Knowing What to Look For
Deciding to add a forklift scale to your facility is a big decision. There are several things you will need to consider before even making the purchase. Having a bit of knowledge will go a long way when it comes to deciding on what scale you want to go with. In this article, we will give you some things to consider when purchasing a forklift scale.
What Is a Forklift Scale?
A forklift scale is a scale that’s built directly into the forklift. The scale uses the forklift’s hydraulic sensor system in order to measure the resistance to the object the forklift is lifting while weighing the object simultaneously. This type of scale is typically used for weighing a product as it’s being loaded into transport vehicles.
Industry Applications of Forklift Scales
Industrial factories
Logistics facilities
Production floor
Agriculture
Distribution centers
Cargo loading
Produce coolers and storage
Truck Loading
Benefits of Forklift Scales
Cost-effective due to efficiency in saving time loading it on and off of a floor scale
Scale is portable
Ideal for avoiding downtime
Weight of the product is determined during the loading process
Allows optimal loading of transport vehicles
Prevents overloading penalty
Maintains high accuracy regardless of environmental disturbances
Provides a wide range of data collection options
Easily maintenance and installation process
On-board diagnostics and predictive warnings
things to consider
Recycling centers, warehouses, and logistic companies all frequently use forklifts. They’re ideal for operational needs due to their speed and ability to easily navigate around obstacles.
Many of these industries end up investing in a forklift scale because of the additional benefits they have. Not only is this useful in terms of the process of getting inventory from Point A to Point B, but forklift scales also measure and record data while doing so.
For example, forklift scales end up eliminating many tedious tasks at recycling centers. Bundled materials can be weighed on the way to the designated destination instead of slowing down the process by constantly stopping every so often at a floor scale to take a reading. Here are some things you should consider before purchasing a forklift scale:
What are the dimensions of your forklift?
It’s important for you to know the dimensions of the frame of your fork truck, considering that it’s one of the first questions a sales associate will ask you during the buying process. Once they know what the proper dimensions are, potential scales will be recommended according to your needs.
Do you need to store or print transaction data?
If you think you’ll need to store data electronically, then a scales indicator can do just that. However, if you need to print the weight data, then it is recommended that you consider adding a printer to your operation.
What is your forklift’s weight capacity?
This is entirely dependent on which forklift scale you are using
Wired or wireless indicator?
Both types of indicators come with their own set of pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide what your needs are regarding the capabilities of an indicator. Wireless options require more maintenance because an operator must manually change the batteries of the scale itself in order to transmit power. A wired indicator is powered through the truck itself, which means less work for you, but also includes a physical power cord.
Closing Words
Purchasing a forklift scale for your warehouse facility has a lot of benefits and can quickly increase productivity. But going into the purchasing process blind can potentially cause you extra time and money due to purchasing a scale not fit for your needs. Consider these aforementioned tips to help get you on the right track as to which scale to purchase.
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.