Category Archives: Floor Scales

The Importance of Regular Maintenance and Calibration for Industrial Floor Scales

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Industrial floor scales are essential tools in various industries and environments. From warehouse and manufacturing environments to metal recycling and food banks… Accurate weight measurements are critical for safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. However, like any other equipment, industrial floor scales require regular maintenance and calibration to ensure their accuracy and reliability. Here are some reasons why…

Compliance with Regulations

In most industries, there are regulatory requirements that mandate the use of calibrated and well-maintained weighing equipment. In commercial applications, scales need to be tested by the state and be within tolerance.  Compliance with such regulations is critical.

Accurate Weighing Results

Industrial floor scales are designed to measure the weight of heavy or bulky items accurately. However, over time, factors such as wear and tear, exposure to environmental factors, and shock or impact can affect their accuracy. Regular testing, maintenance and calibration can help identify and correct such issues, ensuring that the scales provide accurate weighing results consistently.

Safety in the Workplace

Industrial floor scales are often used to weigh large and heavy items, such as pallets, drums, or machinery components. If the scales are not calibrated or maintained correctly, they can produce inaccurate results that could lead to safety hazards. For example, if an employee overloads a pallet because the scale shows an incorrect weight, it could result in accidents or injuries. Regular maintenance and calibration help ensure that the scales are working correctly and prevent such safety hazards.

Industrial Floor Scale with Ramp

Cost Savings

Regular maintenance and calibration of industrial floor scales can help prevent costly repairs or break downs in the near future. Small issues that are left unaddressed can lead to more significant problems that require more expensive repairs or even replacement of the equipment. By conducting regular maintenance and calibration, you can sometimes identify and correct small issues before they become more severe, saving your business money in the long run. For example, many times a small cut in a cable can be seen and either removed or fixed. Or, perhaps a load cell foot has been bent or damaged and can easily be replaced before it leads to inaccurate weights.

Improved Productivity

Industrial floor scales play a critical role in many warehouse and manufacturing operations, such as inventory management, quality control, and shipping and receiving. If the scales are not working correctly, it can lead to delays, errors, or inefficiencies that can affect productivity. Regular maintenance and calibration help ensure that the scales are working correctly and improve productivity.

Regular maintenance and calibration are essential for industrial floor scales. How frequent the scales are checked should be discussed with your trusted scale company. Often, the service intervals are based on how often the scales are used and how valuable the products being weighed actually are. If you need some assistance with buying a floor scale or with your floor scale repairs and calibration, please call us (919) 776-7737 or complete the RFQ form on our website.

Advantages of using a Pallet Jack with Built In Scale in Warehouse

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Pallet jacks with built-in scales have become increasingly popular in warehouse and industrial settings over the years. Pallet truck scales offer several advantages over traditional floor scales. Here are some benefits of using a pallet jack with a built-in scale versus using a stationary floor scale.

Increased Efficiency

Pallet jacks with built-in scales are designed to save time and improve efficiency. With a built-in scale, you can weigh and move pallets in a single step, eliminating the need for multiple trips to find the nearest floor scale in a busy freight and logistics center. This can reduce the time and labor required to move and weigh pallets, which can increase productivity and reduce labor costs.

pallet jack with built in scale

Portability

Pallet jacks with built-in scales are highly portable and can be easily moved around a warehouse or facility. This allows you to weigh pallets at the location where they are loaded, reducing the need to move the pallets to a central location for weighing. This can save time and reduce the risk of damage to the pallets during transportation.

Reduced Floor Space Requirements

A pallet jack scale requires less floor space compared to a floor scale. Floor scales can take up a significant amount of floor space and require a dedicated area for weighing. This becomes even more obvious if you need to add a ramp or ramps to the floor scale!  In contrast, a pallet jack with a built-in scale can be used in the same space as a regular pallet jack, making it an ideal solution for facilities with limited floor space.

Reduced Equipment Costs

Using a pallet jack with a built-in scale can theoretically reduce equipment costs in the long run. Instead of purchasing separate equipment for moving and weighing pallets, you can invest in a single pallet jack with a built-in scale. This can save money on equipment purchases, maintenance, and repairs.

