Your mixer scale is the cash register of your feeding system. Every kilogram on that screen is money. If it reads wrong, you’re giving away feed or shorting the cows, and you won’t see it until performance slips.
How feed mixer scales work
Most mixer scales have three parts:
- Load cells. Sensors mounted between the tub and the frame or axle. They flex slightly under weight and send a signal.
- Junction box. Combines the signals from all load cells.
- Indicator. The screen that shows weight. Some store rations and loading records.
Why accuracy drifts
- A damaged or wet load cell.
- Corroded cables or connectors.
- Feed or ice built up under the tub, carrying weight.
- Mixer parked on a slope.
- Cables chewed by rodents.
Simple checks
Daily: zero the scale with an empty tub on level ground.
Weekly: check for buildup around load cells and the frame.
Monthly: test with a known weight. Add a known amount, for example a weighed bag or a load checked on a certified scale, and compare.
If readings are off, call your dealer. Calibration should follow the manufacturer’s procedure.
Loading to weight
The best scale is useless if the operator ignores it. Set up rations in the indicator with target weights for each ingredient. Many indicators count down to the target, which makes accurate loading easy.
Records
Some systems record what went in each load. That shows you who’s loading accurately and where feed goes. It also helps your nutritionist.
What it’s worth
Small loading errors on expensive ingredients add up over a year. Accurate weighing is one of the fastest payback upgrades on a mixer. We covered the money side in this LEO scale systems piece.
Load cells
Load cells sit between the mixer body and frame. They measure the force from the weight in the tub and send a signal to the indicator. Most mixers have three or four. If one fails or gets damaged, the whole reading can go wrong.
Indicators
The indicator shows the weight and often stores rations, tracks loads and counts down as you add each ingredient. Some connect to feed management software. Pick one your feeders find easy to use.
Calibration
Test with a known weight. Many farms use a weighed bag or a known amount of feed checked on a certified scale. Put it in the tub and compare. If it’s off, follow the manual or call the dealer.
Things that throw off readings
- Mixer not on level ground.
- Feed buildup around load cells.
- Damaged cables.
- Water in connectors.
- Welding on the machine.
Keeping records
Most indicators store data. Download it. Compare what was planned with what was loaded. You’ll see which ingredients get overloaded or underloaded and which operators need help.
Training feeders
The scale only works if it’s used right. Train operators to zero the scale, follow the ration, and stop at the target weight. Small errors repeated every day cost real money.
Quick questions
How often should I calibrate? Check monthly with a known weight, and after any repair or welding.
Why does the weight jump around? Usually an unlevel spot, a loose cable or wet connectors.
Can I add a scale to an older mixer? Often, yes. Ask your dealer about kits for your model.
From the show floor
I’ve seen farmers with great scales that nobody looks at. The loader operator dumps until it looks right. The scale is only as good as the habit of watching it. Mount the display where the loader operator can see it.
Where to start this week
Put a known weight in the tub and check the reading. Walk around the mixer and look at every load cell cable. Clean feed out from around the cells. Check the indicator is mounted where the loader driver can see it. Four small jobs, maybe an hour all up, and you’ll know whether your scale is telling the truth.
Care tips
- Keep cables tied up and away from moving parts.
- Don’t weld on the mixer without disconnecting the scale.
- Keep the indicator dry and clean.
Our VT twin auger mixers are set up for scale systems. Ask your dealer which indicator fits how you feed.
Bottom line? Trust the scale only if you test it.
