Grain Testing Scales for Sample Houses

Grain testing scales are essential tools used in agricultural sampling houses for coops, large farms, and the food processing industry to determine the quality and value of grain. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of their use and requirements for legal-for-trade classification:

Sample Collection

Grain samples are typically collected by a probe while the grain is loaded in a truck and being weighed on a static truck scale. Proper sampling is crucial to ensure the sample is representative of the entire batch, so the probe will typically select the sampling from random spots within the batch.

Weighing

The grain sample is brought into the scale house via the probe. There the sample is placed on a testing scale to measure its weight. This measurement helps in determining the test weight of the grain, which is a key factor in marketing and pricing. Test weight indicates the density of the grain and can influence its market value.

Grain scales such as Cardinal Detecto models 420-3000, 420-1200, and 420-600 provide quick and accurate weight measurements for a variety of grains. These small countertop scales are typically situated next to the grain moisture meter in the scale house.

Moisture Testing

After the sample has been weighed, it is then tested for moisture content using a grain moisture meter. This step is essential for assessing the grain’s quality and suitability for storage and processing.

Dockage Testing

Dockage testing helps separate impurities from the grain. Dockage is foreign material typically not included in the market price.

Data Recording

The weights and measurements obtained from the scale and grain moisture meter are recorded and analyzed. These data points provide insights into the quality, purity, and potential yield of the grain batch.

Quality Grading

Based on the weight and size distribution, the grain is graded. Higher test weights generally indicate better grain quality, which fetches higher prices on the market. These procedures ensure that the grain meets industry standards and helps in making informed decisions regarding its sales and processing.

detecto 420 series ntep scales

Detecto model 420-3000 class II legal-for-trade scale is a popular choice for grain testing weighing due to its 60,000-division resolution combined with a price point nearly $1000 less than any other competitor’s NTEP scales in that resolution category. Multiple other 420 series models with varying capacities and similar price range are also available in the 60,000-division category, making them NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) legal-for-trade for grain sampling weighing applications. They only take up 8.6 inch x 11.5 inch of counter space and come with an AC adapter and rechargeable battery.

The 420-3000 sampling scale has a 7.4 inch by 5.8 inch stainless steel platform that can be lifted off for easy cleaning after grain weighing. The precision digital balance scale has a 3,000 gram capacity with 0.05 gram divisions, conforming to NTEP class II Handbook 44 requirements, for use in both commercial and GIPSA (Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration) applications.

The scale division for grain testing scales, according to Handbook 44, must not exceed 0.2 grams for loads through 500 grams, and must not exceed 1 gram for loads above 500 grams through 1,000 grams, so the 420-3000 is well below those requirements at only 0.05 gram divisions.

One of the factors in grain quality that sampling houses will be looking for is dockage, such as debris and hulls. Dockage refers to the foreign material and impurities, such as fungus, in grain that needs to be removed to assess its true quality and value.

Scale house operators will test for fungus by weighing good grain samples first and weighing grain samples with fungus present afterward to extrapolate from the total load and subtract the dollar amount from the load’s value. These minute weight differences between dockage and live weight samples are why grain test scales with tight division values are critical in the process.

The grain samples are subjected to dockage testing using specialized equipment like dockage testers. These testers help in separating the impurities from the grain, providing a clear measurement of the dockage percentage.

Dockage testing is a critical step in the grain grading process, ensuring that only high-quality, impurity-free grain reaches the market, which benefits both producers and consumers. The grain elevator purchasing company discloses dockage prior to the transaction being completed, so the farmer can accept the offer or decline it and check if they can get a better dockage elsewhere, and therefore a better price, from another buyer.

The USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration, otherwise known as GIPSA, establishes regulations for grain weighing under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA).

These regulations ensure accurate and fair grain weighing practices, which are critical for maintaining market integrity. GIPSA sets official performance and procedural requirements for grain weighing equipment. This includes the guidelines for accuracy, calibration, and maintenance of weighing devices used in grain handling facilities.

Sampling houses in commercial applications must use grain testing scales that are NTEP approved and placed in service legal for trade. Depending upon the state, the scales would be placed in service by a state scale inspector or a registered scale service agency. Most states will not place a scale in service that does not have NTEP certificate or conformance, but in the end that is determined by the state.

The owner of the scale is responsible for the scale, so if it is either not suitable or out of tolerance, the owner is liable and could face fines, which are generally levied by the state attorney office. Detecto 420 series scales combine NTEP legal-for-trade class II status that conforms to Handbook 44 and USDA GIPSA requirements, in the division size necessary, with a much lower price point than any other competitors’ scales on the market making them a clear choice for grain testing weighing.​

Contact our sales department today to learn more about the 420 series.

The Top 4 Pallet Jack Scales for Weighing Pallets in Your Warehouse

Most warehouses in the United States have at least one pallet jack somewhere. An even greater luxury is to have a pallet jack scale that you can utilize. Sure you can always take a regular pallet truck or forklift and go find a platform scale. But if you have a pallet truck with built in scale, you just roll under the pallet, lift it up and get a weight!

These pallet trucks or pallet jacks or non motorized forklifts with scales built inside are actually very useful and are available in various fork sizes, max capacities, and brands. Some have printers. Some choices could be offered in stainless steel. Some choices could be legal for trade. Below I’m going to list my top four choices of the best pallet jack scales in America. 

CAS CPS SERIES
The CAS Corporation CPS Series Pallet Jack Scales are the ideal solution for commercially approved or general industrial mobile weighing. With its built in printer the CPS is the ideal scale to weigh pallets due its heavy duty construction. Choose from the industry standard, rugged, commercially approved CPS-1 & 2 pallet jack scales. These CAS pallet jack scales have been around a long time and have a proven track record.