Improved Safety

Using a pallet jack with a built-in scale can also improve safety in the workplace. Floor scales can be difficult to access and require workers to bend down and lift heavy objects, which can lead to injuries. In contrast, a pallet jack with a built-in scale is designed to be ergonomic and easy to use, reducing the risk of injury to workers.

Final Thoughts

Pallet jack scales can certainly be a good option for some customers. The same is true for customers looking at forklift scales. In most businesses, it’s a good idea to utilize several of these products together to make sure you have a backup, just in case a scale has failed or is down for routine maintenance. For example, you have a pallet jack scale and you have a floor scale with ramp.

A pallet jack with a built-in scale offers several benefits over traditional floor scales. These benefits include increased efficiency, portability, reduced floor space requirements, possible reduced equipment costs, and improved safety. If you are looking to improve the efficiency and accuracy of weighing pallets in your facility, a pallet jack with a built-in scale may be the ideal solution for your needs. Be sure to contact our sales office by calling (919) 776-7737 or click the RFQ button on our website to get in touch with us.

How Much Do Floor Scales Cost?

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This is a fairly popular question. How much does a floor scale cost?  Potential customers may swap the phrase pallet scale or platform scales etc… but the question is basically the same. 

Floor Scale Prices

Floor Scales are typically designed to weigh a pallet. Therefore, they’re usually in the 3’x3′ to 5’x5′ range.  You often see pallet scales near a loading dock or in a warehouse. They’re often used to weigh pallets before and after shipping. The maximum weighing capacities for these warehouse scales is usually around 10,000 pounds.

There are larger floor sales available in all kinds of sizes like 5×7, 4×6 etc… with 20,000 lb capacity for example.  But these need to be quoted for current prices.  For this article we will mainly focus on the standard 4×4 5000 lb floor scale.

how much does a floor scale cost?

Floor Scale Categories

We like to sort our floor scales into four different categories. The categories are based on quality and many years of selling and working on industrial floor scales.

Industrial Quality

The first category is the top of the line Industrial Floor scale.  For example, a B-Tek Clydesdale or Rice Lake Roughdeck would fall into that category. You won’t find a lightweight import floor scale in this category. A 4×4 5000 pound capacity scale in this category is probably going to cost somewhere around $2700 to $3600. These scales are typically built tougher with more steel and a thicker top deck plate. And these high quality 4×4 scales usually weigh anywhere from 30 to 90 pounds more than lesser, often imported, 4×4 floor scales.

The second category is slightly below the top group. These are scales that are a little lighter or not quite as industrial “tough” as the first category. These are still really good scales though. We might place the Digi Summit 3000 in this group along with the Pennsylvania 6600, and the B-Tek 4 Square.  A 4×4 5000 pound capacity scale in this group is likely going to be somewhere between $1400 and $2500

Affordable Floor Scales

The third category is the light industrial floor scale. In this group, we would likely include the Inscale 7620 and Weighsouth floor scale, for example.  A 4×4 5000 pound capacity scale in this group is likely going be somewhere around $1000 to $1400. These are typically imported scales that are lighter weight but supported by our domestic suppliers. Continue reading →

How to Choose the Right Industrial Floor Scale for Your Business

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Industrial floor scales are an essential tool for many businesses that require accurate and reliable weight measurements. These heavy duty scales are designed to withstand the  demands of industrial environments and are commonly used in manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and warehouse operations.

However, with a variety of options available in the market, choosing the right industrial floor scale for your business can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing an industrial floor scale to ensure that you make the right choice for your business needs.

Pallet Scale with Ramp

Capacity and Accuracy

One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing an industrial floor scale is its maximum capacity and accuracy. The capacity of a platform scale refers to the maximum weight it can measure, while accuracy refers to how precise the measurements are. It is important to choose a warehouse scale with a capacity that meets your specific needs. If you are weighing heavy equipment or pallets, you will need a scale with a higher capacity. In addition, the scale’s accuracy should be sufficient for your application. Some common floor scale capacities include: 2500 x 0.5 lb, 5000 x 1 lb, 10,000 x 2 lb, & 20,000 x 5 lb

Platform Sizes and Material

Another crucial factor to consider is the platform size and platform material of the scale deck. The platform size should be large enough to accommodate the items you will be weighing, and the material should be ideal for the application. Common platform materials for industrial floor scales include painted steel or stainless steel. For standard industrial weighing, most customers choose painted steel. However, for food processing or washdown applications, stainless steel is often utilized. Popular platform sizes include: 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, and 5×7.

