

Reggie.

LivInt20 wrote: »

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)

Department likely to reopen TAMS 1 to use up funding

Some unspent funding remains in TAMS 1 and the Department of Agriculture is expected to reopen the scheme to applications to allow it be used.

How would you qualify for such funding

LivInt20

Reggie. wrote: »

How would you qualify for such funding

Details to be confirmed shortly.

trixi2011

Tru test are a great scales when working for a large company in nz we had 2 of theses and weighted 1000s of animals each year and never any bother with them. Also really handy for weighing bales of silage

5live

LivInt20 wrote: »

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)

Department likely to reopen TAMS 1 to use up funding

Some unspent funding remains in TAMS 1 and the Department of Agriculture is expected to reopen the scheme to applications to allow it be used.

There is talk that the unused funding will be used for farm safety, things like moving agitation points outdoors and such.

just do it

LivInt20 wrote: »

I would go for Tru Test

O’Donovan Enginineering are Irish agents for TruTest weighing equipment

I have one and won't be without it.

TAMS opening up again including 60% grant for cattle weighing scales.

40% for old farmers. They've gone up by €200-300 in the last 2 years. I wonder what will happen the price when there's demand due to grant

Reggie.

just do it wrote: »

40% for old farmers. They've gone up by €200-300 in the last 2 years. I wonder what will happen the price when there's demand due to grant

Your hardly suggesting that the prices will rise due to the grant :rolleyes: god forbid

eddiek

one supplier i talked to said the slanted sides kind of guided the foot on to the flat part as opposed to an all flat platform. so slanted sides or all flat platform what do ye think? also is the 8ft better than the 7ft or is 7ft plenty.

Reggie.

eddiek wrote: »

one supplier i talked to said the slanted sides kind of guided the foot on to the flat part as opposed to an all flat platform. so slanted sides or all flat platform what do ye think? also is the 8ft better than the 7ft or is 7ft plenty.

If it was me I would go for the slanted sides from what your saying

Farrell

I agree with reggie, it gives a stronger platform plus livestock get use fairly quick.
The only thing I'd say is if you intend to move (due to out farm), the complete platform cam be a nuisance (require trailer), while a folding option could be put in a van / jeep

50HX

LivInt20 wrote: »

I would go for Tru Test

O’Donovan Enginineering are Irish agents for TruTest weighing equipment

I have one and won't be without it.

TAMS opening up again including 60% grant for cattle weighing scales.

Hi LivInt,

Did you buy the 7 or 8ft scales and which is better i wonder the flat or sloped platform?

is it small or adult cattle you mainly use it for

LivInt20

50HX wrote: »

Hi LivInt,

Did you buy the 7 or 8ft scales and which is better i wonder the flat or sloped platform?

is it small or adult cattle you mainly use it for

Have one with sloped sides, can see how it would be a benefit to cattle not stepping off the sides.

Don't know what the platform length is. Will measure it for you.

Again I would go for the 8 ft. No point in having a 7 ft and cursing cattle who have left a leg off it.

I weight calves, year/two year olds and suckler cows. Amazing how cattle get used to walking on and walking off it.

Suckler calves are weighed every 4-6 weeks. Cows maybe twice a year or before feeding for sale and again before slaughter.

50HX

LivInt20 wrote: »

Have one with sloped sides, can see how it would be a benefit to cattle not stepping off the sides.

Don't know what the platform length is. Will measure it for you.

Again I would go for the 8 ft. No point in having a 7 ft and cursing cattle who have left a leg off it.

I weight calves, year/two year olds and suckler cows. Amazing how cattle get used to walking on and walking off it.

Suckler calves are weighed every 4-6 weeks. Cows maybe twice a year or before feeding for sale and again before slaughter.

That's exactly what i want if for and also to know the weights for dosing - there's enough of expense without guessing weights ( albeit ball park)

i saw the o'neill scales at the ploghing match last year and it seemed a bit lightweight - eps for adult cattle

Count Mondego

50HX wrote: »

That's exactly what i want if for and also to know the weights for dosing - there's enough of expense without guessing weights ( albeit ball park)

i saw the o'neill scales at the ploghing match last year and it seemed a bit lightweight - eps for adult cattle

Check th width of the crush. Anything less than 30" is a balls to get it in and out. If so, get them to make the scales a bit narrower if the weight cells allow.

