Q1: What is the difference between wired and wireless Gallagher load bars?
Wired bars connect to the weigh head via a physical cable. Wireless bars use Bluetooth and have a sealed lithium battery rated for 10 years at 3 hours of weekly use. Wireless bars activate only when paired to the weigh head — so the battery isn't draining between sessions. Gallagher is the only manufacturer making wireless load bars. For most new installations, wireless is the recommended choice.
Q2: How long does the battery last on wireless load bars?
Ten years based on 3 hours of weighing per week. The battery is a sealed, non-rechargeable primary lithium cell, the same technology used in industrial remote sensors. Because the bars only wake up when you log into the weigh head, the battery drain between sessions is negligible.
Q3: Do the wireless load bars need to be charged?
No. The battery is a sealed primary cell, not a rechargeable battery. There is no charging port and no charging required. When the battery eventually needs replacing after approximately 10 years, you replace the orange battery module on the end of the bar. This is a service job, contact Dalton Supplies.
Q4: Can I use Gallagher load bars with a different brand of weigh head?
Gallagher wireless load bars are designed to work with Gallagher weigh heads. The auto-calibration feature that eliminates manual calibration only works within the Gallagher system. Gallagher wired load bars use a standard weigh scale connector and may work with some third-party indicators, but we recommend Gallagher-to-Gallagher for full compatibility and warranty coverage.
Q5: What load bar length do I need for my crush?
Measure the clear internal width between your crush uprights at the point where the bar will sit. If the gap is approximately 500-650mm, you need the 600mm bar. If your platform is wider, for example, a wide purpose-built weighing crate or a large animal handling system you'll need the 1,000mm bar. If you're not sure, call us with your crush make and model and we'll confirm.
Q6: What capacity load bars do I need?
The standard 2,500kg capacity is correct for the vast majority of UK cattle operations. This handles any individual animal you're likely to weigh. The 5,000kg heavy duty bars are for large commercial operations with very large cattle, heavy continental breeds, or where the total platform load could approach or exceed 2,500kg.
Q7: Which Gallagher weigh head should I buy?
Start with what you need the head to do: if you mainly want accurate digital weights with app sync and straightforward operation, the TW-1 is the bestseller and best value for most farms. If you need life data recording and multiple trait capture, the TW-3. If you need fully integrated EID (no stick reader required) and a QWERTY keyboard for fast data entry on large commercial operations, the TWR-5.
Q8: What is the Gallagher Animal Performance App?
It's a free cloud-based mobile and web application that stores your complete cattle weighing and EID records. Every session you run on a TW-series weigh head syncs automatically to the app. It shows individual animal growth graphs, flags poor performers, enables data export, and supports cattle movement compliance. Available on iOS, Android, and as a web dashboard.
Q9: Is the Animal Performance App really free?
The core app features are free — including weight recording, EID data, growth graphs, and cloud sync. An Animal Performance Plus subscription unlocks additional advanced analytics and integrations. For most farms, the free tier covers everything they need.
Q10: Do Gallagher load bars fit my crush brand?
The 600mm wireless bars fit most UK crushes including Ritchie, IAE, Shelbourne Reynolds, and many other brands. Crush dimensions do vary between models and generations, so always measure the gap between uprights before ordering. We can confirm compatibility for most common UK crush makes — just tell us what you have.
About FETF 2026
Q11: What is the FETF 2026 grant?
The Farming Equipment & Technology Fund 2026 is a government scheme providing 50% funding on eligible agricultural equipment. The Animal Health & Welfare theme covers livestock weighing and EID equipment. Applications are open now and close at midday on 28 April 2026.
Q12: How much can I claim for a Gallagher weighing system?
The scheme pays 50% of the eligible purchase price, with grants between £1,000 and £25,000 per theme. For a complete Gallagher system (TW-1 head + 2x wireless load bars + EID reader), the total grant could be £1,200-1,500 or more depending on the exact specification.
Q13: What are the FETF item codes for Gallagher products?
FETF78 covers weigh heads and EID reading equipment. FETF79 covers load bars and weighing platforms. Your Dalton Supplies quote will list every product with its correct FETF item code.
Q14: Can I apply for FETF after I've bought the equipment?
