Farm Scale Installation — Weigh Bars, Indicator, Cables & Power
Installing an Avery Weigh-Tronix farm scale system, start to finish. Handle every weigh bar carefully — a cut, pinched, or pulled-loose cable can mean replacing the whole assembly, so never lift a weigh bar by its cable.
Unpacking
Inspect all components for shipping damage. If there's damage, a written inspection request must be filed with the carrier within 15 days of delivery. A weigh bar has no moving parts and is sealed — it bends slightly under load and converts that to a signal the indicator reads.
3-point vs. 4-point systems
3-point (two axle bars + one hitch bar) is used for two-wheeled towed machinery — grinder/mixers, mixer wagons, weigh wagons. If a 3-point system has a 4-connector indicator, cap the unused connector with an adapter (dummy) plug: P/N 11891-0017 (four-pin) or 21575-0027 (five-pin). 4-point (one bar under each corner) is used for tank scales, platform scales, and truck-mounted scales.
Mounting the weigh bars
Position each bar so the surface marked TOP or (T) faces up. Make sure all mounting hardware is tight — loose hardware causes failures and inaccurate readings. On 4-point systems, keep all four bars level (shim if needed) and set support brackets so weight lands on the top of the bar, not the 11 or 1 o'clock position. Do not weld on or near a weigh bar; if welding nearby, disconnect all cables to the indicator, ground the welder close to the weld, and remove the bar if brackets are being welded.
Indicator, cables & power
Mount the indicator where it's easy to read and protected; on portable machinery, add a safety wire around the bracket.
Route cables through hollow frame members where possible; fasten to the frame every 18 inches, keep them off moving parts, and secure within 12 inches of the indicator.
All Weigh-Tronix farm indicators run on 11–15 VDC, negative ground. Mount the tractor plug pointing toward the rear of the vehicle so it disconnects automatically if left connected after unhitching. On 12V systems, scrape paint at the ground point for a clean connection.
Weekly maintenance
Each week: check/tighten the hitch-mount bar bolts (loose bolts cause inaccurate readings), hand-tighten the connectors on the bottom of the indicator, inspect all cables for cuts/pinches, keep any auxiliary battery charged, and clean the display with a soft damp cloth.
Installing a system and want a hand choosing or mounting it? Call Central City Scale at 800-582-3175.