Environment and Hazards

When choosing an industrial floor scale, you need to consider the environment and hazards that your scale will be exposed to. If your business operates in a hazardous environment, such as a chemical plant or refinery, you will need to choose a scale that is suitable for use in such environments. The scale should be made from materials that can withstand the hazards, and it should be equipped with safety features, such as explosion-proof components and anti-skid platforms, to prevent accidents.

send scale weight to computer

Connectivity and Data Management

In today’s digital age, many industrial scales come equipped with advanced connectivity features and data management capabilities. These features can help you to streamline your business operations and improve productivity. For instance, scales with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity can send data or store data on a usb drive allowing you to track and analyze weight measurements. Label printers can also be configured to print things like time and date along with weight data.

Overall Value

Finally, when choosing an industrial floor scale, you need to consider your budget and how you plan to use the scale. As we have discussed before here in our learning center and on our YouTube channel, floor scales are available in light industrial design or industrial design.  The difference is often not noticeable to the eye. But, a deeper look at the specs will often show the key differences.

platform scale

While it may be tempting to choose a low-cost scale from China, it may not be the best long-term investment for your business. Cheaper scales usually have less durability, and they may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently, leading to additional costs in the long run. On the other hand, investing in a high-quality industrial floor scale may have a higher initial cost, but it can provide a better ROI in the long run by providing more accurate and reliable weight measurements and lasting much longer.

Choosing the right industrial floor scale for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs and requirements. You may be fine purchasing one of our lower cost floor scales. On the other hand, in your particular industry, you may be best served by purchasing one of our toughest floor scales available.

One of the first steps we recommend is contacting your trusted scale provider to discuss your needs and what you are looking to accomplish. You can reach our sales department by calling (919) 776-7737 or clicking the RFQ button on our website.  By taking into account all the things we have mentioned above, you can make an informed decision that will help you improve your business operations, increase efficiency, and achieve your business goals.

What Makes a Weighing Scale Better Quality than Another?

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We get this question all the time and it’s a fair question. What makes one weighing scale better quality than another? Sure, it can be worded a little differently like why is one scale priced so much higher than the other, even though they look identical?  The answers can vary from scale type to scale type.

Why Does One Scale Cost So Much More Than Another?  

So why does one scale cost so much more than another?  Here are a few reasons.

  • The country the scale was manufactured in
  • The quality of the components inside the scale
  • The construction of the scale itself
  • A lithium ion battery vs. a lead acid battery
  • IP68 enclosure vs. IP65 enclosure
  • Stainless Steel enclosure vs. painted steel or plastic enclosure
  • The warranty of the item
  • The reputation of the scale manufacturer 

Probably no better example exists on this subject than floor scales. We have floor scales that we offer that basically look very similar to one another that are essentially $2000 different on price. How do you explain that difference?  Well, let’s try to do just that below.

industrial floor scaleOur industrial floor scale is a 4×4 with 5000 LB capacity. NTEP approved. Stainless Weight Indicator with battery.  It weighs approximately 300 pounds.

light industrial floor scale

Our light industrial floor scale is a 4×4 with 5000 LB capacity. NTEP approved. Stainless Weight Indicator with battery.  It weighs approximately 220 pounds.  

Essentially, that eighty pound difference in the physical weight of the scale platform is one big reason there’s approximately $2000 difference in price.

So, is the more expensive scale worth it?  The answer is…. it depends on your weighing application.

If you are a metal recycler for example, then you likely want good quality scales that are built tough and can handle the daily abuse that weighing equipment is going to take in that environment. The last thing you want in that environment is a scale platform that can’t handle the thousands of pounds of weight. So in this example, yes the additional cost is likely worth it when you average out the years of service the scale will provide.

However, if you’re a shipping warehouse that weighs a few 800 pound pallets everyday, then you probably don’t need the more expensive scale. 