No. The FETF grant must be applied for before you purchase the equipment. You receive a grant offer, accept it, then buy. You cannot claim retrospectively on equipment already purchased.
Q15: Does Dalton Supplies produce FETF-ready quotes?
Yes. Call us or email andrew@daltonsupplies.com. We produce quotes with all FETF item codes and eligible amounts included. Most customers tell us the RPA application took under an hour once they had our quote in hand.
Q16: The deadline is 28 April — is there any flexibility?
No. Government grant scheme deadlines are firm. There are no extensions. Applications submitted after midday on 28 April 2026 will not be accepted.
About Installation & Setup
Q17: Can I install Gallagher load bars myself?
Yes, most farmers install them without professional help. The process involves positioning the bars under the crush, bolting them to the crush frame or ground, pairing them with the weigh head via Bluetooth, and doing a zero calibration check. It takes most farmers 2-3 hours for a first installation. Our how-to guide on this website walks you through the full process.
Q18: Do I need to calibrate the system?
Gallagher wireless load bars auto-calibrate when paired with a Gallagher weigh head, no manual calibration weights are required. When you first install the system, do a zero check with the crush empty and weigh a known animal as a verification step.
Q19: Can I leave the wireless load bars outdoors permanently?
Yes. The bars are fully sealed and waterproof with no moving parts and no external connectors that could corrode. They are designed to live under your crush permanently. There is no reason to remove them between sessions.
Q20: What happens if my crush moves fields?
Wireless load bars are fitted to the crush frame, not to the building. When the crush moves, the bars go with it. Your entire weighing system travels with the crush.
Q21: How do I connect the weigh head to WiFi?
On TW-1, TW-3, and TWR-5 models, go to Settings > Network. Select your farm WiFi network and enter the password. Once connected, sessions sync automatically to the Animal Performance App every time you complete a session. For yards without WiFi coverage, data can also sync via Bluetooth to your smartphone.
Q22: Can multiple users access the Animal Performance App?
Yes. The same account can be logged in on multiple devices simultaneously. Data syncs in real time across all devices. This is useful for larger operations where a herdsman and a farm manager both need access to the same records.
About EID and the 2027 Mandate
Q23: When does mandatory cattle EID start in England?
January 2027. From this date, all new-born calves in England must be identified with an EID ear tag as one of their two compulsory ear tags.
Q24: Do I need to re-tag existing animals?
No. The mandate applies to new births from January 2027. Animals already tagged with visual-only tags are not required to be re-tagged under the current rules.
Q25: What EID reader do I need?
For most farms, the HR4 or HR5 Gallagher handheld stick reader paired with a TW-series weigh head is the right choice. For large commercial operations processing many animals quickly, the TWR-5 weigh head with its integrated panel reader eliminates the need for manual scanning entirely.
Q26: Can I use any EID reader, or does it need to be Gallagher?
Other EID readers can read standard ISO-compliant cattle EID tags. However, for seamless integration with your Gallagher weigh head and automatic linking of EID data to weight records in the Animal Performance App, a Gallagher HR4 or HR5 reader is the recommended choice.
Q27: Will FETF 2026 cover EID readers?
Yes. EID handheld readers and panel readers are eligible items under FETF78. A Gallagher HR4 or HR5 reader included in your FETF application will have 50% of the cost covered.
About Buying from Dalton Supplies
Q28: Can I buy online, or do I need to call?
Both. Our store at daltonsupplies.com lets you buy the full Gallagher range online. If you'd rather talk through your system requirements with an expert first, call us on 01845 578325. We'll give you a system recommendation and, if needed, a FETF-ready quote.
Q29: What if I need help after purchase?
Call us. We provide post-sale support for all Gallagher products. If you have a commissioning question, a calibration issue, or need to order parts, we're here. We're not a faceless online retailer, we're an agricultural supplier with a team that knows this equipment.
Q30: Do you offer installation?
Call us to discuss installation options in your area. Whilst most farmers are comfortable fitting load bars themselves using our guide, we can arrange professional installation for larger or more complex setups. Ask when you call for a quote.
In need of more information? Read our complete guide to gallagher weighing & EID systems for UK cattle farmers.