The CAS CPS Series Pallet Jack Scales feature heavy duty construction – Designed and built to last with four shear beam load cells which provide stability, durability, & accuracy. The scale itself is easy to use with optimum maneuverability. Lift loads easily with hydraulic lift pump assembly and it’s easy to read the weight with the large 1″ high intensity backlit LCD display which is powered by the long lasting rechargeable battery which includes the programmable SLEEP mode to conserve the battery. 

The CPS series is available in either:
CPS-1N   3,000 x 1 lb     (NTEP/Legal for Trade)  
CPS-2N   5,000 x 2 lb     (NTEP/Legal for Trade) 

Standard fork dims are 45 x 27.8 x 3.1 inches in the model C.  Models A and B are also available with different fork dims via special order.

CAS CPS PLUS SERIES
The CAS CPS Series Pallet Jack Scales are the ideal and economical solution for general industrial mobile weighing. With it’s heavy duty construction, long lasting battery, and versatility; the CPS Plus is easy to read, easy to use. Designed and built to last. Features
5,000 x 1 lb capacity. Easy to read LCD with Backlight (CI201A Indicator) and Rechargeable Battery/AC Adapter Included. This scale is non-ntep but is a great value for customers who are looking for the proven CAS product but don’t need the legal for trade commercial grade equipment. Fork dims are 45 x 27.8 x 3.1 inches.

Rice Lake RL-HPJ Hand Pallet Jack Scale
Weigh and transport pallets in one streamlined process with Rice Lake’s RL-HPJ Hand Pallet Jack Scale. Easy to use, the RL-HPJ offers maximum precision for tracking shipping and receiving weights. Battery power keeps the weighing and transport process moving, while the integrated digital indicator provides a clear weight readout in any lighting condition. With a Rice Lake pallet jack scale, material handling is faster and more efficient for your warehouse.

The RL-HPJ Pallet Jack Scale features steering wheels and double loading polyurethane rollers along with four stainless steel IP68 load cells. The weight indicator is a IP65 stainless steel water-resistant enclosure with configuration, calibration and diagnostics from the keyboard. The system includes a rechargeable battery mounted on the pallet jack. Includes a 115VAC 50/60 Hz battery charger.

With fork dimensions of 48.75 × 26.75 × 3.125 inches the RL-HPJ will soon become one of your favorite pieces of equipment in your warehouse.

pallet jack scale

Atlas Kwik-Weigh Pallet Jack Scale
The all in one Pallet Truck with Scale allows product to be weighed while being moved to storage or to the production line service. Scale has 1 lb. resolution with maximum error of /-.2% of applied load. 4,500 lb. weighing capacity. LB/KG toggle switch and push button tare. English nomenclature on the indicator face. Lowered height of 2.9″ makes for easy pallet entry. Raised height is 7.6″. Equipped with rechargeable battery pack for a 35 hour continuous operation on a single charge. Portable Electronic Scale Operations include verify incoming and out going freight, batching by weight, drum filling, and inventory control. This is an all purpose mobile scale. Not legal for trade.

The Kwik Weigh pallet jack scale features a maximum weighing capacity of 4500 lbs or 2045 kg. The digital display has a 1.5″ tall LCD display. The manufacturer states that the Max error from 0 lbs to 2500 lbs is +/- .1% of applied load (which is 2 lbs at 2500 lbs). And, the Max error from 2500 lbs to 4500 lbs is +/- .2% of applied load (which is 8 lbs at 4500 lbs). The pallet truck has a lowered height of 2.95″ for easy pallet entry and a three position lowering control with loop handle for finger tip release. The high quality leak proof pump provides maintenance free service. Other features include sealed ball bearings throughout the device. Powder coated safety/color paint after anti-rust treatment and Non-marking polyurethane wheels.

Well there you have it, the top 4 Pallet Jack Scales for weighing pallets in your warehouse everyday. You might be wondering… how did you come up with this list?  Well, I’m glad you asked. It is 100% based on past sales and how well the scales have worked once sold. I also like to work with scale manufacturers that I know are going to build their products to a certain level of quality. Other pallet jack scales that I might look at in the future include Optima, Adam Equipment, and Worldweigh but we don’t have a lot of sales experience with those brands so far.

Contact Central Carolina Scale for Pallet Jack Scale Buying Advice 
When I did some research and put together this list of the The Top 4 Pallet Jack Scales for Weighing Pallets in Your Warehouse I realized that in many cases we’ve been recommending and selling pallet jack scales long before a lot of the internet “scale experts” ever thought of selling a scale. So be sure to contact our experienced sales team for honest product reviews and buying advice on which pallet jack scale is the best for your weighing application. Be sure browse our entire lineup of pallet truck scales and either call us (919) 776-7737 or complete the RFQ form today.

The Ultimate Veterinary Scale Buyers Guide

Today’s ultimate veterinary scale buyers guide entry is designed to provide you with some insight into purchasing vet scales to weigh everything from little dogs, kittens and rabbits to big dogs and more. There are really several key points you need to consider before making the scale purchase. And since we’ve been recommending vet scales to customers for over forty years, please allow us to provide you with several things to consider…. 

ANIMAL SCALE PLATFORM SIZE

What size weighing platform do you need for weighing animals?  What animals are you going to be weighing?  These are important questions when it comes to buying a veterinary scale. Many vet scales are around 36 to 40 inches long and somewhere near 20 inches wide.  That generally covers most animals like cats and dogs. However, if you’re only weighing kittens or bunnies, then you likely might need something smaller like the VS-11 from Rice Lake or the Vet75 from Detecto. And, likewise if you’re looking to weigh larger animals then you might need to look at the Brecknell PS2000.