Ultimately, this is where discussing your particular weighing needs with your scale sales person is a smart thing. Give us a call or fill out the RFQ form on our website.  

Better Quality Weighing Equipment or Low Priced Scales? 

Really, there are numerous factors that can determine the overall quality of a weighing scale. Some of the most important factors include:

  1. Accuracy: A high-quality weighing scale should be able to accurately measure the weight of an object. This is often determined by the scale’s sensitivity and resolution. We recommend choosing NTEP approved weighing equipment for reputable scale manufacturers for the best results.

  2. Repeatability: A good weighing scale should be able to consistently produce the same weight reading for the same object. Often with lower quality items, this can become a problem.

  3. Construction: A good scale is designed to last for years of service. This is where you need to discuss your weighing needs with your sales person and determine if industrial or light industrial weighing equipment makes sense for you. 

  4. Resolution: The resolution of a scale refers to the smallest weight that the scale can measure. A scale with high resolution will be able to measure small weights more accurately than a scale with low resolution. This often comes into play with counting scales and lab balances.

  5. Stability: A high-quality scale should be stable and not drift or fluctuate over time. Once again better quality items tend to be more stable and consistent.

  6. Durability: A scale that is built to last will be of higher quality than one that is prone to breaking or malfunctioning. We recommend choosing reputable scale brands with a good reputation in the scale industry vs. cheap imported scales.

  7. Ease of use: A scale that is easy to use, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface, will be better than one that is difficult to operate. Scales that are easy to use is a good thing. Don’t just think about you or the one employee who is using the scale. Also think about the person who has to fill in and learn how to use the scale.

  8. Customer support: A scale manufacturer that provides good customer support and stands behind their product is likely to offer higher quality products. We have several reputable scale manufacturers who offer quality weighing equipment that we’ve sold and serviced for many years.

Ultimately what it really comes down to in our opinion is communication between the buyer or procurement manager and the scale salesperson. That seems simple. But in today’s point and click and add to shopping cart world that we live in, it’s really important to be on the same page. When you ask the question what makes one weighing scale better quality than another, you need to discuss this subject with your scale sales person, who can assist you with appropriate product choices that will best fit what you’re trying to do.  

What Does 5000 x 1 Mean? Scale Capacity x Readability

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We’re going to discuss something that many folks wonder about the first couple of times they are tasked with buying scales.

What Does it Mean when you see 5000 x 1 on a Scale?

If you’ve done any research at all online for scales, you’ve probably seen something written like 5000 x 1, or perhaps you’ve requested a quote and seen that number written. Either way, you may be wondering what these mean. 5000 x 1 lb, or it could be 60 x 0.02lb or it may have been 3000 g by 0.01g. 120,000 x 20 lb, 500 x 0.1 lb etc….

600 x 0.1 LB

 

 

But what exactly does that mean? It’s actually pretty simple.

In the case of 5000 x 1 lb, this means that the total weighing capacity of the scale is 5000 pounds and the scale increases or decreases in weight by 1 lb increments from zero all the way to 5000 lb.

Some people refer to the 1 lb in this example as the readability or the graduation size. In the 60 x 0.02 lb example, it would be as follows, 60 lb is the capacity and 0.02 lb is the graduation size that the scale increases or decreases by from zero all the way to 60 lb. Continue reading →

55 Gallon Drum Scales Buying Advice

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In today’s entry we are going to look at weighing scales that are designed to weigh 55 gallon drums with ease. There are quite a few scale choices out there from the Brecknell DS1000 to the Rice Lake Roughdeck BDP and everything in between.

There are numerous things took look out for when you are looking to purchase a drum scale. We’ve seen some pretty good choices that are relatively affordable and we’ve seen some affordable scales that are not very good or repeatable.

When you’re in the market for a drum scale, first decide what brands and/or price range you are interested in. We mention this because the quality, accuracy, and consistency of Rice Lake Roughdeck BDP drum scales is going to be higher than some of the low cost platform scales you might find online. Why you might ask? One reason is the load cells. Of course, these systems are also likely going to cost more money as well.

55 gallon drum weigh scale

Painted Steel Drum Scales for Steel Weighing?

