Tips for Improving Scale Performance.

Truck scales are ubiquitous in the freight industry. Whether it’s at a railroad, on-site weigh station or general freight terminal, truck scales are an essential tool for shippers and truckers alike. These tools allow companies to accurately weigh trucks before they are allowed to enter certain facilities. In addition to providing a means for owners and carriers to accurately weigh their vehicles, truck scales also serve as an important source of data that can be used to improve performance. That being said, not every truck scale is created equal and in this article we will be discussing tips that can maximize your truck scale performance. 

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Regular Testing

Testing your truck scale regularly is a good way to keep good insight into how your scale performs. A good way to implement this is to set up a maintenance and service schedule for your truck scale. Setting up a service schedule will help you to get ahead of any potential problems that could arise during operation. Essentially a service schedule gives great insight to the overall health of your scale and keeps your scale running optimally throughout the lifespan.

In order to maximize truck scale performance, it would be recommended to test your scale at least once every two months. Considering that the general rule of thumb is to have your truck scale calibrated every quarter (3 months). This testing should be thorough and well documented. A well detailed test will have your scale technician doing a thorough visual inspection of the scale, checking for any discrepancies and any visual issues with equipment. From there they will check the accuracy by using test weights on the scale.

This process can seem a bit tedious and time consuming, but if you are running an operation that has a significant amount of measurements per day, then this may be a procedure that you will want to implement. This will also help prevent future downtime, since the scale will be serviced more frequently.  If anything, this will give you a clear picture of your scale’s performance month to month, thus allowing you to make adjustments where necessary. 

 

Maintain accurate recordkeeping

Good record keeping is essential in order to keep information on your scale organized and up to date. This will also keep a steady stream of info on your scale. You will avoid gaps of service information. When the operator records the data from their truck scale, they need to be careful to make sure that the numbers are accurate.

There are a few methods that truck scale operators can use to keep their load records accurate. For example, some scales will have an “automated” feature that automatically documents the weight. If an operator  is using one of these scales, they can still manually enter the load documentation at the same time they are entering the weight. Depending on the indicator and other accessories that are connected to the scale will determine how much data it can hold.

It is also a good idea to have a backup of all your records as well. If your scale is automated then it most likely will have a setting to record all measurements. It is suggested to also back those documents up to a usb drive, cloud (drop box, google drive) or even an external hard drive. Good recordkeeping is similar to good housekeeping. This gives you an ever growing reference for your scale as well as adding peace of mind due to knowing when each service was performed. 

 

Involve your customers in maintenance programs

When trucking, it’s important to interact with your customers. Setting up a scale service program is a good way of building a relationship. This can be done at the gate or it can be done electronically. The point is that over time you will develop a relationship with the customers you provide maintenance for. Get into the habit of involving your customers in some of the processes to help them gain a good perspective as well as gain confidence in ownership. There are often times where there is very to litte interaction when it comes to service, but building a good relationship will help you and the scale owner get ahead of any potential problems as well as helping the owner better understand their scale.

 

Good Housekeeping

Weighbridge cleaning maintenance should take place as part of a daily or weekly routine depending on the type of site. The build-up of debris and water should be monitored and obstructions should be removed from beneath the scale to provide clearance between the weighbridge and the ground. Otherwise, your scale accuracy will suffer.

Pit weighbridges should be checked to make sure clearances are clean and the correct gap between the deck and pit wall are in place. ‘T’ section rubber can be used to help maintain gaps and should be replaced if worn or damaged. Regular end-middle-end tests with a loaded truck should be carried out to review the accuracy of the scale to see if there are any buildup issues. This basic cleaning and maintenance can be carried out by a site foreman or truck scale weighbridge operator. Also look into scale cleaning programs

 

Conclusion

As you can see, truck scales are a critical part of the freight industry. In order to maximize truck scale performance, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to maintaining accurate records and implementing preventative maintenance programs. Finally, remember that as a weighmaster, you also need to maintain trust with your customers. That being said, by implementing these five tips, you can ensure that you are maximizing truck scale performance.

