Floor Scale Basics

Beginners Basics

As you start searching for the right floor scale system, there are a few things you may want to consider before deciding on a floor scale to buy. Some of the things that you may want to consider is whether the scale you want will be legal for trade or not. What is the area you will weigh look like, and does the size of the scale suit the area the scale will be installed in? This post will break down the basics of floor scale ownership and help guide you towards purchasing a quality scale that will fit your weighing needs.

The basic floor scale consists of a scale platform which usually has a tread plate on the surface along with four electronic load cells (shear beam) underneath the deck. The load cells underneath the deck are then connected to a J box or junction box inside. The junction box allows each load cell to adjust each load cell under the platform to ensure that they all record the same weight. From the j-box is a cable that  connects to the scale indicator. The majority of floor scales will most likely be painted steel. There are stainless steel variants for floor scales, but those are usually used in washdown environments and tend to have a higher price tag. Scale calibration on a floor scale is the same principle, just with different capacities depending on the weighing applications.

WHERE TO START?

Understanding where to start when searching for a floor scale can be an overwhelming ordeal, it can be a bit simpler if you know where to start. The fact is that there are a lot of factors you should consider when choosing what type of scale to buy. Do you want scale accessories? Will your environment have a remote display or scoreboard? These are questions you would want to consider when pricing your floor scale. The easiest way to determine this is to evaluate what you are using the scale for. This means that you should consider the environment the scale will be in. Will the scale be in a factory where there will be a lot of dust and debris floating around? Are you wanting analog or digital? Will you be weighing heavy materials? These questions are what need to be asked to help guide you toward the best suitable floor scale for your operation.

WHY GO FLOOR?

Specific scenarios call for specific tools, and when it comes to scales, you want the right scale for the job. Floor scales are a great choice for environments that require you to weigh large, heavy and bulky items. The reasoning for this is because the platform of a floor scale is quite literally on the floor, thus making weighing large and heavy items a lot easier. In environments like industrial factories, manufacturers and scrap yards will most likely have a floor scale, due to the heavy items being weighed. Floor scales are able to be installed on a flat or level surface or  it can be installed in a “pit” style, where the scale will sit in the ground a bit. If your operation requires a scale that can handle higher weight and can stand up to the hazards of the environment, then you will want to go with a floor scale.

DETERMINING THE RIGHT SCALE

Knowing what you are generally going to weigh can help you determine the size and shape of the scale you want. It is one thing to weigh rectangular boxes all day, but often enough you will weigh different sized and shaped items, so having a platform size large enough to accurately weigh any of the items you receive. 

The key to ensuring you have an accurate scale is making sure that the weight capacity has a good enough range, and that the scale is positioned in a way that it won’t feel vibrations or any other hazards that could cause you to have an inaccurate measurement. The first step you will want to do is figure out what the typical sizes and shapes of the items you will be weighing, so it can help you decide what scale size will be needed.

Keep in mind that certain types of floor scales will be better suited for certain environments. Usually equipped with a steel deck for heavy duty. Scale manufacturers will usually have different features for different scale models. A good example of this is when you have a floor scale in an environment that is considered a washdown environment. This means that the environment in which the scale is located is subjected to being sprayed or “washed” down by a power washer. The components on a washdown floor scale will Understanding this will help you to avoid purchasing the incorrect scale.

CONCLUSION

The best floor scale for you should be reliable and accurate, providing increased uptime and greater productivity. The amount of industries that legal for trade bench scales are used far exceeds what is listed in this article. The floor scale is a very versatile scale and due to its versatility they are able to service multiple industries and provide accurate weight measurements. Keep in mind that these tips should help increase the lifespan of your scale. At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our“Common Problems With Bench Scales'', which can help give insight to what issues could arise while owning a bench scale.

Floor Scale Maintenance Guide.

Floor scales are heavy-duty weighing instruments that are used to measure the weight of large objects or items in bulk. They are commonly found in industries such as agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing, logistics or where accurate and reliable weight measurements are critical.

To ensure that your floor scale is providing accurate measurements, it's important to regularly maintain and care for it. Neglecting to properly maintain your floor scale will result in inaccurate measurements, intermittent operation, and all out failure. This article will focus on how to properly care for your floor scale to keep it running for a long time to come.

