Draftweigh

Description

The LM Bateman Draftweigh has been designed with one clear goal in mind: to make livestock handling more efficient and precise. Combining the functions of a weighing crate, drafting system, and optional tag reading technology, it streamlines multiple processes into a single, user-friendly setup. This all-in-one approach allows farmers to complete essential weighing and sorting operations with minimal handling, reducing stress on animals and improving safety for the operator.

Specifications

• Length: 1385mm
• Depth: 575mm
• Height: 1070mm (excluding weigh head)
• 250kg suspended capacity single load cell
• Fold-under wheels and handles for full portability
• Lift-up rear gate and quick-release front exit gate
• Quick-release spring-loaded side doors
• Spray can holders included
• Tru-Test compatible weighing and EID integration

From the moment it’s set up, the Draftweigh demonstrates LM Bateman’s trademark engineering quality. Measuring 1385mm in length, 575mm in depth, and 1070mm in height (not including the weigh head), the unit strikes the perfect balance between compact design and comfortable working height. Despite its small footprint, it’s built for strength, with a 250kg suspended capacity single load cell that delivers accurate weighing for sheep and smaller livestock. The robust construction ensures dependable use season after season, while the compact size keeps the unit easy to transport and set up wherever it’s needed.

A standout feature of the Draftweigh is its fold-under wheel system, which allows it to be moved easily between locations and then set to operate flat on the ground. This clever design ensures maximum portability without sacrificing stability during use. Fold-out handles add further convenience, enabling one person to reposition the unit quickly and safely. For busy farms where equipment needs to move between paddocks or pens, this portability is a major time-saving advantage.

Once positioned, the Draftweigh’s tapered sides play a crucial role in animal welfare and efficiency. The narrowing shape prevents animals from turning around once inside, keeping them facing forward and ready for weighing or drafting. This not only speeds up the process but also helps reduce stress, as animals are handled quickly and calmly. The internal surfaces feature hard-wearing sides that are designed to withstand years of use, ensuring smooth, low-maintenance operation even under heavy workloads.

The Draftweigh also offers excellent access and visibility for handlers. The full access area above the animal makes it easy to reach in for tagging, inspecting, or spraying when needed. Two integrated spray can holders provide convenient storage for health treatments or marking sprays, ensuring that everything is close to hand during operation. A lift-up rear gate allows animals to enter smoothly, while the quick-release front exit gate provides a clean and fast exit once weighing or drafting is complete. Both gates are spring-loaded for reliability and can be operated by hand without complex mechanisms or electrics.

On either side of the unit, quick-release spring-loaded side doors and side drafting gates provide flexibility for sorting animals. These side exits make it possible to draft in multiple directions without moving the entire unit, increasing workflow efficiency. The side gates are designed for use with either hand, giving the operator full control and flexibility during busy handling sessions.

When it comes to precision weighing, the Draftweigh truly excels. It’s Tru-Test compatible, meaning it can be equipped quickly with Tru-Test weighing and EID units for highly accurate readings. The design supports in-line operation, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into existing race systems or other Bateman handling equipment. This ensures smooth, continuous animal flow through the setup — essential for high-efficiency farms.

The EID version, available as an optional extra, allows farmers to read electronic tags while weighing, bringing data capture and animal management into one simple process. This makes the Draftweigh especially valuable for those looking to modernise their operations with digital record keeping and performance tracking. When connected to compatible EID equipment, data can be instantly logged and stored, providing accurate weight records and individual animal histories.

All of these features come together to make the Draftweigh one of the most user-friendly pieces of livestock handling equipment available. It’s designed to be fully portable, allowing operators to move it easily between yards, trailers, or sheds without needing additional equipment. Despite its mobility, it remains sturdy and well-balanced when in use, ensuring animals remain steady during weighing and drafting.

The Draftweigh also shines in its simplicity. Every mechanism is built for smooth, intuitive operation. The gates open and close effortlessly, the tread and handles are positioned for comfortable use, and the entire structure works harmoniously with other handling equipment. There’s no steep learning curve — just practical, reliable design that works exactly as it should.

LM Bateman’s long-standing reputation for engineering excellence is reflected in every aspect of the Draftweigh. The materials have been selected for strength and resilience, while the layout prioritises safety and efficiency. The hard-wearing sides resist impact and corrosion, and the spring-loaded systems minimise wear over time. Whether used as part of a fixed yard setup or taken on the road as part of a mobile handling system, this is a product built to perform year after year with minimal maintenance.

The unit’s 250kg suspended load capacity ensures accurate weighing of sheep, goats, or small cattle, while the optional EID and weighing accessories allow it to scale up with your operation. With its quick-release side gates, lift-up rear access, and smooth front exit, it creates a consistent and efficient flow of livestock — a must for any farmer seeking to streamline weighing and sorting routines.

Optional EID version availableThe LM Bateman Draftweigh is more than just a weighing crate, it’s a complete livestock management solution. Fast, accurate, and exceptionally easy to use, it combines weighing, tag reading, and drafting in one compact, portable system. With its rugged build quality, intuitive design, and compatibility with leading EID and weighing systems, it’s a must-have for any modern livestock operation. Designed for farmers who demand efficiency without compromise, the Draftweigh delivers exceptional results every time,  wherever the work takes you.