While we’re at it, just to be clear, don’t confuse these low profile drum scales with a steel drum scale. The latter are sometimes mentioned as choices for weighing large steel coils, which is not what a drum scale can accommodate.

Ok, now that we have that out of the way….

A lot of industrial warehouse locations or perhaps a busy shipping area where goods are constantly being moved around by a pallet jack can use a drum weigher. A drum scale is typically a low profile floor scale that is actually a lower profile than a traditional 4×4 floor scales that virtually every warehouse utilizes.

Drum scales can be used with or without one or more ramps. Other weight choices to consider with a drum scale system include digital weight indicator features such as LCD display, RS-232 communication for connecting to a printer or computer, or battery power. Battery power is helpful and would allow the scale to be installed in remote locations where a power outlet might not be available. Another feature that is handy for a portable application would be either a portability frame, wheels, or two handles.

An imported drum scale platform typically features integral ramps, live side rails, wheels, and handles for the ultimate in versatile weighing. The majority of drum weighing scales are available in 500, 1000, or 2000 pound capacities. Popular platform sizes of most drum scales are typically somewhere around 30″ x 30″ or 36″ x 36″.

Also, it’s worth mentioning a special note regarding dimensions. You will want to make sure what dimensions you are going by when choosing a drum scale. Obviously, you want a low profile scale that is easy to roll heavy drums onto. But, there are the overall dimensions and there are the actual low profile platform portion of the scale to consider as well.

Key Points to Know about Electronic Scales for Weighing a 55 Gallon Barrel

Most drum scales, which can also be called barrel weighing scales, are constructed of painted steel. The actual weighing platform is usually a diamond tread design. You can also get a stainless steel drum scale as well. Items can be weighed on the scale platform and/or across the side rails for larger items. A low profile design with ramps can be a great choice for dollies, wheeled carts with a drum to be easily rolled onto the platform.

In most cases, drum scales are designed to be durable and accurate. But, they are also designed to be lightweight and portable in many situations. That is a balancing act for many situations. In order to make a drum scale portable, it needs to be able to roll and be light enough for an average person to pick up on it’s side.

One of the issues that we sometimes see with drum scales is a tendency for the scale to be dropped. This can happen fairly easily. Someone sets the drum scale on its side and rolls it to a new location. They set the scale up against the wall and leave it. Then someone else comes by and knocks the scale platform over.

This can be a problem if precautions are not taken into consideration. Knocking over a scale can damage a load cell, bend or break a foot, and lead to down time without a scale.

Drum Scale Final Thoughts

We hope this article has helped you better understand the drum scale market. In our opinion, if you can afford it, a drum scale from a scale manufacturer like Rice Lake is a better choice for industrial applications than some of the low cost options in the marketplace. The Rice Lake version is generally more consistent, accurate, and serviceable with load cells that can actually be replaced if necessary. Please contact our sales department if you need any assistance or quotes on our products.

Floor Scale with Ramp VS. Floor Scale in a Pit

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Today, we’re going to talk about the advantages of buying a pallet scale with a ramp vs. installing a pallet scale into your concrete floor.

Maybe you would like a more portable floor scale that sits above ground with a ramp beside it. Or perhaps you would rather just have an in ground style floor scale and not have to deal with ramps.

We’re going to look at the advantages and disadvantages of both types of industrial scales, while helping you make a more informed buying decision.

A floor scale is a type of scale that can be used directly on the warehouse floor. A typical floor scale usually has a 4 inch height and the vast majority of platform scales are usually 4×4 or 5×5 dimensions. Great for weighing most pallets and in many situations, your scale company can ship your floor scales direct to you, either from the scale company or the scale manufacturer.

 

When buying a 5000lb floor scale these days, most folks tend to choose an above ground scale. If they plan on rolling a pallet jack onto the warehouse scale, they typically buy a ramp for this scale. This is generally the most cost effective weighing solution.

Basically, besides cost, there are two main reasons why you would choose one version of a industrial floor scale over the other. The #1 reason is the amount of space, the floor scale and any ramps would occupy and the #2 reason is the ease of loading products onto the scale.