Keeping your scale calibrated

One of the most important aspects of floor scale maintenance is regular calibration. Calibration is the process of adjusting a scale to ensure that it is providing accurate measurements within its specified tolerance. Most floor scales should be calibrated at regular intervals, typically every six months to a year. If you are unsure of how to calibrate your floor scale, consult the manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance. Some manufacturers will have different parameters when it comes to calibration.

When it comes to how often you should calibrate your scale, you first need to consider how often your scale is being used. For example if you are operating a floor scale that takes multiple measurements per day. It may be a good idea to have your scale calibrated every quarter or four times per year. As mentioned above, if you aren’t using your scale as often as aforementioned, then getting your scale calibrated twice per year should be sufficient.

Good Housekeeping

In addition to regular calibration, it's important to keep your floor scale clean. Dust, debris, and other contaminants can interfere with the accuracy of the scale, so it's important to regularly clean the platform and display. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the scale, and avoid using any harsh cleaners or abrasives. Some chemicals can actually be harmful to your scale. Consult the manual to see which cleaners are safe to use for your scale.

Keeping a clean floor scale is even more prevalent when you are working in an area that requires washing down of the scales. You usually find these sort of environments in food processing plants and meat packing plants. The reasoning is because with the handling of food, there is a good chance that bacteria can build if the scale is not washed down regularly. This in turn can contaminate the products being weighed, thus potentially affecting others as the products are shipped to their destinations.

A good way to ensure a clean floor scale is by having a daily, weekly and monthly cleaning and maintenance schedule. For example, if you have your scale set to be cleaned at the beginning and end of each work day, this can help minimize bigger cleaning tasks that would be done weekly or monthly.

Extreme Environments

Another important aspect of floor scale maintenance is protecting the scale from extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures can affect the accuracy of a scale, so it's important to avoid exposing the scale to temperatures outside of its specified operating range. Be sure to store the scale in a cool, dry place when not in use.

If you are working in areas like a steel mill, or other places that have extreme high or low temperatures, then most likely you have a scale and indicator with an IP69 rating. The IP rating will ensure that your scale and indicator can handle extreme temperatures, as well as high powered washing.

Keeping a schedule

Finally, it's a good idea to regularly check your floor scale for errors or incorrect readings. Even with regular maintenance and proper use, scales can sometimes experience errors or provide incorrect readings. To help detect and troubleshoot these issues, it's a good idea to regularly check your floor scale for errors or incorrect readings.

Keeping a cleaning and maintenance schedule/log is the best way to accomplish this. A good cleaning schedule should have a checklist as well as certain tasks that should be completed in daily, weekly and monthly increments. Keeping a notebook or an online spreadsheet to keep track of when you perform cleaning and maintenance duties is an easy way to ensure that you don’t miss a cleaning or important maintenance.

Closing Words

In conclusion, regular maintenance is an important part of ensuring that your floor scale continues to provide accurate and reliable weight measurements. By performing regular calibration, cleaning, and checks, you can help to maximize the performance of your floor scale and ensure that it continues to provide accurate data.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale systems related, including products from the top scale manufacturers. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our “Common Problems With Bench Scales'', to help prolong the lifespan on your scale.

Floor Scale Basics

Beginners Basics

As you start searching for the right floor scale system, there are a few things you may want to consider before deciding on a floor scale to buy. Some of the things that you may want to consider is whether the scale you want will be legal for trade or not. What is the area you will weigh look like, and does the size of the scale suit the area the scale will be installed in? This post will break down the basics of floor scale ownership and help guide you towards purchasing a quality scale that will fit your weighing needs.

The basic floor scale consists of a scale platform which usually has a tread plate on the surface along with four electronic load cells (shear beam) underneath the deck. The load cells underneath the deck are then connected to a J box or junction box inside. The junction box allows each load cell to adjust each load cell under the platform to ensure that they all record the same weight. From the j-box is a cable that  connects to the scale indicator. The majority of floor scales will most likely be painted steel. There are stainless steel variants for floor scales, but those are usually used in washdown environments and tend to have a higher price tag. Scale calibration on a floor scale is the same principle, just with different capacities depending on the weighing applications.

WHERE TO START?