VET SCALE POWER REQUIREMENTS

How are you going to power your vet scale?  If you’re just using it your vet clinic, then you can simply plug the weight display into the wall and you’re ready to weigh. But, what if you’re taking the scale on the road to weigh animals in their habitat.  Then, you will likely need some type of battery powered scale. Over the past few years, battery powered weight indicators have become more common in veterinary weighing equipment, so that should not be a problem to source. Of course, there’s always the question of do you prefer rechargeable battery or AA / AAA batteries?  

weight scale for dogs

ANIMAL WEIGHING SCALE MOBILITY

If you’re planning to take your vet scale to different locations or you are looking to move the scale around your animal hospital, then you will need a portable vet scale that is relatively easy to move throughout the building.  Often these types of vet scales will be a little lighter and will have handles on one side and sometimes they will have some wheels built into the scale platform. In this situation, we might recommend the Tree LVS-700 or the Detecto Vet550 for portable animal weighing.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Vet scales are available from various manufacturers these days. We strongly suggest that you stick with the reputable brands that both you and your scale company trust. You know the names… Detecto, Brecknell, Rice Lake, & Weighsouth to name a few.

Remember, as we’ve discussed before, there are always cheaper imported products being dumped into the market every year but they often aren’t as durable AND they often lack the manufacturer support or spare parts capability that are necessary for long term use. In many situations, we recommend the Weighsouth VS-2501 vet scale.  If you need assistance choosing the right vet scale for your application, be sure to contact the sales team by phone or by completing the RFQ form.

Industrial Scale Maintenance Overview & Recommendations

Today we’re going to look at the subject of industrial scale maintenance. Generally, there are a couple of different types of industrial scale maintenance available. Scheduled, where your scale company comes out and checks your scales on a regular basis. Or, Unscheduled, aka… we’ll call you when it breaks. As for industrial scales, those are basically things like crane scales, pallet scales, bench scales and truck scales. So, let’s take a look at the two types of scale maintenance. 

Scheduled Scale Maintenance

Scheduled scale maintenance is sometimes referred to as preventive maintenance. We try to avoid calling it preventative because while there are a few things you can possibly prevent or catch before it becomes a big deal, there are a lot of scale issues you really can’t prevent. That being said, often scheduled scale service is a good idea at certain intervals because it helps to make sure your scales are accurate as much as possible and it can help facilitate things like having your scale cleaned regularly which often goes together with consistent accuracy and increased equipment lifespan.

scale repair and maintenance

The scheduled scale service intervals are usually a collaboration between your scale company; (hopefully that is or will be Central Carolina Scale), and yourself. These intervals are typically monthly or quarterly but can also be other time frames depending on what you and the scale technician decide. Scheduled scale maintenance hopefully keeps your scales accurate year round, minimizes any downtime, and can possibly even extend the weighing equipment lifespan in certain situations, like greasing a mechanical truck scale. 

These scheduled visits are also often referred to as service agreements. And, they usually offer the customer a discounted labor and mileage fee.

Unscheduled Scale Maintenance

Some customers for whatever reason do not want to commit to a service schedule at certain intervals. So, they essentially only call us whenever they have a break down. This can sometimes save them money throughout the year. But, when the scale breaks, they are now experiencing downtime while waiting for a scale technician to arrive, troubleshoot and fix the scale issue. We hope this is a short time but it can sometimes be a long wait. What if the service schedule is already full?  Most scale companies prioritize their service agreement customers. And of course any scale service or repairs performed will be charged at the standard price level. Therefore, we highly recommend that most customers have their scales checked on a regular interval.

Industrial Scale Maintenance Overall Recommendations

We’ve been repairing and calibrating industrial scales since Reagan took office and there are a few recommendations we suggest that most companies consider. First, find a scale company that you like and trust. (Hopefully they are located on this webpage : )  Discuss your scale usage and calibration intervals with them. Then put a service agreement in place so you can have your scales checked regularly, save a little on rates, reduce downtime and increase accuracy. This will hopefully help you to experience minimal downtime in your business. We also suggest discussing with your scale company what replacement scale parts they stock and what parts they suggest that you stock on your shelf.

asset management software

One nice feature of working with us at Central Carolina Scale is that we offer a wonderful asset management software that allows us to provide you with not just online scale calibration certificates, but an overall history of your scales performance over time. Most of our local competitors can’t offer that. They just offer an online scale cal cert that they can store online or email to you. On the other hand, our weighing data acts essentially like a mix of maintenance records and historical data on each of your scales, helping you make better decisions about your scales.

At Central Carolina Scale, we always are working on improving our service and calibration offerings. We are always trying to learn about the different scale indicators and controllers available from various scale manufacturers. We focus our attention completely on scales and weighing equipment. While others are working with everything from material handling pallet racks to color testing to airbags…. we focus all our attention to scales and weighing equipment. 

So, when it comes to buying or servicing industrial scales in North Carolina, be sure to contact Central Carolina Scale for the best product knowledge and service around. You can call us at (919) 776-7737 or complete the RFQ form on our website for more info today. 

The Return of the Digital Smart Sectional Controller (DSSC)

Back in September 2010, Thurman Scale originally released the Digital Smart Sectional Controller (DSSC) for converting Mettler® DigiTOL® scales to Intalogix. In July of 2018, the DSSC went End of Life (EoL) due to several electronic components used in the design no longer being available.

However, recently Thurman has been able to source components to allow them to again manufacture and offer the DSSC for customers who desire to convert their Mettler scale to Intalogix.  Please continue reading as we discuss what the DSSC is all about and how it can help out a lot of customers who have older MT truck scales.

What is a Digital Smart Sectional Controller?