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.

Metal Detector Verification Guide.

The guide to metal detector verification

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Metal Detector Verification 101

Metal detectors used in food processing are essential to keeping hazardous metal particles from mixing into our food. Ensuring a metal detector is operating properly and is properly verified will keep your metal detector operating properly for its lifespan. This article will go over the process of verifying an industrial metal detector. 

 

Calibration vs Verification

When it comes to verifying a metal detector, it is essential to understand the difference between calibration and verification. Metal detector calibration is a different process compared to calibrating a scale. When it comes to ensuring that the metal detector is able to perform its task, then it goes through a verifictaion process. Verification is the act or process of proving that the metal detector meets its sensitivity requirements. This is accomplished by challenging the detector in a repeatable manner with a certified metal sphere at a pre-described time. Most often, this procedure is executed at the same time on a daily basis. Unfortunately there is no standard to which a metal detector can be set. Granted we use metal detectors to find a specified size of metal during processing.  Setting the metal detector to pick up a specific size of metal will help locate a range surrounding a specific size. A good example of this is to change the settings to s epcific size and the magnet should be able to detect 1.5mm ferrous.  Even though a metal detector can’t be calibrated, it detector can be verified and validated. The metal detector can be tested to ensure it qualifies as meeting the standards set forth in a HACCP or other plan.

One would think that verifying a metal detector would be similar to calibrating a scale, this is not the case. With a scale, you take a standard weight, lets say 10lbs and adjust the scale so that it reads 10lbs.  You might send out a scale to a 3rd party vendor who would ensure that the device is calibrated, usually to an specifically accepted standard, and measured appropriately and consistently.

Metal Detection Standards

Unlike an industrial scale, a metal detector does not have an international standard to follow to be considered calibrated (industrial scales have NSIT). There are a lof factors that can affect detectors capabilities. This section will go over the factors that affect metal detectors.

• Orientation effect – Happens when the diameter of a wire contaminant is less than the spherical sensitivity in the test piece.  Sensitivity is measured by the ball size because some contaminants, which are often wire, are more difficult to detect based on the direction of travel through the aperture.

• Aperture size and position – A contaminant close to the wall of the metal detector is easier to detect. The larger the aperture, the less sensitivity. For a consistent reading, products should pass directly through the center of the aperture.

• Packaging material – The material used to pack a product also affects sensitivity. Any metal in the packaging will affect the metal detector, reducing sensitivity and possibly creating a false metal signal.

• Environmental conditions – Vibrations and temperature fluctuations can affect the metal detector’s sensitivity.

• Product characteristics – Some products have certain characteristics that behave in the same way as metal when passing through the detector. For example, products with high moisture or salt content, such as meat and poultry, can often create a ‘false’ signal, making it difficult to distinguish the difference between metal and product.

• Process speed – This is not necessarily a limiting factor for conveyorized metal detectors where product passes through at a consistent speed, but performance is hindered when inspecting product passing through vertical metal detection systems pipelines because of the variations in the speed and flow of the product.

• Detector frequency – Metal detectors operate at different electromagnetic frequencies depending on the type of product being inspected.

understanding Verification

While all these are important considerations, these are only some of the factors involved in veritying and validating a metal detector. All things being considered, the term calibration applies, ultimately, to the relationship between the metal detector and the product. Once the proper size aperture is available and each of these factors have been settled, a metal detector is “calibrated” with clean/non-contaminated product such that the product does not cause any effect on the metal detector. In simple terms, run a clean product through your detector and it shouldn’t reject the product.  The “Product Effect” is being eliminated from the testing process.

Product effect is the magnetic and conductive properties of a product. As the product passes through the aperture, it will affect the coils used in the detection process.  Metal detectors must factor this and eliminate it or ignore it. During setup, the detector needs to “learn” what is the product effect.  The detector will discover this (along with the other factors above) and can then be set to a baseline.  This is a setting in which the product (a clean product) and it’s container (paper, cardboard or other non-magnetic housing) move through the detector without setting off a detection alarm and the associated reject device.

