Guide to Crane Scales
Understanding Crane Scales.
Crane scales work differently than platform scales. Instead of placing an item in the weighing area, the load is attached to a crane’s scale hook. This makes hanging scales a more versatile tool for weighing large or awkwardly shaped loads. This article will serve as a guide to help you find the best crane scale for your operation.
The Benefits of a Crane Scales?
Crane scales have a bit more versatility over floor or platform scales. Below is a list of benefits a crane scale has over platform scales:
Easy to weigh bulky items: Some items are bulky and have an awkward shape that could make traditional weighing methods a bit difficult. Using a crane scale adds an extra layer of safety when having to weigh and transport large and awkward items.
Adds a layer of safety: Transporting a load that’s too heavy for your crane can cause damage to the crane and worksite. Using a crane scale over a platform scale to weigh potentially dangerous items will help keep your workers and site safe.
Saves space: Floor scales take up a lot of space. With a hanging scale, you can weigh goods in place, eliminating the need to budget floor space for a scale.
Time saver: Your staff doesn’t have to carry every item they need to weigh to the scale. This cuts down on traffic, making the workplace safer and more efficient.
Increased accuracy: Some crane scales provide extremely precise weight measurements, which is a great way to increase profit through accurate measurements.
Types of Crane Scales
Crane scales differ depending on their material, weighing mechanism, display type and features. For example, analogue and digital scales use different weighing mechanisms. Since digital scales are typically more precise and allow for more options, like check weighing and parts counting, they’re much more common in industrial and commercial applications. However, an analogue hanging scale is a great lower-cost choice for operations that don’t require as much precision.
The variety of hanging scales is wide. Here’s a brief outline of the most common types.
Monorail hoist scales provide a versatile solution that offers a high weight capacity for more extensive industrial operations.
Jib crane scales are suitable in smaller spaces like machine shops or shipping centers, where smaller components are weighed individually.
Bridge crane scales provide high load capacity with a wide range of motion to allow faster weighing.
Rail-mounted or rubber-tire gantry scales are preferred by factories, mines and other high-capacity industries.
Semi-gantry scales are similar to the rail-mounted gantry but are supported by an elevated or rail-mounted truck at one end.
Functionality and Options
When you are looking for your next crane scale, there will be some options and functions that will be beneficial to you.
Load monitoring. Accurate load weights are essential for regulatory compliance purposes and to ensure safety conditions are met. In addition, maintaining load weights will safeguard your valuable equipment against damage and premature wear and tear. When deciding on the appropriate scale, you must know the weight capacity you’ll need and any specific scale graduation requirements.
Process control. Consider the scale’s ease of use and how simple features like larger-sized buttons can reduce downtime caused by workers needing to remove work gloves to operate the scale. Display visibility is another opportunity to increase efficiency, particularly in the case of digital screens that must be read in bright sunlight.
Energy efficiency. Considerations around energy consumption are an environmental responsibility and a matter of process efficiency. When deciding on a scale, look at its battery life to determine how frequently you’ll have to deal with downtime related to recharging or changing batteries. Some units have automatic shutoff functions to help conserve energy when the scale isn’t in use.
Data integration. Many scales can accommodate digital integrations allowing for real-time communication of information across business systems while limiting the risk of human error. Systems that enable real-time remote monitoring of weight readouts can streamline data transfer and enable faster decision-making.
Things to consider when using a crane scale
Crane scales can significantly increase job site safety. However, they still present risks that can result in injury or death. Follow these safety tips when working with and around a crane scale:
Always be alert and keep an eye on suspended loads
Never pass or work under suspended loads
Ensure all loads are balanced
Always lift loads slowly
Avoid torsion, vibrations, and shock loads
Always check safety brackets
Check hooks, cables, ropes, carbines, and rings for excessive wear and replace them when necessary
Service and maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keeping your crane scale safe and operational. Every time you use the scale, check the hooks, shackles, and lifting eyes for wear and cracks. You should also tighten the shackle pin and nut.
It’s a good idea to have a designated internal person inspect the entire apparatus for wear and damage every three months. Once a year, schedule an inspection with a certified professional to calibrate your scales, check the hardware for excessive wear, and make any necessary repairs.
Closing Words
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.