This is a special type of Smart Sectional Controller manufactured by Thurman Scale in St Johnsbury, Vermont specifically designed to interface to the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells. These cells will have the cable connector on the top half and usually an orange label on the top half.

thurman dssc truck scale junction box

How do the DSSCs work?
The DSSC is very similar to the SSCs you may have heard of. DSSCs feature Thurman Scale Intalogix Technology. The DSSCs wire up very similar to the standard SSCs. Besides the ability to interface with the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells, the DSSCs will drive four (4) load cells each, whereas the SSCs drive two (2) each. The DSSC was specifically designed to be a drop-in replacement for the existing Mettler junction box. The DSSCs even use the exiting Mettler mounting hardware. The DSSCs also use the same Pit Power Supplies as the standard SSCs.

Do the DSSCs only work with the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells digital cells?
No. One of the best features of the DSSC is the ability to mix and match load cells.
As the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells eventually fail, you can replace them with the standard analog 7.5” tall RC load cell (part # 95544 with 26’ cable). Other cable lengths available.

What scale instrumentation does the DSSC require?
The DSSC work with all Thurman Scale’s Heavy Capacity instruments which use Intalogix Technology. Such as TS611, TS612, & TS613.

Is special software required in the scale instrument to work with the DSSCs?
No special software is required to work with the DSSCs. Just 100% standard catalog products. From the instrument side, everything is exactly the same. You lose no instrument features or functions. You still have the very best load cell diagnostics available through Intalogix technology. You still have digitally isolated load cells. You still have optically isolated load cells. You still have the digital front panel calibration. Those items all remain intact because it is the exact same instrument. Simply choose the instrument that provides the best solution for you.

We also have an analog load cell scale kit replacement as well. However, in most cases we would probably recommend going with the Thurman digital scale equipment versus the older analog style load cells.

Is there a cumbersome load cell addressing scheme like some Mettler instruments require?
No. Just like any Intalogix system using our standard SSC, the cells are automatically
found and addressed by the DSSC ID. No connecting, disconnecting and reconnecting cells to find cell addresses. 

Is this a new product?
No. The DSSCs were originally introduced by Thurman Scale in September 2010.

Have we done many conversions?
Completed conversions number over five hundred (500+) scales. This is a hardened, field-tested in the most demanding of all applications.

Will the DSSC work with the Mettler PDX digital cells?
No. The DSSC was designed specifically for the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells. The Mettler PDX cell is a different digital load cell with a different digital interface compared to the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells.

Will the DSSC work with the Cardinal digital cells or the B-Tek digital cells?
No to both the Cardinal & B-Tek.  The DSSC was designed specifically for the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells. The Cardinal digital system uses its own unique digital load cell with a unique and different digital interface compared to the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells. Likewise, the B-Tek digital system uses its own unique digital load cell with a unique and different digital interface compared to the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells.

So, why would someone want to buy this Thurman DSSC solution?
Mettler has updated their digital cells a few times over the years. Their current PDX load cell is not backward compatible with older digital cells. Mettler no longer manufacturers the 760 Powercell and MTX cells. This means if a customer has an older cell that fails, the MT solution is to replace every cell in the system to upgrade to the PDX cell.

Additionally, Mettler is no longer manufacturing instruments and replacement parts compatible with the Mettler 760 Powercell and MTX cells. This means the customer could face replacement of all load cells and the instrumentation. As you can imagine, this is not a desirable solution for most customers.

Until now, the owner of a Mettler Toledo truck scale using the Mettler 760 Powercell or MTX cells had no options but to replace all their load cells and possibly the instrument as well. No other manufacturer offers a similar solution to the DSSC. This is a unique product offering from Thurman Scale.

If this sounds like a product that would interest you, please complete our RFQ form on our website for more information.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Hydrostatic Cells for Your Next Tank, Hopper, Silo, or Vessel Weighing Application

Most of the time when you think about tank scales or hopper style scales you often think of load cell mounts or weigh modules with strain gauge load cells placed under the vessel. But in today’s entry we take a look at a few of the advantages of using a hydraulic load cell instead. Out of all the weighing technologies available, hydrostatic load cells often standout as one of the most robust and dependable solutions on the market today. Let’s take a look at five of the advantages of choosing a hydraulic load cell system for placing under your tank.

Durability and Resilience 

Hydrostatic load cells are engineered with simplicity and resilience in mind. Unlike electronic load cells which contain delicate components vulnerable to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, moisture, and electromagnetic interference. This inherent simplicity not only reduces the risk of component failure but also enhances longevity, making hydrostatic load cells ideal for harsh industrial environments where reliability is crucial. The factory believes in the quality and durability of the hydrostatic load cells so much that they offer a lifetime load cell guarantee. 

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Electronic load cells sometimes require periodic calibration and maintenance to ensure accuracy and performance. In contrast, hydrostatic load cells have minimal maintenance requirements. This translates to reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs, providing a clear advantage for businesses seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Accuracy and Precision

Hydrostatic load cells offer exceptional accuracy and precision, even in demanding conditions. As a result, users can rely on hydrostatic load cells to deliver precise measurements with confidence, whether for process control, material testing, or other critical applications.

emery winslow tank load cell

Intrinsically Safe Design

In environments where explosive gases or flammable materials are present, safety is of utmost concern. Hydrostatic load cells offer an intrinsically safe design, with no electrical components in direct contact with the measured load. For industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, or mining, where safety is non-negotiable, hydrostatic load cells provide a reliable solution for accurate weight measurement without compromising safety.

Cost Effectiveness 

With minimal maintenance requirements, extended durability, and reliable performance, hydrostatic loadcells offer excellent long-term value. Businesses can benefit from reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improved operational efficiency, leading to a higher return on investment (ROI).