When it comes to an audit, many people will ask an auditor to come in and “calibrate” their detectors. An auditor can assist with that, as explained, but that’s not what’s done during an audit.  The auditors job is to verify that the metal detector can achieve the specifications (usually of a HACCP plan) that the quality control department needs it to achieve.  An auditor should be able to discuss calibration and verification.

Testing Workflow

The metal detector test follows a specific flow, which helps ensure that there aren’t any skips in procedure. Below is a list of what to expect when getting your metal detector audited.

1. The auditor will confirm that the test samples are clearly marked with size, composition, and certificate number or provide. Whenever possible, Detector Audits will supply certified test samples for testing.

2. Unit will be monitored/observed with a product to watch for signal changes and potential interference sources.

3. Settings will be recorded as found at time of arrival, prior to making any changes to the unit.

4. Test samples should travel through the approximate centerline of the aperture as this is the least sensitive area of the aperture.

   • Samples should be placed within the product when possible.

   • Testing of conveyor units should be tested on the product, preferably in the lead/center/trail position.

   • Gravity units should be tested from point of product freefall.

   • Testing of pipeline units should be tested through the center of the pipe.

5. Test samples must activate the reject device to ensure the reject device is properly removing contaminated products from production. Verifying the reject device may include:

   • Testing with contaminant at leading and trailing edge

   • Running successive packs

   • Attempting alternate packs

6. Testing will be performed 3 times per test sample. A successful test consists of 3 (per test sample) consecutive detects.

7. Changes to unit settings will be made, as necessary, to achieve successful testing. All changes will be recorded. These alterations should be made by plant personnel whenever possible.

Conclusion

So if the company (customer) has already established that they need to achieve 1.5mm Ferrous, 2.0mm Non-Ferrous and 3.0mm Stainless Steel, then the auditor, using a procedure outlined above, will verify that standard.  If the product changes, the standards achievable could change, so the verification only applies to the products tested on that metal detection system. A change in the product will require that the detector be re-calibrated for that product and then the auditor can verify it meets the standards intended.  Understanding the terminology means clarifying what you do on your production line and how it’s done. And in the end analysis, that makes for a safer product in the marketplace, so know the difference between calibration and verification.

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.

The Guide to Load Testing

Importance of Load Testing.

Understanding the limitations of your industrial equipment is essential in knowing what you can and cannot do at your worksite. This article will go over the aspects of industrial load testing and how to properly go about getting a load test done. 

What is a load test?

A load test is a testing process in which the performance of industrial equipment (for example cranes) is tested under a specific expected load. It determines how the equipment behaves while being under an extremely heavy load. Essentially load testing is putting the equipment up against real world work loads. The goal of Load Testing is to check performance under a specific load, thus preventing potential overloading and also allows the operator to adjust specs wherever needed.

 

How is a load test performed? 

A load test is performed to verify that a specific crane will safely perform all of its functions while supporting a test load whose weight is at least equal to the equipment’s rated capacity. Since load tests confirm the ability of the crane to safely operate, they must be completed whenever this overhead lifting equipment is newly installed, altered, repaired, or modified before being placed into service. Existing crane systems should be load tested once every four years.

The test load used must be at least 100% of the equipment’s rated capacity unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. The weight itself should be certified prior to testing. Load tests should be dynamic, that is they confirm that the overhead crane and hoist function safely and properly as they move to lift and lower the test load. All results should be kept on file for the life of the equipment.

Workflow of a load test.

Understanding the workflow of a load test will help you get a good idea as to what to expect when you need to have a load test completed. As part of the load test process, both a pre-operational inspection and a periodic inspection should be conducted:

• Pre-operational check: This is where a service technician will assess the equipment to identify any deficiencies or damage that may impact either the safe operation of the crane. Similar to a visual inspection when calibrating a truck scale. Key areas for evaluation include confirming that the hook and latch are not damaged and work properly. Ensure that the wire rope is not broken, or improperly wound. Check that the load chain is not worn, stretched, or twisted.