Understanding where to start when searching for a floor scale can be an overwhelming ordeal, it can be a bit simpler if you know where to start. The fact is that there are a lot of factors you should consider when choosing what type of scale to buy. Do you want scale accessories? Will your environment have a remote display or scoreboard? These are questions you would want to consider when pricing your floor scale. The easiest way to determine this is to evaluate what you are using the scale for. This means that you should consider the environment the scale will be in. Will the scale be in a factory where there will be a lot of dust and debris floating around? Are you wanting analog or digital? Will you be weighing heavy materials? These questions are what need to be asked to help guide you toward the best suitable floor scale for your operation.

WHY GO FLOOR?

Specific scenarios call for specific tools, and when it comes to scales, you want the right scale for the job. Floor scales are a great choice for environments that require you to weigh large, heavy and bulky items. The reasoning for this is because the platform of a floor scale is quite literally on the floor, thus making weighing large and heavy items a lot easier. In environments like industrial factories, manufacturers and scrap yards will most likely have a floor scale, due to the heavy items being weighed. Floor scales are able to be installed on a flat or level surface or  it can be installed in a “pit” style, where the scale will sit in the ground a bit. If your operation requires a scale that can handle higher weight and can stand up to the hazards of the environment, then you will want to go with a floor scale.

DETERMINING THE RIGHT SCALE

Knowing what you are generally going to weigh can help you determine the size and shape of the scale you want. It is one thing to weigh rectangular boxes all day, but often enough you will weigh different sized and shaped items, so having a platform size large enough to accurately weigh any of the items you receive. 

The key to ensuring you have an accurate scale is making sure that the weight capacity has a good enough range, and that the scale is positioned in a way that it won’t feel vibrations or any other hazards that could cause you to have an inaccurate measurement. The first step you will want to do is figure out what the typical sizes and shapes of the items you will be weighing, so it can help you decide what scale size will be needed.

Keep in mind that certain types of floor scales will be better suited for certain environments. Usually equipped with a steel deck for heavy duty. Scale manufacturers will usually have different features for different scale models. A good example of this is when you have a floor scale in an environment that is considered a washdown environment. This means that the environment in which the scale is located is subjected to being sprayed or “washed” down by a power washer. The components on a washdown floor scale will Understanding this will help you to avoid purchasing the incorrect scale.

CONCLUSION

The best floor scale for you should be reliable and accurate, providing increased uptime and greater productivity. The amount of industries that legal for trade bench scales are used far exceeds what is listed in this article. The floor scale is a very versatile scale and due to its versatility they are able to service multiple industries and provide accurate weight measurements. Keep in mind that these tips should help increase the lifespan of your scale. At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our“Common Problems With Bench Scales'', which can help give insight to what issues could arise while owning a bench scale.

Bench Scales vs. Floor Scales

The similarities between Bench scales and floor scales are quite close and in many ways can be interchangeable between the two scales. In the vein that they both are able to be customized with certain features like checkweighing or counting, and have various IP ratings to help both scales withstand the harsh environments and conditions that the scale will have to endure. This article post will discuss the similarities and differences between both bench scales and floor scales, and will lay out which scale will work best for your environment.

Bench Scale Basics

Bench scales are compact scales that are able to be used on a bench or some other sort of raised surface. These scales are very versatile and are equipped with different features like an integrated display or an indicator that can be mounted in different locations. One of the bigger differences between a bench and a floor scale is the maximum capacities that each scale is capable of weighing. Granted a bench scale is smaller and resembles that of a lab balance, it is not nearly as precise as a balance, but does have more precision than a floor scale. Bench scales are typically used for basic production tasks, like check weighing and counting.

bench scale applications

The versatility for bench scales comes into play in the way that it is used for the applications of bench scales. One of the ways bench scales are different from floor scales is in what industries use them. Industries like food services and manufacturing production sites will use bench scales over floor scales to take weight measurements for items like spices, nuts, bolts, etc.

In manufacturing warehouses and factories, bench scales are the common scale of choice. These industries typically will use bench scales for  their extremely useful features like counting and checkweighing. Since these particular industries rely on taking repetitive weight measurements, like  check weighing and production counting to ensure that the end of production is meeting the requirements to be shipped.      