So those are some of the advantages of using hydrostatic load cells under your tank. Now to be fair there can be some disadvantages to choosing a system like this.  A hydrostatic system like this can cost more than a traditional weigh module kit with strain gauge load cells. And, installation and regular maintenance would need to be handled by a local scale company with hydraulic load cell experience. In other words, not every scale company out there has experience with this type of weighing equipment. 

If you are interested in learning more or getting a quote on a 120 Series or 136 Series. Please contact our sales department via the RFQ form on our website.  We look forward to working with you.

 

Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Truck Weight Scale

A truck scale is a rather large investment for most businesses. So, it’s one of those purchases that you want to take your time with and do your homework. Needing a truck scale in a hurry is not a good situation to be in. Especially since most purchasing managers have never been involved in choosing and installing a 70 or 80 foot long scale for weighing trucks. So, you’re probably wondering what mistakes should folks avoid?  Well here are a few to think about.

Lack of Planning

A truck scale is a rather large investment. It also takes time from start to finish. It also has multiple key moments. The customer needs to have a manager or point of contact. Ideally one or two people. Questions and timelines will come up. 

Folks will ask, when is the truck scale arriving? Do we have power at the scale location? Are all the cables and conduits ready?  Is the customer ordering the crane to offload the scale?  When does the crane need to be there? Is the foundation ready for the scale?  The point of contact and the scale sales person / installer need to discuss the timeline so there are no huge surprises. 

Overlooking the Scale Foundation

Most customers around the Carolinas are going to choose an above ground truck scale. Back in the day customers would choose a mechanical truck scale and it would be installed in a pit since it had levers and took up a lot of space. However, that was back then… Most customers today choose to have a concrete foundation poured and place the scale on that. Otherwise, you are having to dig a hole and pour a lot of concrete. And of course the pit is going to collect a lot of water and then you’re looking at drains and pumps and that is usually not what we would recommend in most cases. 

You do want to make sure that you or the scale company use a reputable concrete person to pour and form the scale foundation. The last thing you want is the foundation cracking and not able to withstand the weight of the truck scale the trucks being weighed.

We have also seen situations where a potential scale buyer doesn’t have a good grasp on the location around where the scale will be located. There could be environmental issues as well as things like drainage lines nearby, etc…

Overlooking the Scale Location

Deciding where to place your new truck scale can sometimes be really easy and other times can be very challenging. It can be even more difficult when you have a half dozen folks involved with the truck scale buyer. Sometimes it can be a good idea to put someone in charge from your company so there aren’t too many folks involved in the decision making.

Generally speaking with truck scales, you want to place the scale in the correct area for your traffic flow. You also need to try hard to not place the scale in a low area where water is going to bring all kind of debris. One of the biggest problems that above ground truck scales struggle with is buildup that gets lodged under the weighbridge.

Not Choosing the Proper Load Cell Technology

In most situations these days, a truck scale buyer has three distinct types of technology to consider. Hydraulic, Digital or Analog truck scales.  Each has it’s place. We suggest that you discuss these options with your scale sales person to determine which is best for you.

Choosing the Wrong Scale Platform

Likewise, you also need to choose the scale platform material. Truck scales are exposed to various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, snow, ice, heavy rain… and on top of that possibly heavy traffic everyday!

If you are placing a truck scale in certain environments like HEAVY amounts of daily traffic or possibly weighing really corrosive materials… you might want to discuss this with your scale sales person first before you actually purchase the scale. If you discuss this first, you can likely take care of this with solutions like possibly a concrete scale deck instead of steel. Or you can perhaps get the “HD” version truck scale instead of just the “standard duty” version.

snow around a truck scale weighbridge

Not Slowing Down & Thinking About the Scale and Your Trucks

Before you place the order for a truck scale, be sure to measure your trucks and be certain what size scale you need. And, what about truck scale accuracy?  Most customers choose a 70, 80 or 100 foot long truck scale. Width is normally 11 feet wide. The other thing to think about is the number of trucks you expect to be weighing daily. Think about what this number will be five years from now. In other words if you think that you’ll be weighing well over 250 trucks a day, don’t buy a light duty truck scale. 

Not Choosing the Right Scale Company

Over the forty plus years we’ve been in business we have installed and worked on A LOT of truck scales. You name the town and we have probably worked on one near there. We have installed digital truck scales, analog truck scales, and even hydraulic truck scales. We’ve even had competitors tell customers that we’re out of business, just so they can sneak in and take the sale. Maybe we’ll talk about that in more detail some time…. but continuing on.

In our opinion, these days too many purchasing managers or QC managers worry about certain certifications and not enough about proven experience. Think about it, who would you want installing your truck scale… two state certified scale technicians who have a combined 35 years of experience OR two scale technicians with maybe 10 years of experience total, but with lots of badges and approvals that they might have earned by watching a video. We’ll take the experienced techs everyday! 

Not Investing the Money… The Scale Should Last for Decades So Spend the Money

Look, we all shop the internet for deals. All of us can find cheaper items for just about everything. Just remember, this truck scale that you’re looking to purchase is designed to last you for decades. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more money now to get a scale that might last an extra five or ten years. We see cheap scales everyday. There are some scale manufacturers overseas that can cut corners like you wouldn’t believe!  But do you really want to purchase a cheap truck scale that is built on price and reaching a certain “price point”? 

Focus on quality and the overall truck scale lifespan. Remember this is a scale that is going to have 80,000 lb vehicles driven over it everyday for years. Add in the outdoor elements and you want to make sure you buy a quality product that can last you two or three decades. Many times when customers choose a low end truck scale they often have to replace the scale much earlier than they would have with a traditional high quality truck scale.

