A new livestock scale costs $3,000–$8,000. Most ranchers use one for weigh days, sale prep, health monitoring, and feed efficiency tracking — typically 4–12 days per year. That makes purchasing hard to justify until your operation reaches a certain scale.
HerdShare connects you with ranchers in your area who own livestock scales and make them available when they're not in use. You rent by the day or week, pick up from the owner, and return it when you're done. The owner earns extra income on equipment that would otherwise sit in the barn.
| Rental Duration | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Single day | $80–$175 |
| 3-day weekend | $240–$525 |
| Full week (7 days) | $440–$962 |
| Purchase price (new) | $3,000–$8,000 |
Search by ZIP
Enter your ZIP code to find livestock scales within driving distance of your ranch.
Book Direct
Message the owner with your dates, confirm specs, and book with a card through HerdShare.
Pick Up & Work
Coordinate pickup with the owner. Use it for your working session. Return when finished.
Q: What is a livestock scale?
A livestock scale is a piece of livestock handling equipment used for weigh days, sale prep, health monitoring, and feed efficiency tracking. HerdShare allows ranchers to rent livestock scales from other ranchers rather than purchasing equipment they may only use a few days per year.
Q: How much does it cost to rent a livestock scale?
Livestock Scales rental on HerdShare typically costs $80–$175 per day depending on the model, features, and owner. Weekly rates are available at a discount for multi-day working sessions. Prices are set by individual equipment owners.
Q: Where can I rent a livestock scale near me?
Search HerdShare by equipment type and your ZIP code to find livestock scales available from ranchers in your area. Coverage is strongest in TX, OK, KS, NE, CO, MO, and other major cattle states.
Q: Is it cheaper to rent or buy a livestock scale?
A new livestock scale costs $3,000–$8,000. If you use one 4–8 days per year, renting at $80–$175/day costs $320–$1400 annually. Break-even with buying takes 5–10+ years for most cow-calf operations.
Q: Can I list my livestock scale for rent on HerdShare?
Yes. Any rancher with idle livestock scales can list on HerdShare. Create a free account, add photos and specs, set your daily rate and availability, and start receiving booking requests.