One of the benefits that bench scales have over floor scales is that they have a nice and compact size, that makes the scale easy to relocate and to take a lot of weight measurements without taking up a lot of real estate. When walking into a deli at a grocery store, you will notice that the scale that is used to weigh the produce will most likely be a bench scale with an integrated keypad and indicator.  Bench scales are going to be located in environments like manufacturing warehouses, grocery stores and parcel and shipping companies.

bench scale benefits

One of the biggest benefits of selecting a bench scale over a floor scale is the size between the two. Bench scales have a smaller design compared to floor scales, which makes them perfect for environments which have limited space. Places like logistics or shipping companies are going to most likely have bench scales since they take up a very small amount of real estate. Environments that have limited space and locations to place the scale are why bench scales can be a good option due to the small size.  

Another benefit that bench scales possess is not only the size but also the layout of the scale. A huge benefit is that bench scales are easily customizable. Due to being easily customizable, bench scales are able to be customized to come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. This means that you will be able to find a scale to fit any space in your operation. There are a lot of  compact scales that are great for basic weight measurements for places like delis and hardware stores. For recording heavier weight measurements you will need something bigger like a floor scale.

Ultimately the benefit of having a bench scale over a floor scale is the ability to have multiple size options and keep a relatively small footprint. They are good for recording low to moderate size weight samples. Think about your industry and the type of weight measurements that will mainly being recorded. These things will help you decide if a bench scale is the right choice for you.

What is a floor scale?

A floor scale is a type of scale that can be used on the floor. The floor scale typically has a higher maximum capacity over a bench scale but does not offer extremely high capacities compared to platform and forklift scales. The design of a floor scale has the ease of use in mind. They are usually equipped with a large weighing platform (some with a high IP rating for washdown environments) to handle a larger quantity of items being weighed. They also tend to come equipped with detachable indicators and keypads to make it easier to record measurements. Floor scales are a good choice for industries that require a higher weight capacity and are ideal for weighing operations that weigh bulky and large items.

floor scale applications

When it comes to design versatility and durability, both bench and floor scales are very similar in what they offer to the production process. Floor scales will most likely be located in both commercial (logistics, hardware, etc) and industrial environments. The environments that use floor scales tend to take heavier weight measurements due to weighing large and bulky items compared to bench scales.    Another plus is that floor scales are highly customizable and can be equipped with certain features such as counting and checkweighing. These features are able to serve as an efficient way to check inventory and make sure packages are the proper weight at the end of production.

You will also see floor scales in industries like farming and even scrap yards. They are good for weighing heavy items, such as animal feed or crates filled with scrap. These industries use these scales because of how durable they are. Most floor scales will come with a high IP rating to offer extra protection from the harsh environments that the scales operate in.

floor scale benefits

The biggest benefit that a floor scale has over a bench scale is the fact that it has a way higher capacity over a bench scale. The reasoning for this is because they are designed to take weight measurements from objects that are a lot heavier and bulkier compared to objects weighed on a bench scale. The load cells used in a floor scale have a much higher maximum capacity, which can weigh items exceeding weights over 1200lbs. This aspect makes floor scales a prime option for industries like manufacturing and warehouses. Floor scales have the benefit of having ease of use in mind for those taking the weight measurements. Being able to lift heavy, bulky items on the floor scale makes the entire process a lot simpler for those who are taking the weight measurements.

Conclusion

Bench and floor scales are commonly used in industries such as agriculture, retail and manufacturing businesses. Depending on what you are weighing and how often will help you decide if your operation needs a bench scale or a floor scale. Head over to our Learning Center to check out articles on things to consider when selecting a floor scale and how to choose a bench scale. These are great resources to give more insight into what is needed for the right scale for the right operation.

A Guide To Selecting A Wash Down Scale

A Guide to selecting a wash down bench scale

Scales are used almost everywhere, sometimes in austere conditions or in demanding environments. Washdown scales are designed and built to withstand wet environments and harsh industrial conditions. As the name indicates, these scales have easy cleaning access after use and are constructed to prevent liquids and particles from penetrating internal scale components. Washdown scales are found in various industries and applications.

What does it mean for a scale to be “washdown”?

Washdown DOES NOT EQUAL waterproof.  Different scales and electronic components have different protection ratings; these ratings for washdown scales can vary by make and model. Ingress Protection, or IP ratings, highlights the protection rating from elements like water and dust as well as cleaning chemicals. Scales with low IP ratings can generally resist spills or humid environments while scales with higher IP ratings can be washed with heat and pressure.

