Large animal scale (cattle)

37chief · Sep 11, 2014

I had a chance to get a large platform scale from a cattle operation that quit operation back in the 50's. This scale sat from the 50's to a few years ago when the new owner gave it to me when the ranch was being cleaned up by the new owner. I had to take it apart to move it, the metal parts are all very heavy. The floor area is about 8 ft x 16 ft. I'm sure there is some value in the scale if I put it back together. Problem is I have no idea who made it. Anyone know the name of the company who made these scales back in the 50's? I would like to find some info on it. Thanks Stan

IaGary · Sep 11, 2014

Fairbanks?

Or is it Fairbault?

Gary

CGID · Sep 11, 2014

Fairbanks and Toledo were the biggest suppliers. The design of the head/dial portion will tell which one made it. Toledo had a counter-weight on each side of center which swung up and away from the center as weight was applied. From your handle it looks like you are from Iowa. If you are near Sioux City, Siouxland Scale should be able to help with service or parts. You've got an old one so parts may be hard to come by. Siouxland Scale will do what they can, but don't be surprised if they try to sell you a new scale!

Steve@Advance · Sep 11, 2014

You should be able to find some local companies that can calibrate it. Chances are they probably won't take much corrective action though. Very few of the "ol timers" still working on them, everything has gone to electronic weight cells.

If you can get it working best you can, level it up good, it will probably suit your needs.

Cas · Sep 11, 2014

No answers, but it brings back memories. The cow would walk on the scale and everbody would look at it to figure out the weight. The auctioneer would call out the weight. Now the clerk puts a ticket in the printer and weight is punched on it. The auctioneer still calls it out around here.

37chief · Sep 11, 2014

I am a ways from Iowa. I live in Californi 30 mi north of San Diego. My handle is for my 37 Indian Chief Motorcycle. stan

CGID · Sep 11, 2014

I mis-read your handle but no matter where you are, Steve@Advance has it right - finding an old-timer familiar with mechanical scales could be as much of a problem as finding parts. However, the mechanics of the levers, piviots and knife bearings hasn't changed over time. The electronic connections to them above the deck is what's new. If the piviots and bearings are worn and new ones are unavailable or too expensive, someone with experience can true them up with files and stones.

Large animal scale (cattle)

37chief

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IaGary

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CGID

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Steve@Advance

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Cas

Well-known Member

37chief

Well-known Member

CGID

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