Setting up a scale, never done it

[2/B or not 2/B]

What would be the difference between a set up like this from BB Scales? $525 + shipping:

http://bbscales.com/Build-Your-Own-Scale-Kit-5000lb-Capacity-BB81.htm

And one like this from Valley Vet? $879.95, free freight. They are two of the more affordable ones I've seen. Any thoughts on quality, durability, ease of set up?

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=8080132f-7d9b-4796-867a-a9d75c37344e&gas=scale

The BB is the most affordable I know of, but I look at that box of parts and have no idea whether it's difficult to set up or not. The cement pad needs a little slope doesn't it? Does that mean the weigh bars can be easily adjusted and leveled? Does it have to be fixed to the concrete as well as fixed to the chute. Is it a straightforward step by step process? I guess that's relative since I'm the one asking such dummy questions. :|

Don't have a scale yet but I'm hoping this'll be the year. Never done it before and don't have anyone here to show me how to do it right.

 

[SRBeef]

I have a Tru-test platform scale with two loadbars as shown in your second picture.

I would be very concerned about the set in the first picture due to there being 4 separate loadbars.

Cattle scales are very different than scales for say shipping pallets. Pallets don't generally move around while they're being weighed. A real cattle scale is designed to weigh cattle as they move back and forth on the platform then locks in a weight and holds it in the display.

If I were you I would go with a scale setup designed to weigh cattle. Often the cheapest solution is not cheapest long term if it doesn't work. Get one that also has a seller standing behind it.

What are you mounting these load cells to?

Good luck.

Jim

a simple readout (EZweigh2) and platform with two loadbars:
http://www.for-most.com/scales.html

For-most sells and stands behind their stuff and Trutest. If you call Formost they may have a dealer nearby who can help you get setup and may have a demo or used unit for sale which is what I bought. I set one of the platforms in my alley just ahead of the chute and started with an EZ weigh readout. I put a piece of black rubber belting on the platform. cattle don't mind stepping on it and it keeps manure out from under the platform.