• Periodic inspection: This inspection should be performed after the load test is complete. Whoever is performing the inspection is evaluating the equipment in great detail. It includes a comprehensive examination of structural and mechanical components. Reviewed are all girders, end trucks, foot walks, handrails, trolley frames, and cabs. Further, inspection for wear, cracks, or other damage is performed on brakes, shafts, axles, wheels, couplings, sheaves and drums, transmission components, runway structures, and below-the-hook devices. The inspector examines electrical components, indicators, gauges, connection points, the trolley and runway rail, bumpers and end stops, covers and guards, and all self-contained electric, hydraulic or gasoline powered generating units.\

Load test standards. 

When performing a load test, one simply cannot attach a random number of weights to a crane and declare that safe. There are specific standards that must be followed when performing a load test. These specifications will lay out all that is required to ensure a safe load test and a passing one as well. Because they are so critical to the safe operation of overhead cranes and hoists, there are several standards and specifications that detail load test requirements. Below is the outline of standards according to different ruling bodies:

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s standard OSHA 1910.179(b)(3) and OSHA 1910.179(k)(2): Modified or rerated cranes shall be load tested. Test loads shall not be more than 125% of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. The test reports shall be placed on file where readily available to appointed personnel.

• The American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ standards ASME B30.2: Overhead and Gantry Cranes, ASME B30.16: Overhead Underhung and Stationary Hoists, and ASME B30.17: Cranes and Monorails with Underhung Trolley or Bridge: New, reinstalled, altered, repaired and modified cranes and hoists should be load tested prior to initial use with a test load equal to 100% to 125% of rated load and to include all design functions (lift, lower, traverse length of bridge, traverse length of runway).

• The Crane Manufacturers Association of America standard CMAA Specification 78, section 4.7: Cites the load test requirements of OSHA 1910.179 and states a load test should be performed at a minimum of once every four years at 100% load with a pre-test and post-test inspection per periodic inspection guidelines, and there must be a written report of the load test and inspection results maintained on file for the life of the equipment.

CLOSING WORDS

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.

The Guide to Scale Service and Repair

Scale maintenance and repair is something that is brought up whenever someone is looking to buy a large industrial scale. Usually it is met with a question like “how often should I have my scale serviced?”, which generally is every 6 months, but depending on environment, frequency and other factors, scale service could be done every 3 months or every quarter.

It is important to consider the number of weigh-ins, climate and the value of the product being weighed, as these can all have an impact on the frequency of maintenance your scale needs.

Aside from the actual calibration, most of the inspection will consist of a visual inspection of the scale, foundation and surrounding area. Depending on the condition of the scale and the surrounding parts will determine what services will be needed.

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Foundation

Like any structure if there is a poor foundation, then the entire structrue will be unstable. A truck scale foundation is no different. No matter how tough and durable a scale is, it will be at risk of failure if the foundation is not good. Cracked foundations can lead to movement or settling which causes chronic calibration errors, which in turn adds more profit loss due to downtime.

If there are any cracks in your foundation, then you should address it asap. Allowing small cracks to become bigger can possibly require you to remove part or all of the foundation, and force you to pour an entirely new foundation.

When a scale tech arrives at your site for service, cleaning or any type of maintenance, then they are going to give the scale a full visual inspection, and cracks in the foundation is one of the things that they search for.

Weighbridge

The weighbridge takes the bulk of the damage when weighing trucks. Generally truck scales are outside and are subject to the elements. It is a good idea to check for rust, on the surface and all around the weighbridge. Rust can cause the structure to not be as stable and can cause a lot of problems if it is not sorted in a timely manner.

Binding is also a common cause of inaccuracies in truck scales. With a lot of trucks being weighed daily, there is a high chance that rocks and other debris can fall off the truck and get itself lodged in between the foundation and the deck. It is a good idea to ask your scale tech about t-stripping. Installing t-strip molding between the two can help keep debris from getting caught or falling down into the scale. This may be a good precaution to take to help decrease binding incidents.

