What Are the Best Cattle Scales?
The best cattle scale is NTEP approved, uses sealed load cells, gives animals solid footing, and fits how you work, whether that is a portable scale at the ranch or a permanent scale at a sale barn. Here is what to check before you buy.
The short answer
The best cattle scales share six traits: NTEP approval, quality load cells, overload protection, non-slip flooring, a secure gate, and a pitless or no-pit design. A scale with all six weighs accurately, holds up outdoors, and keeps cattle moving. Sooner Scale builds livestock scales with each of these features, and the sections below explain why each one matters.
1. NTEP approval
NTEP stands for the National Type Evaluation Program. An NTEP approved scale has been evaluated for accuracy and design, which matters if you buy or sell cattle by weight. Every Sooner Scale livestock scale model carries NTEP approval. The portable livestock scale is NTEP approved, C of C #95-039. If a scale does not list an NTEP Certificate of Conformance, ask why before you buy it.
2. Load cells and overload protection
Load cells are the part of the scale that measures weight. The number, rating, and protection of the load cells decide how well a scale handles a pen full of cattle moving around.
- The Sooner Scale portable livestock scale uses four 10,000 lb. tension load cells.
- Those load cells carry 200% overload protection.
- Four cells feed one 4 cell adjustable output junction box.
- The platform rests squarely on the load cells so each weighing is precise.
Our truck scales use 60,000 lb. stainless steel hermetically sealed load cells. Sealed cells resist moisture, which is the main cause of weather-related scale problems.
3. Non-slip flooring
Cattle that slip get stressed, and stressed cattle move around on the platform and make weights harder to read. The Sooner Scale livestock scale has a non-slip textured platform floor. The portable model uses composite rubber flooring with traction cleats. Animals get better footing, move easier, and the process puts less stress on the herd.
4. A gate that stays shut
A gate that swings open at the wrong time is a safety problem for you and the cattle. Our livestock scale uses a spring loaded slam latch that locks automatically when the gate closes. It cannot be left half latched by accident.
5. Pitless design
A pit collects water, mud, and manure. Someone has to clean it or pump it out. A pitless scale sits above ground, so there is no pit to clean and no pit to pump.
- No pit to clean or pump out
- No moving parts
- Fully electronic
- Works in areas with high water tables, underground cables, or pipelines
- Weather resistant with minimal maintenance
Every Sooner Scale livestock scale is built this way.
6. Proper installation
A good scale installed badly will not weigh well. Sooner Scale livestock scales are placed precisely on the concrete pad to allow free, unobstructed movement of the platform. The portable livestock scale can be permanently installed or set on a stable foundation for temporary use.
Portable cattle scale or permanent cattle scale?
Portable livestock scale. This is the right choice when you want to weigh cattle on your own farm or ranch, or move the scale between locations.
- Easy to set up and easy to use
- No construction costs, so 100% bank financing is available
- Buy and sell cattle at your own farm or ranch
- Optional trailer: tandem axle with a rolling tail-bar and a 12 Volt winch
- Optional AC/DC inverter so the scale runs on a 12V battery
Permanent installation. The same scale can be installed permanently on a concrete pad when it stays in one place, such as a working facility or sale barn.
Combo truck and livestock scale. If you weigh both trucks and cattle, a combo scale does both jobs on one platform.
- Heavy duty livestock racks and end gates
- 10′ to 12′ widths
- 10′ to 100′ long
- Custom racks and gate configurations
- Digital weight indicator
What size cattle scale do you need?
Sooner Scale portable livestock scales range from 4′ x 10′ up to 24′ x 10′. Pick the size based on how you work cattle.
- A smaller platform suits single animals and small groups.
- A longer platform fits more head per weighing.
- A truck-length combo scale weighs a full load at once.
Custom sizes are available if your setup does not fit a standard model.
Weight display and printer options
The scale is only useful if you can read it and record the number. Sooner Scale offers:
- A digital weight display matched to your needs
- Ticket printers
- Remote readout on truck scale models
- Computerized ticketing and reporting for truck scale models
- Custom gates and gate configurations
Cattle scale buying checklist
- Is the scale NTEP approved, and can the seller show the certificate number?
- How many load cells does it have, and what is their rating?
- Do the load cells have overload protection?
- Is the floor non-slip?
- Does the gate lock on its own?
- Does the scale need a pit?
- Is it portable, permanent, or both?
- What size fits your cattle and your pens?
- Does the price include a digital indicator?
- Who services it after the sale?
Frequently asked questions
What is the most accurate cattle scale?
An NTEP approved scale with sealed load cells, installed correctly and calibrated on a regular schedule.
Do I need a pit for a cattle scale?
No. A pitless livestock scale sits above ground, with no pit to clean or pump out.
Can I put a cattle scale on a trailer?
Yes. Sooner Scale offers a tandem axle trailer with a rolling tail-bar and a 12 Volt winch for portable livestock scales.
Can a cattle scale run without wall power?
Yes. The optional AC/DC inverter lets the scale operate from a 12V battery.
Can I finance a portable cattle scale?
A portable scale has no construction costs, which is why 100% bank financing is available for it.
Can I rent a scale instead of buying?
Yes. Sooner Scale offers rentals. See our rentals page for current options.
Does Sooner Scale ship nationwide?
Yes. Sooner Scale is founded in Oklahoma City, built in Konawa, and sold nationwide.
Why ranchers buy from Sooner Scale
Sooner Scale was founded in 1969 and has manufactured scales since 1976. We build and service the scales we sell, so the people who answer your call are the people who made the equipment.
If you need a cattle scale or a quote
Reach out and we will usually have an answer, whether it is a livestock scale quote, a rental, or a service appointment, back to you within a day, two days at the latest.
Have questions? We’re here to help.
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Ready to Talk Through What You Need?
Whether you know what you want or are not sure where to start, contact us. We will ask the right questions, give you honest guidance, and put a straight number in front of you. No pressure and no upsell on equipment you do not need.
Call us (405) 236-3566