Pit Type Floor Scale Advantages & Disadvantages

Several years ago, placing a floor scale into a pit was fairly common. This was mainly due to a couple of factors. Floor scales had taller profile heights and construction costs. So, putting it in a pit was less expensive. While today’s floor scales have a lower profile design, which usually eliminates the need for a pit. There are a few applications where a pit scale still makes sense.

For example, a company that needs a 4×4 floor scale with ramps on both sides, A typical ramp is 48 inches in length on each side. This type of floor scale setup will take up to 12 ft in length. That’s a lot of space that your scale and ramps would occupy. When the scale footprint needs to be smaller, putting scales into a pit might be the right decision when placing this scale into a pit. The ramps are not needed. This eliminates 4ft of ramping on each side of the scale.

Another reason for placing a floor scale into a pit is the ease of getting the product onto the scale. Because the scale is set in a pit, the transition from the floor surface to the scale is seamless. Imagine having to push a loaded pallet jack onto an above ground scale several times per day. Having a pit type scale makes this process much easier vs one with ramps.

Pallet Scale with Ramp

Floor Scale with Ramp Advantages & Disadvantages

Today’s floor scales are built to have a low profile height, usually around 4 inches. When space isn’t an issue, having a floor scale with ramps may make sense. Having a longer ramp makes loading products with a pallet jack much easier.

Another reason many people choose to use an above ground pallet scale with ramp is that this setup is fairly portable. It can be moved to different parts of a warehouse or factory if needed. In our example, we’ve been mentioning ramps. However, ramps aren’t required with an above ground floor scale. You can also drive your forklift to the scale and set pallets on the scale. So, standard pallet weighing while loading and unloading the scale with a forklift is the most portable and cost effective solution.

IMPORTANT POINT REGARDING SCALE REPLACEMENT

Another variable to consider, is the potential to outgrow the size of your in-ground floor scale. An above ground floor scale can be easily replaced — without needing to backfill a 4×4 or 5×5 hole in your concrete floor!

Hopefully this information helps you make the correct decision when deciding where to put your next floor scale. Be sure to contact our sales team for buying advice and product recommendations.  

Should I Buy a 4×4 or 5×5 Scale for Weighing a Pallet?

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Today we attempt to answer the question that many a purchasing agent or warehouse manager has surely pondered….

Should I buy a 4×4 or a 5×5 floor scale?

Have you ever gone looking for a simple floor scale to weigh pallets? Only to be confused by whether you need a 5×5 or a 4×4 model. You’re not alone. There are many before you that have had the same question or something similar. It may have been about low price floor scales online or possibly about pallet scale calibration or scale troubleshooting. These are all platform scale subjects we have covered many times on this website. But getting back to the main point, should you buy a platform scale that’s 48″ x 48″ or 60″ x 60″?

This article is meant to provide a brief comparison while giving you confidence to make the correct decision when shopping for a standard industrial floor scale. While the 4×4 floor scale is actually the most common scale purchased, the 5×5 has a slight advantage of being able to, accommodate the full length of a pallet jack without fear of rolling off the back of the scale.

 

Which Scale is Better for me?  5×5 or 4×4

As we say, with truck scales, trucks aren’t getting any shorter, and pallets, by the same token, aren’t getting any smaller. So, if you have the room in your warehouse, then you should strongly consider the 5×5 pallet scale. With the exception of the additional surface area and the additional cost of the 5×5 floor scale. These two scales are identical from most manufacturers. One exception would be since the 4×4 floor scales are often mass produced, Manufacturers may try to use a thinner deck plate that is more widely available. This naturally makes the mass produced scale less durable and exposed to more deflection of the weighbridge and that could possibly lead to more inconsistent weights and possibly even a shorter lifespan. Although they are less common, another consideration that might make sense for you would be a 5×4 scale.

4x4 or 5x5 pallet scale

4 Foot Long Scale Ramp is Recommended for a Pallet Jack

And don’t forget if you’re looking to roll a pallet jack onto the scale, then you will need to have enough space for a ramp for pallet jack use. Most scale manufacturers recommend a four foot long ramp. So you will want to make sure you have the floor space for a 5×5 scale and a 5×4 ramp as well. You might also want to check out our entry about scale with a ramp vs. in floor scale.  