Checking Devices

Other than the foundation and weighbridge, the scale has other parts that need to be checked to ensure your scale is operating properly. Other aspects are the junction box, load cells, cable, indicator, etc. All of these devices need to be operating for the scale to get complete and accurate measurements.

If your scale has checking devices, make sure they are working properly. Inspect check rods to make sure the attachment points are solid. Inspect the bindings and hardware to ensure jam nuts are tight and that rods are level and free of debris.

Load Cells

Load cells are definitely at risk of getting debris and moisture in the electronic section of the load cell. The load cell area may contain dirt and debris that has built up since the scale’s last check. Load cells must have clearance to deflect through their capacity range. The same debris that can bind the scale deck can also keep the load cells and suspension components from moving freely. So it is a good idea to try and keep that area as clean as possible.

You will also want to check load cell cables for damage and if the seal has been degraded. To combat this problem, some manufacturers offer rigid or flexible metal conduit to run the cable through, providing a layer of protection that’s nearly impervious to damage from rodents.

One more thing to note is that during cleaning, if your load cell is electronic then you want to be careful about where you spray. It can cause damage to the internals of the load cell. If you are using a hydrostatic scale then you don’t have to worry since there are no electronics in a hydrostatic scale.

Junction Box

The junction box (J box) is one part of the scale that can surprisingly still get a lot of moisture and debris inside of it. If the J box is not operating correctly then you will get incorrect readings. This occurs from air exchanges, heating and cooling cycles, and over-aggressive washing that damages sealing components that haven’t been properly maintained. If left unchecked, wiring terminals and other components in the enclosure can corrode.

During the visual inspection, the scale tech will follow the aforementioned steps to check and be sure there is no moisture, debris or frayed wires in the J box.

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Closing Words

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.

Truck Scale Cleaning Guide.

The Importance Of Cleaning Your Truck Scale.

Keeping your truck scale well maintained and clean is an important part of truck scale ownership. Not only is it good practice to keep your weighbridge clean, it also helps you to have a productive maintenance schedule for your scale. This will help significantly reduce the risk of downtime and inaccurate weighing.

What it means to clean.

Cleaning your truck scale does not mean simply spraying the deck with some water, it also means visually inspecting the scale for any loose or missing parts that could contribute to an inaccurate weight. When discussing cleaning, it means the areas of the scale where dirt, mud, debris and other things get stuck and thus cause the scale to not work properly. It is fine having a clean deck, but the underside of the truck scale will need the most attention. 

Over time, the build-up of mud and debris can have a negative impact on a weighbridge performance. Compacted mud can set hard and reduce the movement of the weighbridge. This in turn causes reduced accuracy in weighing. Certain types of site environment will suffer more with mud and related issues and weather conditions can also play a part.

Keep in mind, weighbridge cleaning can be a bit tricky. For one you need to remove the mud and buildup so the scale platform can perform correctly. However, the water jet force required to remove dirt and debris from around a weighbridge’s critical weighing points can, if not performed correctly, damage load cells, cables, junction boxes, and summing boards.

When cleaning the scale, the lightest amount of water pressure you can use and still get adequate cleaning, the better.

Building a maintenance schedule

Weighbridge maintenance should take place as part of a daily or weekly routine depending on the type of site. The build-up of debris and water should be monitored and obstructions should be removed from beneath the scale to provide clearance between the weighbridge and the ground. Otherwise, your scale accuracy will suffer.

Pit weighbridges should be checked to make sure clearances are clean and the correct gap between the deck and pit wall are in place. ‘T’ section rubber can be used to help maintain gaps and should be replaced if worn or damaged. Regular end-middle-end tests with a loaded truck should be carried out to review the accuracy of the scale to see if there are any buildup issues. This basic cleaning and maintenance can be carried out by a site foreman or truck scale weighbridge operator.

Closing Words

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.

The Guide to Scale Calibrations

Understanding the importance of calibrations.