50HX

Count Mondego wrote: »

Check th width of the crush. Anything less than 30" is a balls to get it in and out. If so, get them to make the scales a bit narrower if the weight cells allow.

Good man Count, thought they were all a standard width - didn't think they'd make to a specified spec, thanks

Count Mondego

50HX wrote: »

Good man Count, thought they were all a standard width - didn't think they'd make to a specified spec, thanks

I learned the hard way! Going to build a new crush just for weighing and doing anything with the suckler cows. Probably will go with 32" wide. Keeping the old one that's 27-28" for dealing with calves and weanlings.

The height is a balls too, scales can be 4-5 inches high. Great job though. Got mine with connacht agri and after he said it could have been narrower. Make sure you get the 8 foot long one.

50HX

Count Mondego wrote: »

I learned the hard way! Going to build a new crush just for weighing and doing anything with the suckler cows. Probably will go with 32" wide. Keeping the old one that's 27-28" for dealing with calves and weanlings.

The height is a balls too, scales can be 4-5 inches high. Great job though. Got mine with connacht agri and after he said it could have been narrower. Make sure you get the 8 foot long one.

that's great info thanks

just wondering is there a difference between suppliers, some post are saying one is better than others

MfMan

I also have a Connacht Agri one (second one actually), wouldn't be without it. First one had raised edges on it's outside edges - found that bigger cattle had a habit of putting some of their legs on these and not weighing absolutely accurately, it was a chore to try and get them to stand four-square on the flat. Traded it earlier this year for a totally flat platform which removes this problem. (Not an issue with smaller animals in fairness.)

Count Mondego

50HX wrote: »

that's great info thanks

just wondering is there a difference between suppliers, some post are saying one is better than others

I priced all round, not much between all of them. You go up in price if you want one to record tags and weights, but I think this is overkill. You'd be looking at 500 quid more.

50HX

i agree the basic model just to show the weight is enough

think i'll go for the the 8ft flat platform one

cheers for all the feedback

TUBBY

MfMan wrote: »

I also have a Connacht Agri one (second one actually), wouldn't be without it. First one had raised edges on it's outside edges - found that bigger cattle had a habit of putting some of their legs on these and not weighing absolutely accurately, it was a chore to try and get them to stand four-square on the flat. Traded it earlier this year for a totally flat platform which removes this problem. (Not an issue with smaller animals in fairness.)

did conn agri take a trade. That's decent. Would ya mind pm the difference. Have the raised one too and fancy changing.

hellenmic

severeoversteer wrote: »

have an o neill scales here, never a bother

I gave up power washing it and it sits out in the sh1t and rain and I just leave a bucket over the control box to stop it getting wet

leave all the cords plugged in all the time

not a bother just change batterys when needed

I had a very bad experience with o neills. Weight heifers before the mart and there was a difference of 30 to 35 kg in the weight. I then put a 25kg bag of ration on the scale and it weigjt 32 kg on the scale.
I rang o neills and they tried to argue that you have to allow for a weight difference of up to 40kg in weight. I had some laugh at that. Anyway they failed to correct the issue for me and i returned the scales. Wont be dealing with them again. Very cowboyish

TUBBY

hellenmic wrote: »

I had a very bad experience with o neills. Weight heifers before the mart and there was a difference of 30 to 35 kg in the weight. I then put a 25kg bag of ration on the scale and it weigjt 32 kg on the scale.
I rang o neills and they tried to argue that you have to allow for a weight difference of up to 40kg in weight. I had some laugh at that. Anyway they failed to correct the issue for me and i returned the scales. Wont be dealing with them again. Very cowboyish

Jesus 40kg is a huge difference for a store. Any way to sort it with taring or is your ground unlevel. That can affect weights.

hellenmic

TUBBY wrote: »

Jesus 40kg is a huge difference for a store. Any way to sort it with taring or is your ground unlevel. That can affect weights.