Types of washdown scales

Washdown scales are generally made of stainless steel and they come in a range of shapes and sizes.

 -          Bench scales
Washdown bench scales tend to be small to medium -sized. These scales can have capacities around 300 lb and lighter; the readability, or division size, is dependent on the scale capacity. Washdown bench scales are useful in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, specialty chemical and several other industries. The scales are often found in warehouses, laboratories and commercial environments. To see different models of bench scales click here.

 -          Floor scales
Washdown floor scales are larger than bench scales, usually 3 by 3 and larger. They are durable and handle heavy loads up to 10,000 lb. Washdown food scales are often used in food processing areas, commercial warehouses and dockyards for weighing items in bulk. To see different models of floor scales click here.

 -          Tank scales
Stainless steel weigh modules and load cell systems can be installed under tank legs for weighing bulk quantities in docks or in food processing facilities. They're built to withstand demanding conditions in harsh environments with sealed components that are protected from water and dust ingress. Tank scales are built with checking to handle stresses from agitators and motors.

 -          Retail scales
Washdown retail scales are compact and legal for trade. They offer all the usual functions of approved scales, such as a display that shows weight, price per unit and total cost, a rear-mounted display that customers can see, and portability for convenience.

Which industries use washdown scales?

The food and beverage industry has high standards for hygiene as well as frequent audits. In order to produce the best possible product in sanitary environments, food producers always use washdown scales in production areas as well as other wet areas. The medical and pharmaceutical industries also use washdown scales to maintain clean and sterile conditions.  Retail stores that sell food use washdown scales to clean between customers or to avoid cross contamination. Manufacturing facilities, logistics warehouses and construction sites with significant dust and debris use washdown scales given the austere conditions.

Load cell system: electronic versus hydraulic

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a wash down scale is what type of load cell system to get. The two primary washdown scale types have either electronic load cell systems or hydraulic load cell systems.

Electronic load cell system: electronic scales work based on simple strain gauge circuits. These strain gauges are installed inside the load cell body. The load cell connects to the summing card or digital weigh indicator via four conductor or six conductor wire. Components in this system include:

o   Load cell(s)
o   Electronic cables
o   Junction box
o   Summing card (PCB)
o   Digital weight indicator

Hydraulic load cell system: hydraulic scales work based on hydrostatic pressure. There are no electrical components under the scale. The load cells are connected to a hydrostatic totalizer via stainless steel tubing. The system is pumped with hydraulic fluid and the totalizer converts the pressure to weight via a single strain gauge load cell. Components in the system include:

o   Load cell(s)
o   Stainless steel tubing
o   Hydrostatic totalizer
o   Digital weight indicator

In nearly all washdown applications, hydraulic scales are far superior to electronic scales. For starters, the hydraulic scales are completely immune to water damage. To learn more about hydraulic load cells checkout this blog post.

 Summary

Washdown scales are great for a variety of reasons – they are built to work in challenging conditions and environments. Their design both improves and speeds up cleaning, keeping the scale reliable. Great clean-up prevents material build up, cross contamination, and growth from mold or bacteria. The IP rating is key to knowing exactly how protected the washdown scale is from water and dust. The folks at American Scale have seen these scales in hundreds of different environments. We’ve seen what works as well as what doesn’t – we are here to help you make decisions regarding your next washdown scale.

Closing Words

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our legal for trade truck scale system articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. We also have articles on scale accessories, common problems to prolong your scales lifespan, weighing applications as well as what scale indicator works best with your junction box. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership.

Troubleshooting Floor and Pallet Scales

Troubleshooting Guide: Floor Scales

Floor scales can be one of the most abused pieces of equipment. They are often in harsh environments like factory floors and warehouses where a lot of action surrounds them. Floor scales are subject to forklift loading, rough washdowns, corrosive materials, dust, debris, overloading, hazardous areas, and more. It is important to make sure your floor scale is still operating at its peak performance despite the hazards surrounding it. Below is a list of troubleshooting tips to ensure your floor scale(s) are operating effectively and efficiently. If you follows these easy steps below and your floor scale still isn’t operating properly it’s time to call your scale service company to assist.