We hope this entry has helped you out. If you need assistance or you’re looking to get some product and price information, please fill out our RFQ form on our site or you can call us at (919) 776-7737.

Cheap Floor Scales vs. Industrial Floor Scales

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It may be tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing an inexpensive floor scale imported from overseas. After all, the capacity and size may appear to be the same as the more expensive brand and the pictures of the products look virtually identical! So, what is it that really separates the Expensive Floor Scale and makes it better than the Less Expensive Floor Scale?

Imported Floor Scales Worth the Hassle?

This is something we’ve discussed before actually. We’ve seen just about every possible brand of platform scale over the years.  Some of the scales shipped over from China are decent. Some aren’t as good.  Some of the weight indicators are not very user friendly or reliable.

cheap floor scale

When it comes to floor scales, we generally rank them in different levels of floor scale quality.  For example, top of the line would be the B-Tek Clydesdale or Rice Lake Roughdeck.  Second level might be the Pennsylvania 6600 or Digi Summit 3000. Third level might be a Brecknell floor scale.  Lowest level would be brands & models that we won’t mention…

Do I Need Legal for Trade?

First thing that you want to determine is NTEP legal for trade status. You will need to determine if your floor scale needs to be legal for trade. Some cheap floor scales you find on the internet are not legal for trade. It’s almost always a good idea to buy a legal for trade floor scale. In our opinion, it’s a good idea to purchase a platform scale that is capable of earning a Certificate of Conformance (CoC#).  

Quality Scale Components Make a Difference

Next, compare the electronic components that make up the scale There are typically four load cells in each floor scale, one in each corner. Some lower-quality floor scales use load cells that you cannot replace just one of the cells. When checking for causes of scale weight error, if one goes bad, all four need to be replaced!  Some manufacturers also use cheap load cells that are sourced overseas and have little if any documentation. It is important to use quality components to ensure longevity and accurate weighing. Some of the load cell brands we recommend include Revere Transducers and Rice Lake Weighing Systems among others.

Next, is the Junction Box with Summing Board. Does the scale you are considering have a junction box with summing board inside? The purpose of the junction box is so you can adjust the output of the loadcells so the scale weighs the same regardless of where the load is placed on the scale platform. If a loadcell needs to be replaced the junction box allows you to easily remove the bad cell and replace it with the new one and wire it back into the scale without having to unwire and re-solder all the cells back together. Some cheap platform scales just tie the wires together and eliminate the junction box in their design. We do not recommend this and it makes replacing a load cell and/or troubleshooting difficult.

Heavy Duty Steel Platforms Can Last for Many Years

Maybe equally as important as the scale components is the build of the scale itself — The steel weighbridge. Pay attention to the shipping weight of the scale. The heavier the scale typically means the better build quality.

platform scale

Thicker deck plate and substructure is an important key to giving the load cells the structure they need to perform properly. If the floor scale is flexing and bending, the scale will not last and it will cause inconsistent weights. Thin, short welds are also a sign of mass-produced low-quality scales. These welds could break over time and cause inconsistent weights and/or significant down-time.

Weight Displays are an Important Part of the Scale System

The last item, and possibly most important to consider, is the indicator that comes with the floor scale. Is an indicator included in the price? If it is, there are a few questions to ask. Is the indicator calibrated to the scale base? Does the indicator include a user manual that is easy to read and understand? Do you need a certificate of calibration with certified weights for your ISO program? Do you need a full numeric keypad to enter a tare weight? Do you want to tie your scale into a computer or printer?

These are all common issues people come across when purchasing a cheap floor scale online. And, many times this leads them to spending significantly more money with their local service company to get their scale up to the actual functionality they need.

In our experience, customers usually experience a better overall scale buying experience by contacting an experienced scale sales person first. Price and budget can certainly be an important component.  But, scale construction, quality components and more can also be considered as well. By working together with a scale company, you get the type of industrial floor scale that you actually need. You also get any custom features that you may require.

As always, Central Carolina Scale would like you to make the most informed decision possible to help your business. We are here to help you with any questions you may have to help guide your decision.