A lightweight aluminium platform for your load bars
The 24in load bars sit under a weighing platform. This is the platform AgriEID recommends: marine-grade aluminium, low profile, and under 77 lb for a 2000 × 28in platform, the standard chute size. A local welder or fabricator can build it quickly from this guide. The Extreme 40in bars are made to bolt to the steel base under your chute. Download the platform guide (PDF)
50 × 50 × 0.2in angle
Marine-grade aluminium angle for the platform edges.
50 × 50 × 0.2in RHS square tube
Marine-grade aluminium square tube for the platform spine.
3–0.25in tread plate
Aluminium diamond tread plate on top of the frame.
Measuring your chute
Take the measurements for the platform size you need, so it fits comfortably inside your chute.
When you measure the inside of the chute, open and close every access door and look for anything that could get in the way of the platform, the load cells or the load bars.
Allow a 10 to 0.8in gap between the edge of the platform and the inside edge of the chute, so there is room to install the platform and to open veterinary doors, kick gates and the head bail.
Building and fitting the platform
The frame is 2in angle around the edges with a 2in square tube spine, and 3–0.25in diamond tread plate on top.
01 / Add two plates under the frame
Add two 3–0.25in aluminium plates to the underside of the frame, one over each load bar.
02 / Drill the plates
Drill holes into the 0.25in plates to secure the platform to the load bars.
03 / Fix the load bars
Dynabolt the load bars into a concrete pad before the platform goes on.
04 / Keep a 0.2in gap
When you attach the platform, make sure the floating top section is not damaged as you tighten the bolts. A gap of at least 0.2in must be kept between the floating top section and the main structure for the load bars to work correctly.
05 / Secure the platform
The aluminium platform secured in position.
Alternate design with end channels
An alternate design with end channels for the load bars. Structural aluminium alloy (for example 6061-T6 or 6082-T6) for the rails and cross members, with 4–0.2in checker plate for the deck.
Load bar measurements
Measurements are in millimeters.
BT Ultra 24in
- a
- 600
- b
- 540
- c
- 442.4
- d
- 568
- e
- 90.3
- f
- 100
Why a custom-built platform is recommended
- Chutes are all different lengths and widths.
- Chutes have different gates and frame cross-bearer locations.
- The animals' weight is spread evenly, for the best accuracy.
- Safer for your animals and workers: no gaps or humps.
- Less expensive to buy.
- Aluminium is lighter than steel, so the platform is easier to handle.
- Quick and easy for a local engineering company to build.
- No freight bill for a heavy steel platform.
- Supports local businesses.
Platform construction guide (PDF)
Eight pages with the materials list, construction photographs and load bar drawings, ready to hand to your welder. Questions about platform construction, or which load bars suit your operation? Email info@agrieid.com.
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