Issue	Probable Cause	Solution
Inaccurate weight readings	Debris, obstructions	Clean the area around and under your scale. Look for any foreign objects wedged under scale
Inaccurate weight readings	Uneven surface, uneven heights	Place scale on clean flat surface. Make sure all corners are supported evenly and not tipping
Platform rigid and not oscillating	Obstruction, debris	Clean out around and under scale; make sure no foreign objects are wedged under scale
Platform rigid and not oscillating	Broken suspension parts	Call for service
Scale stays on zero with weight applied	Broken or cut cable	Check load cell for damage. If equipped with quick disconnect, make sure cable is fully plugged in
Indicator not returning to zero	Obstruction, debris	Clean out around and under scale; make sure no foreign objects are wedged under scale
Indicator not returning to zero	Defective load cell	Call for service
Indicator display is unstable	Defective load cell	Call for service
Indicator display is unstable	Broken or cut cable	Make sure load cell cable is undamaged, call for service

What Options To Consider on A Floor Scale?

Floor Scale Options To Consider

Floor scales are often referred to as pallet scales, platform scales, or shipping scales. Often times these terms are all used interchangeable. Generally, standard floor scales are 4 ft by 4 ft and have a capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. That being said floor scales are available in many other sizes and capacities. You may also be wondering how much floor scales cost; checkout our blog post to learn more.

1) Do you need a legal for trade or NTEP certified floor scale?

This is a key point to understand when buying any scale but particularly a floor scale. NTEP certified scales mean they are authorized to be used for the buying & selling of a product off the scale. With this comes much better accuracy and higher quality in the scale. We only sell legal for trade scales because quality is so important in a scale. Don’t be fooled by the cheap internet floor scales.

2) What size and capacity floor scale?

Are you weighing just shipping pallets then a 4 ft by 4 ft scale should be perfect; however, if you are weighing items with varying sizes something larger may be required. In addition to the size make sure you consider capacity. What is the heaviest item you would be weighing? Don’ forget to include the weight of the pallet, tote, or other container in addition the actual product you are weighing. A higher capacity scale will come with larger capacity load cells reducing the risk of overloading and damaging the scale.

3) What add-on features may I need?

Make sure to consider any additional needs you may have for the scale. These can include the need to connect the scale to a computer, to print labels, or to connect to a remote display. These features are often not included with many cheap internet scales but standard on quality floor scales.

4) Features to look for on when considering a floor scale purchase

A) High Quality Top Access Junction Box; ensure the junction box doesn’t have direct soldered load cells connections, and is accessible from the top of the scale (not the side).

B) Indicator or Readout will last; ensure the indicator is housed in either ABS plastics or stainless steel. If you operate in an environment that may get wet consider upgrading to an IP rated indicator to ensure water will not get into the indicator and destroy it. Look for the ability to change between units, tare and zero, and send weight date via serial output.

C) Strong heavy I-beam deck; be on the lookout for cheap internet scales lacking I-beam supports resulting in the scale deck flexing under load and weighing inaccurately.

D) Quality scale feet; look for stainless steel or well made rubber feet. Too often cheap scales provide uneven and different length feet meaning your scale is never level and will weigh wrong.

E) Warranty; what length warranty is provided. Also make sure the scale manufacturer is one that has been around for years to service that warranty. Too often Chinese scale manufacturer come and go leaving scale buyers with poor quality scales and no warranty protection.

To see what floor scales American Scale offers checkout our floor scales page or our floor scale shop to buy directly.

Closing Words

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our legal for trade truck scale system articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. We also have articles on scale accessories, common problems to prolong your scales lifespan, weighing applications as well as what scale indicator works best with your junction box. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership.

How Much Does A Floor Scale Cost?

Floor scales are large weighing platforms capable of withstanding heavy duty weighing and rough conditions. Floor scales can be used to weigh many things such as pallets and heavy items. They come in a couple of different forms and dimensions and represent any sort of weighing equipment that operates on floor level. This includes pallet scales, platform scales, and pallet beams. Understanding what kind of quality and dimensions of floor scales that are available is important to understanding the cost of a floor scale. There are basic floor scales ranging in size from 3x3 to 5x5 with 1,000 lb - 20,000 lb capacity.  A good quality, mild steel standard floor scale will cost anywhere between $800 - $2,000.  A good quality stainless steel floor scale will cost anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000 depending on what size and weight capacity you buy, not including installation and shipping fees. 