Conclusion

Buying a truck scale whether it’s a 70 foot or 100 foot long is a large investment. It’s something that most folks only do once or twice in their professional career. Try to avoid the mistakes when purchasing a truck weighing scale that we have presented in this entry. By avoiding some of these common oversights many of you should be able to choose a high quality truck scale that will provide you with decades of quality weighing. If you would like to get buying advice or price quotes from us, please complete the RFQ form and we look forward to working with you.

CANNABIS… What Scales Do You Need for Production, Distributing, or Selling?

Scales and Balances for the Cannabis Industry

As more states legalize marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, each part of the industry, from growers to dispensaries, must learn how to handle the additional focus and attention along the cannabis plant’s journey from planting the seed to reaching the actual consumer.

A big part of that process is actually weighing the product. With the high price tag per ounce attached to medical marijuana, it’s necessary to ensure that everyone is getting the correct amount.

Typical Cannabis Distribution Chain

Growers
Cultivate the plant and sometimes process the flower themselves but often sell the raw material to a processor, which also acts as a wholesaler.

Processors
Trim, dry and cure the plants to ready them for manufacture into consumer-ready products.

Manufacturers
Incorporate the processed material into products.

Dispensaries
Sell the finished product to patients and consumers.

At each level where consumer-destined cannabis is handled, the high-precision requirements for weighing are the same. Medical laboratories operate outside of the consumer-focused supply chain, but concentrate their efforts on researching all components of the cannabis plant to find their effects on the human body.

Cultivation and Harvest of Marijuana

Inventory management and profitability start at the growing facility. At this point counter top bench scales, floor scales, and pallet jack scales allow growers to capture the material handling weights at the field site, indoor growing facility, packaging plant or anywhere weight documentation is needed for cannabis logistics. Great for repetitive tasks while harvesting, loading and packing.

Processing and Extracting Cannabis

Our line of bench scales and check weighing scales are great for all the tasks of cannabis and hemp processing environments, including sanitary handling and consumer ready retail packaging. Our line of industrial scales are built well and priced right and best of all, can be custom ordered for an exact fit in just about any location and hold up to extreme cleaning procedures.

rice lake 1280

Cannabis processing, batching and automated production are taken a step further with our selection of Rice Lake 1280 digital weight indicators. Weight indicators perform a range of functions from batching to simple weight displaying to the most complex custom programming, communications and remote batch queuing. We can provide complete weighing and process control solutions for any operation from bulk batching to featherweight designer-strain derivatives.

What Kind of Scales are Required for Selling Medical Cannabis Inside Retail Shops & Dispensaries?

According to what we are hearing, in many states, scales and balances used for selling cannabis to consumers need to be NTEP Class II, meaning they must display results from 1 mg to 50 mg (0.05g) and have 10,000 – 100,000 divisions, or better. (For reference, Class I units have more than 100,000 divisions.)  We suggest contacting your state weighing and measures department to determine what state and local requirements you will have to comply with.

In selling to the public, the balances must be NTEP certified legal-for-trade. This means the scale has been approved by NCWM and has a certificate of conformance number (CoC#) and is legally approved in the U.S. for buying or selling goods by weight.

Our lineup of CAS, Brecknell, Detecto, and Rice Lake retail scales are ideal for the point of sale (POS) or retail packaging counters in cannabis storefronts and dispensaries. Legal for Trade scales allow legal selling of products by weight from the scale, according to NTEP Certification for the highest level of accuracy in weight-based transactions.

Rice Lake’s retail scales have data communicating options suitable for tracking, reporting and inventory management, and select models offer additional weight displays for transparency and customer confidence.

adam equinox analytical balance

Because dispensaries sell cannabis products in small amounts, readability of 0.01g is ideal to have. Medical laboratories often have a little more tolerance in terms of requirements since they don’t actually sell cannabis, but they often utilize balances with readability in the neighborhood of  0.0001g. For something like that, see the Adam Equipment Equinox Analytical Balance

As with other applications – such as biopharmaceuticals or jewelry – the small amounts of cannabis sold in most transactions require a high degree of readability to protect both the buyer and seller. Popular NTEP approved weed scales available include the Adam Equipment Highland balance along with the Ohaus SJX1502N/E, Intelligent Vibra ALE-NC balance and A&D EK series of precision balances.

legal for trade ale-nc dispensary scale

To satisfy requirements for selling cannabis derivatives, edibles and topicals by weight, our selection of Rice Lake laboratory balances are ideal for the cannabis industry and can weigh derivatives precisely to 0.001 gram. Scale data connectivity for labeling and tracking compliance is available with RS-232, Bluetooth or USB port.

We hope this entry what scales do you need for production, distributing, or selling cannabis has helped you better understand this industry. We do recommend you contact your state weighing and measurements office to determine exactly what your particular requirements are because they can differ from state to state. If you need some assistance purchasing your industrial weighing equipment, please contact us (919) 776-7737.

 

 

 

Top Wheelchair Scale Choices to Consider

In this entry I am going to take a look at what I consider to be the top choices for wheelchair scales which are used at doctors offices, hospitals, and even could be used by patients at home or in assisted living environments.

Of course, right off the bat I want to emphasize quality. Sure, you can probably find some imported wheelchair scale made in China for a low price on the internet. However, the odds are the quality and durability and longevity of that item would likely not match what you’re going to find from reputable wheelchair scale manufacturers like Detecto, Healthweigh, Seca, Doran Medical and HealthOMeter Professional.

Top quality wheelchair scales are designed to assist medical personnel in weighing patients who are in wheelchairs. At CCS we offer wheel chair scales that are stationary, portable, and we even have some that are wall-mounted. All of these medical grade weight scales can be used in a wide variety of healthcare locations.

Generally, many of our wheelchair scale models include features like extra-grip matting for patient safety and easy to read weight displays. Many of the scales have dual ramps for easy access from multiple directions. Some of the wheelchair scales also have handrails and seating to provide extra assurance to overweight or elderly patients when trying to gather a weight reading. In today’s modern world of communications, many of our medical scales offer EMR output of patient data for electronical recordkeeping. 

So you’re probably wondering what are my top picks for wheelchair scales?  Let’s take a look below.

detecto 7550 wall mount scale

Best Wall Mount Wheelchair Scale System

In many hospitals or doctors offices, a patient in a wheelchair is only going to happen a few times a week. The majority of patients will be able to use a standard medical scale with handrail.

So, it can make a lot of sense to purchase a wall mount wheel chair scale to maximize walkway space.

The top wall mounted wheelchair scale in my opinion is the the Detecto 7550. It features a unique fold-up storage design that saves space when it’s not being used to weigh a patient. It can be installed directly in high-traffic areas and work zones and fold up when done weighing without using up valuable floor space.

A scale like this allows wheelchair bound patients the opportunity to weigh in open common areas instead of backrooms or closets. The wall-mount scale stores easily out of the way and aesthetically blends into any environment for a more efficient workflow. The 7550 easily accommodates most wheelchairs, and yet requires very little floor space when folded up.

Another great feature of the 7550 is Bluetooth 5.0 / Wi-Fi are included standard for wireless connectivity with EMR/EHR systems. And, the modern gray color allows the 7550 scale to integrate into any healthcare environment. The 7550 features a 1000 x 0.2 lb capacity, touch-screen LCD weight display, 36″ x 32″ weighing platform and sturdy steel construction for everyday durability.

The 7550 includes a digital weight indicator that features a smartphone like touchscreen LCD that allows you to enter up to 8 digit patient ID numbers that can be sent along with patient weight data to EMR systems via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5.0. The 7550 display is a 3.2″ full color TFT with 320 x 240 resolution for easy-to-read text explanations of various functions and large, vivid weight readouts. The integrated full-color, touchscreen LCD offers wheelchair tare weight mode to remove wheelchair weights and factor patient weight (pushbutton and keypad tare). We recommend using the scale on hard floor surfaces.

Best of all, the 7550 slim 7 inch profile takes up minimal space when installed in a medical facility hallway, clinical office, long-term care center, or nursing home. When a wheelchair bound patient needs their weight checked, you simply lower the platform and the gas spring lifting mechanism will gently lower it into place. The 7550 1 1/2 inch high platform is very low to the ground making it fairly easy for the patient to roll on the scale.

Best Portable Wheelchair Scale System

If you’re not interested in mounting a scale to your wall, then perhaps a portable wheelchair scale will make more sense. Anytime a wheelchair bound patient needs to get a weight check, you simply roll the wheelchair scale out and carefully set the scale down and proceed.

That’s what can be done with the Healthweigh RL-350-6 Dual-Ramp Portable Bariatric Wheelchair Scale. This item features integrated handles and wheels for easy transport. The dual ramps make it very easy to roll on and roll off the large stable scale platform. The system features a nice robust weight display with large 1-inch LCD weight display for easy reading of a patient weight. It also includes unit of measure toggle or locking, Motiontrap movement compensation technology, EMR capable, Serial and USB data communication ports, a tare function, hold function and BMI (body mass index) function.

One concern with a system like this is the fact that the scale will be stored on its side and will be rolled on the side using the wheels. Then when you actually need to use the scale, it will need to be carefully placed down on the four load cell feet.  This is where potential problems could occur if one person tries to do this and it’s too heavy and the scale gets dropped. Therefore, I would recommend that two people attempt to set this RL-350-6 scale down gently as to not shock load any of the load cells.

2400KL scale

I also have to give an honorable mention to the HealthOMeter 2400KL portable wheelchair scales.

The HOM 2400KL is the perfect portable scale for locations where occasional wheelchair-bound patients need to be weighed. The scale folds easily and requires minimal room for storage. The scale includes a handle and wheels for easy portability.

The 2400KL also features EMR Connectivity, so the scale can interface with a computer, EMR software, or other electronic devices via various Health o meter Professional Connectivity Solutions.

The 2400KL features a scale indicator that can be mounted nearby on a wall or simply placed on a table for easy viewing. The scale also features adjustable tracks. Wheelchair rails expand and adjust from 25 3/4″ to to 50 1/8″ to accommodate all standard and bariatric wheelchairs.

Best Stationary / Permanent Installation Wheel Chair Scale

If you have the available floor space in your medical clinic, sometimes it can make really good sense to just buy a large stationary scale and not have to worry about rolling a scale in and out of a closet or mounting a scale to a wall.

summit wheelchair scale

There are several really nice stationary wheelchair scales available from our medical scale suppliers. But I feel the Healthweigh SB-1150 Summit Bariatric Wheelchair Scale is the best overall choice. This has a lot to do with its heavy-duty mild steel construction. This is a scale that is built to last you for many years.

The Summit SB-1150 Healthweigh bariatric wheelchair scale provides medical clinics outstanding weighing accuracy and overall performance in environments where typical wheelchair scales are not large enough to meet patient needs. With its large 3×3 weighing platform and easy-access ramp, the heavy duty Summit SB-1150 accommodates wheelchairs without sacrificing overall safety. The scale weight platform and access ramp are equipped with a non-skid rubber surface and the raised guide rails on three sides provide an extra sense of security. Convenient keypad tare on the scale controller reduces errors and increases overall efficiency.

The SB-1150 features a single ramp and 36″ x 36″ metal nonslip weighing platform with 1000 pound max capacity. The digital weight indicator is a good overall size and features an easy to read 1 inch LCD display. The scale controller also includes Motiontrap movement compensation technology along with unit of measure toggle or locking. The indicator is EMR capable with serial and USB data communication ports and Bluetooth BLE 4.0 available. This scale also includes Tare, Hold, and BMI functions. Best of all it’s factory calibrated at the top notch Rice Lake scale factory.

For heavy duty permanent style wheelchair scales, we also like the Detecto 6495, Doran Medical DS9100, and the HealthOMeter 2650KL.

I hope this overview on the top wheelchair scale choices to consider has been helpful. There is no question with an aging population in the US, medical scales will continue to play an important role in everyone’s life. Keep in mind there are A LOT of wheelchair scales out there on the market. Each wheelchair scale manufacturer has multiple versions available. I picked my favorites but you may have other features that are more important for your particular situation. So, if you need assistance or product recommendations, we are just a phone call away (919) 776-7737 or you can complete our RFQ form for fast response.

Top 5 Questions to Consider Before Purchasing a Scale Online

Of course we provide scales to a lot of customers throughout central North Carolina. But we also provide scales and weighing equipment to many customers throughout the United States as well. So we know and understand many of the challenges that consumers deal with when they are looking to purchase a scale online.

With sites like ebay, amazon and lots of scale websites… customers have many options to choose from. But when it comes to buying scales online, it can really pay to take your time and do your homework before making an impulse buying decision.

Naturally the top factor that many customers consider is price. But the problem with that is many times manufacturers (mostly from overseas) can literally cut every corner possible to make something cheaper, and cheaper, and cheaper. We have seen this happen with certain items. 

Are you looking to purchase a scale?  If so, we suggest you contact our sales department first!  Let us know what you’re looking to do and what your budget is and we can try to assist. Ok, here are the top five questions to ask yourself before purchasing a scale online. 

What is the Weighing Application?  

What are you looking to use the scale for?  That’s another way to word it. Sometimes it can be straightforward choosing a scale. For example, you’re selling strawberries at the farmers market and therefore you need a legal for trade price computing scale. 

farmers market scale

However, there are many times where customers think they know what scale to purchase and then they talk to us for a few minutes and voila they now have a completely different scale choice. And, believe it or not, many times it’s either the same price or a little less expensive.

Anytime this subject is brought up I always think back to a customer who contacted us and thought he had to purchase a stainless steel floor scale which cost several thousand dollars. Turns out, in his particular application, all he needed was a painted steel scale with stainless steel components which was thousands of dollars less!

We deal with scales and weighing equipment daily. We are entrenched in the scale business!  We know the products. We know which scale indicators are the best. We know which scale platforms are the best. We know which scales are generally the most reliable. We know which scale equipment is the most cost effective. We know these things because we’ve seen these products out in the field for ten or twenty years!  The big mega websites don’t have that experience. All they know are sku’s and part numbers. Best of all, our advice is no charge. All you need to do is contact us.  (919) 776-7737  

What is the Scale Environment?

Anytime you are looking to purchase a weight scale, you need to determine what environment the scale will be located in. This is very important especially if the scale will be in either a hazardous area or a washdown area. So, be sure to know where the scale will be utilized before making the purchase.

Doran 2200CW stainless steel checkweigher

Scale Specs?  Capacity x Readability?  Platform Size?  Power Choices?

One of the most important considerations when purchasing an electronic scale is the maximum amount of weight you can place on the scale. This is also known as the maximum capacity. Likewise, the readability is very important as well. These two numbers are connected. In most industrial style large capacity scales, the scales can only display 5000 graduations. So a scale would typically be rated for 5000 x 1 lb. For example, if you are in the market for a 10,000 lb capacity scale for weighing pallets, the maximum capacity will be 10,000 lb and the readability will likely be 2 lb.  

Another very important factor when picking out a scale to buy is the scale platform size. You need to look at the items you are looking to weigh and make sure they will fit on the scale platform. 

When it comes to powering your scale, most scales are powered by standard 110 VAC power. However, a good number of scales either come standard or offer as an accessory a rechargeable battery option.

One more specification to consider is the display. Do you want a black display with bright red or yellow numbers?  Or, do you want a scale display with gray background and black digits? This can vary depending on preference and also where you will be using the scale. For example are you using the scale in a warehouse or outside in the sun?

Scale Certification Choices?

A lot of scales that you see online don’t include any approvals. However, if you are planning to buy or sell based on the weight you see on your scale, then it is either required or highly recommended that you use a scale system that is NTEP approved. Items that are NTEP certified have a CoC# stamped somewhere on the enclosure. You can also look them up in the NCWM database. Be sure to check with your state weights and measures regarding your local legal for trade weighing requirements.

Now, if you’re dealing with washdown and food prep scenarios then you might need to look at scales that feature NSF certification. NSF engages in the rigorous testing, auditing, and certification of an array of products and services. The NSF mark serves as an emblem of assurance, signifying to consumers, retailers, and regulatory bodies that our certified products meet or exceed requisite standards.

sources for the best counting scale

Do You Need Any Other Features like Printers or Sending Data to the Computer?

One often overlooked feature of scales is the ability to connect them to either a label printer or a computer. However, this often takes a little bit of planning and/or additional thought and programming, in most cases it can be done. However, this works best when it’s brought up during the initial quoting process. 

Well there you have it, the top five questions to consider before purchasing a scale online. It’s actually more than five questions but oh well…. Hopefully these questions have helped you think about your particular weighing application. Remember we are just a phone call or RFQ form away. Remember, we understand the idea of just ordering the scale online and being done with your buying task…  But do yourself a favor and consult with the scale experts at Central Carolina Scale. You’ll likely come out ahead by spending a little time with our weighing equipment experts and maybe even save a little money.