No my crush floor is level. It was very disappointing due to the fact that the producers were trying to fill me with that rubbish. Very very poor customer service. Not willing to rectify the issue at all!! I couldnt believe they were trying to tell me that i had to allow for a 40kg difference. In that case you wouldnt need a scale. You could use your eye and guess +- 40kg.
i will get another scale but just not from these guys

TUBBY

hellenmic wrote: »

No my crush floor is level. It was very disappointing due to the fact that the producers were trying to fill me with that rubbish. Very very poor customer service. Not willing to rectify the issue at all!! I couldnt believe they were trying to tell me that i had to allow for a 40kg difference. In that case you wouldnt need a scale. You could use your eye and guess +- 40kg.
i will get another scale but just not from these guys

not doing themselves any favours.

simx

epfff wrote: »

I am talking about buying one for over year
Got no further than talking
Starting to see less need for 1 as I go on

+1, ya have to ask yourself the question "want or need?"

Aaron-

You could check out DEM Machines in Kildare (demmachines.com). They provide scales to Marts and Farmers all over the country and make custom scales, depending on what you need.

lakill Farm

simx wrote: »

+1, ya have to ask yourself the question "want or need?"

If your in the mart day in day out your flying, but I would be in the mart less that a dozen times a year so guessing weights isn't an option.

It was like trying to buy knowledge for myself

Farrell

If you're getting scales & may have to move (out farm etc), then see about folding ones. The solid base is a good job till you've to transit

loveta

hellenmic wrote: »

I had a very bad experience with o neills. Weight heifers before the mart and there was a difference of 30 to 35 kg in the weight. I then put a 25kg bag of ration on the scale and it weigjt 32 kg on the scale.
I rang o neills and they tried to argue that you have to allow for a weight difference of up to 40kg in weight. I had some laugh at that. Anyway they failed to correct the issue for me and i returned the scales. Wont be dealing with them again. Very cowboyish

Could not disagree more, found there back up service fantastic had a problem with the readings rang the guy he talked me through everything to see if we could sort it over the phone, we could not so sent the cells and clock to him ended up being a nick on a wire all he charged was the courier fee and the scales were 3 years old. As for being un accurate you can go down to .1 of a kg settings so 40 kgs out is banannas,

onyerbikepat

Some things to be taken with a pinch of salt as they say.

lakill Farm

just remember you wount be allowed to claim the vat on the animal scales on a vat58 form

Nettleman

hellenmic wrote: »

I had a very bad experience with o neills. Weight heifers before the mart and there was a difference of 30 to 35 kg in the weight. I then put a 25kg bag of ration on the scale and it weigjt 32 kg on the scale.
I rang o neills and they tried to argue that you have to allow for a weight difference of up to 40kg in weight. I had some laugh at that. Anyway they failed to correct the issue for me and i returned the scales. Wont be dealing with them again. Very cowboyish

same issue here. raised it with them but they weren't too keen to resolve it. I didn't push too hard but weighted myself to see it was wrong. will be putting bag of meal on it and insist on re calibration or will be looking a refund. raised sides are a pain for big cows

Zr105

lakill Farm wrote: »

just remember you wount be allowed to claim the vat on the animal scales on a vat58 form

Thought they'd changed that? And you could claim it back now?

agriman

I got a good scales from O’Donovan Engineering in Cork. I met them at the ploughing last September and I found them fairly helpful. It cost around 2000 but it's a good investment. The main thing is that it read the weight quickly as the cattle won't stand still for long.

lalababa

I'd get within 5% range with HG (hearth girth squared) X L (point of rump to point of shoulder), / 300. HG (in inches)squared X L (inches)/300 = weight in Lbs.

just do it

lalababa wrote: »

I'd get within 5% range with HG (hearth girth squared) X L (point of rump to point of shoulder), / 300. HG (in inches)squared X L (inches)/300 = weight in Lbs.

Fancy coming over to measure my nice quiet limousins?

Reggie.

just do it wrote: »

Fancy coming over to measure my nice quiet limousins?

Will you provide the saddle

lalababa

Shouldn't be too bad in a crush. I can even manage in a field because I make 1 or 2 pets and work off them relative to the rest. But I only measure maybe 4 times a year to get a general idea as to how they are doing in different ground and different fodder, and to have an idea before being sold. As to trying it on your limos ahem.. na.

Bigbird1

Hopeing to buy a scales over the few weeks. Anyone any suggestions.

O neils and osmonds are both about 1440euro

just want to buy the best quality and decent back up service