TYPES OF FLOOR SCALES

·       Material- Stainless Steel or Mild Steel

·       Power Type- Electronic or Hydraulic

·       Gas-assisted lift deck or no lift deck

·       Pit mounted or not

As previously mentioned, stainless-steel floor scales are more expensive and are typically used for more wet, heavy duty conditions. Many of these scales will have a quick clean application through gas-assisted lift decks. These steel decks can easily fold up and allow for cleaning under the scale. These scales are typically found in applications such as food processing, where the scale is going to need to be washed down from time to time to ensure sanitation. Other applications that do not require clean downs probably do not need a lift deck floor scale.

To save space, many customers will opt for a pit-mounted floor scale, where the floor scale will be installed in a pit so that the scale will be right at floor level. This will allow for easy transportation of items onto the scale. The cost of digging out a pit in concrete floors is roughly between $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the size and if a drainage system were to be installed under the scale. Keep in mind that this an additional cost incurred on top of the purchase of the floor scale. You may have to hire a contractor to cut out the dimensions of the pit. The other option is to buy a ramp to put adjacent to the floor scale. This will also cost money and will take up more space than the pit-mounted scale.

Another type of floor scale that is less common is the hydraulic floor scale. These scales provide great protection from the harshest of conditions. While more expensive, Hydraulic scales offer great protection in messy environments that require impervious weighing solutions. A Hydraulic Floor Scale’s cost will vary depending on type (stainless steel or mild steel) and dimension, but generally hydraulic floor scales will fall in the range of $9,000 to $25,000. Hydraulic scales require a special certification to work on them, as they operate differently from electronic scales. This also contributes to the higher price tag.

FLOOR SCALE QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS

When purchasing a floor scale, it is very important that you look for quality rather than opting for a lower quality scale. In truth, lower quality floor scales will probably cost around $400-$800 and may seem like a bargain, but will probably not withstand the test of time and general wear-and-tear. Buying a floor scale from a non-reputable source may end up costing you more time and money in the long run. The cost of replacing or recalibrating these unreliable scales will ultimately equate to the cost of buying a higher-quality, more expensive scale, therefore cheap floor scales are not worth the risk. Also factor in the use of a remote display or scoreboard as well to help with convenience.

FLOOR SCALE LOAD CELLS

Floor scales typically have 4 load cells under a deck which is situated on top of the load cells. These cells can hold up to 10,000 lbs but typically hold between 1,000 to 5,000 lbs in weight. You can go analog or electronic load cells, scale calibration will be the same. The load cells will all run to a junction box that sums the individual load cell weights. The more weight capacity that the load cells hold, the more the floor scale will cost. An individual load cell used in a floor scale will typically cost around $200 to $700, depending on its weight capacity. Make sure you know how much capacity you need before purchasing a floor scale. A rule of thumb is that the net weight of all 4 load cell capacities divided in half is the capacity of the entire floor scale. So for example, if you have four 2,500 lb capacity load cells in your floor scale, that would be 10,000 lbs divided by 2, equaling a 5,000 lb floor scale capacity.

NTEP/ LEGAL FOR TRADE CONSIDERATIONS

Typically, if a scale is used in an exchange that involves buying, selling, or charging based on weight within the United States, it must be legal for trade certified. NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program), a non-profit corporation, will usually test and approve scales so that they can be considered “legal for trade”. Not all floor scales are NTEP certified so be aware of that. More reliable scale manufacturers such as Cardinal, B-Tek, Rice Lake, and Emery Winslow offer NTEP certified, legal for trade scales. It is important to understand how you will be using your floor scale; if it is being used to sell or buy something on the basis of weight then you must make sure you floor scale is legal for trade certified, which is typically done through NTEP certification. American Scale offers a wide array of NTEP certified floor scales.

CONCLUSION

As previously mentioned, there are other costs attached to buying a floor scale, as well as many different options of floor scales available for purchase. Make sure to do your due diligence so that you choose the floor scale that will best suite your weighing needs.

Closing Words

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our legal for trade truck scale system articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. We also have articles on scale accessories, common problems to prolong your scales lifespan, weighing applications as well as what scale indicator works best with your junction box. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership.