How to Choose the Right Gallagher Weigh Head

Choosing a Gallagher weigh head is straightforward once you know the three questions to ask yourself. This guide takes you through them in order.

Question 1: Do You Want a Touchscreen?

The Gallagher range splits into two families. The W series (W0 and W1) are simple scale indicators with a numeric display. They show the weight, store the session, and sync to the app. They do the job at the lowest price point.

The TW series (TW-1, TW-3, TWR-5) have large 7-inch touchscreens, readable in full sunlight. They feel more like a tablet computer than a traditional scale head. If you've ever squinted at a small LCD screen in bright light trying to read an animal's weight, you'll appreciate the difference immediately.

If budget is the priority and you mainly need accurate weights synced to your phone, start with a W1. For everyone else, the TW-1 is worth the extra investment.

Question 2: How Much Data Do You Need to Record?

This is where the TW-1, TW-3, and TWR-5 separate themselves.

• TW-1: Weight, EID tag number (with stick reader), session date. Syncs to app. This covers 80% of UK cattle farm needs.
• TW-3: Everything the TW-1 does, plus life data recording (the complete history of each animal across its lifetime) and multiple trait recording. Essential for performance breeding programmes and farm assurance schemes.
• TWR-5: The TW-3's capabilities, plus a full QWERTY keyboard, a fully integrated EID panel reader, and the ability to record nine traits simultaneously without putting the weigh head down. If you're weighing large numbers of animals quickly and recording detailed data on each one, this pays for itself in time saved.

Question 3: Do You Want Integrated EID, or Are You Happy With a Stick Reader?

All TW-series weigh heads are compatible with Gallagher's handheld EID stick readers (the HR4 and HR5). You scan the tag with the stick, the reading transfers automatically to the weigh head. It works well and the stick readers are robust, accurate devices.

The TWR-5 takes a step further with a fully integrated panel reader. The animal walks through the crush, the panel reads the tag automatically — no scanning by hand required. For large commercial operations weighing 50+ cattle in a session, this is a significant time saving.

The Decision Framework in One Table

In need of more information? Read our complete guide to gallagher weighing & EID systems for UK cattle farmers.