Farm Scales:
Types, Sizes, and What to Look For
Most farms and ranches need one of four scales: a livestock scale, a truck scale, a portable flat top scale, or a combo truck and livestock scale. The right one depends on what you weigh, how often, and whether the scale stays in one place. Here is how to choose.
Farm scales weigh cattle, trucks, trailers, and loads of grain or feed. The best farm scale is NTEP approved, uses sealed load cells, sits above ground with no pit, and is sized for the heaviest thing you will put on it. Sooner Scale builds all four types, and the sections below explain what each one does.
1. Livestock scales
A livestock scale weighs cattle so you can sell by actual weight and track gains. Sooner Scale’s portable livestock scale is built for farms and ranches.
- Four 10,000 lb. tension load cells with 200% overload protection
- One 4 cell adjustable output junction box
- Digital weight display matched to your needs
- Sizes from 4′ x 10′ up to 24′ x 10′
- Composite rubber flooring with traction cleats
- NTEP approved, C of C #95-039
- No pit to clean or pump out
You can buy and sell at your own farm or ranch. You can install it permanently or set it on a stable foundation for temporary use.
2. Truck scales
A truck scale weighs loaded trucks and trailers, including grain trucks, feed trucks, and livestock haulers. Sooner Scale makes two pitless truck scale series.
Flat Top Series
- 100 ton capacity
- NTEP approved, C of C #95-089
- 60,000 lb. stainless steel hermetically sealed load cells
- Steel deck with 1/4″ checkered steel, or concrete deck
- 15″ deck height and 4″ clearance under the deck
- Top access to load cells and junction boxes
- No moving parts and fully electronic
- Easily expandable
Side Rail Series
- Up to 160,000 lb. capacity
- NTEP approved, C of C #92-039
- Conforms to OSHA/MSHA regulations
- 27″ x 84 lb. WF side girders and 8″ x 15 lb. cross members
- Concrete deck is 7 3/4″ thick. Steel deck is 3/8″ checkered steel.
- 12″ deck height and 5″ clearance under the deck
- Pit type design available
Both series are available in various lengths and widths, with factory installed conduit and junction box.
3. Portable flat top scales
A portable flat top scale is a self-contained scale for temporary setup. It fits jobs that move, such as harvest, hauling, or a short project.
- 200,000 lb. capacity
- 10′ to 12′ widths and 10′ to 30′ modules
- Pre-assembled deck modules for easy installation, expansion, and relocation
- Steel ramps and approaches available
- Rentals available
4. Combo truck and livestock scales
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
- Custom sizes available
Portable or permanent?
Portable. Choose portable if you weigh at more than one location or want to buy and sell at your own farm. A portable livestock scale has no construction costs, so 100% bank financing is available. A trailer option is available with a tandem axle, a rolling tail-bar, and a 12 Volt winch.
Permanent. Choose permanent if the scale stays in one spot, such as a feed yard, grain operation, or working facility. Concrete pad installation is placed precisely so the platform moves freely and rests squarely on the load cells.
Features that protect accuracy
- NTEP approval. NTEP stands for the National Type Evaluation Program. Ask for the certificate number on any scale you consider.
- Sealed load cells. Hermetically sealed stainless steel load cells resist moisture and weather.
- Overload protection. The portable livestock scale carries 200% overload protection.
- Side rails. Optional side rails on flat top platforms make sure every truck wheel is completely on the platform.
- Non-slip floor. Better footing keeps cattle calm and moving.
- Self-locking gate. A spring loaded slam latch locks automatically when the gate closes.
Options and add-ons
- Ticket or tape printers
- Computerized truck scale ticketing and reporting system
- Remote readout
- Automatic axle weighing systems
- AC/DC inverter so the scale runs on a 12V battery
- Extra-wide and heavy-duty off-road vehicle models
- Heavy duty livestock racks
- Custom gates, custom sizes, and variations on length and width
Farm scale buying checklist
- What will you weigh: cattle, trucks, or both?
- What is the heaviest load you will put on it?
- Is the scale NTEP approved, and can the seller show the certificate number?
- Are the load cells sealed, and what is their rating?
- Do you need a pit, or will a pitless scale work?
- Does the scale need to move between locations?
- What platform size fits your trucks, trailers, or pens?
- Does it include a digital indicator and a printer?
- Can you rent before you buy?
- Who services it after the sale?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best scale for a farm?
The best scale matches what you weigh. Use a livestock scale for cattle, a truck scale for loaded trucks and trailers, and a combo scale for both.
How big a truck scale do I need?
Size it to your longest truck or trailer. Flat top and side rail scales come in various lengths and widths, and custom sizes are available.
Do farm scales need a pit?
No. Pitless scales sit above ground with no pit to clean or pump out.
Can I rent a farm scale?
Yes. Sooner Scale offers portable flat top scale rentals.
Can I finance a farm scale?
A portable livestock scale has no construction costs, which is why 100% bank financing is available for it.
Can a farm scale run without wall power?
Yes. The optional AC/DC inverter lets the portable livestock scale run on a 12V battery.
Does Sooner Scale ship nationwide?
Yes. Sooner Scale is based in Oklahoma City, built in Konawa, and sold nationwide.
Why farmers and 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 farm scale or a quote
Reach out and we will usually have an answer, whether it is a 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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