Using a scale for an extended amount of time, especially in a business will require you to get your scale calibrated. Scales are not able to be accurate forever, there are factors that cause it to need calibrations periodically. Normal wear and tear occurs and over time, accuracy slips. It can degrade even quicker if the scale is exposed to electric or mechanical shock or is in a manufacturing environment with moisture, oils, metal chips, etc.

Calibration is the process of testing the scale, to ensure the level of accuracy you require. In a laboratory setting, where results are dependent upon exact weights, scale calibration is of particular importance. An inaccurate scale could significantly hurt your business. In processing and manufacturing, incorrect measurements could result in product quality issues, scrapped batches, or even a product recall. This guide will help  give some insight to scale calibration, helping to create a plan of action and ensure that less issues involving an inaccurate scale.

How Does Scale Calibration Work?

Using a test weight on your scale is the standard to properly calibrating your scale. The test weight reading is recorded, and if the weight readings match the standards applied or fall within the calibration tolerance, the scale does not need any adjustment. If the weight readings do not match or fall within the tolerance, service will likely be needed to restore the scale to the acceptable state of accuracy.

While an instrument may be capable of measuring a particular range of weight, it may or may not be calibrated for that entire range. Instead, there may be a calibration range that’s chosen, which ranges from zero to a maximum weight of your choosing (also known as the span). Once the calibration range is defined, the calibration is done at several points from zero to span to ensure high accuracy.

Factory Calibration                

When you purchase a scale, it often comes with factory calibration, which means that it was calibrated at the facility before you got the scale. In the few days that have passed since it left the factory, you might assume that your scale is delivered calibrated and ready for use, right? Wrong. The location of the factory and your location are two different places – with two different elevations and therefore, the on-site calibration is the only way to ensure your scale is accurate where you intend to use it.

If you do decide you want to have your scale calibrated once it arrives, then a third-party scale company is your best option. Your ultimate goal is to restore your scale to its original, optimal accuracy state, so the details matter. Some scale dealers will also offer calibration services, like American Scale, will not only calibrate the scale, but also make adjustments and perform repairs as needed to get the deviation from the mass standard back within tolerance.

How Often Should You Calibrate Your Scales?

How often you calibrate your scales depends on a few different factors; manufacturer’s recommendations, how often you use the scales, the environment they’re in, and how essential an exact weight is to your business. Some are calibrated once per month, others are only calibrated once per year, while some are even spot checked daily for accuracy.

After considering these factors, it’s determined that somewhere in the middle —certified calibration once per quarter with a weekly user spot check is ideal to ensure quality control of scales that are used fairly often. However, your needs may vary based on the information below.

Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations first. Manufacturers should have a recommendation for the frequency of calibration, and since all scales are made differently, it’s usually safe to assume the manufacturer knows best.

If your scales are used multiple times throughout the day, every day of the week, normal wear and tear will occur faster than in scales that are used a few times per week. Therefore, if you use these scales more frequently, they should be calibrated more frequently.

The surrounding environment also plays a role. For example, if your scale is in an area that contains dust, fluids, or other substances, your scale could have a buildup of these substances that interfere with the performance of the scale. If you have the scale located in a place where there are vibrations, static electricity or mechanical shock, scale accuracy can suffer.

In general, you should also consider a more frequent calibration to ensure these substances and other work environment factors are not getting in the way of getting a precise weight.

Calibrations are done at a variety of frequencies, depending on a variety of factors. It’s important to note that if your equipment is frequently calibrated and almost always needs adjustment or repairs, it could be a sign of a bigger issue.

While the frequency of calibrations depends upon use, the rapid deterioration of accuracy warrants additional troubleshooting.

Once you’ve determined the appropriate frequency for your scales, you should look into signing a service plan with a calibration company. Many companies, like American Scale will work with you to learn more about your process and then create a maintenance plan tailored to you and your equipment

What Is Calibration Tolerance?

Calibration tolerance is defined by the International Society of Automation (ISA) as “permissible deviation from a specified value; may be expressed in measurement units, percent of span, or percent of reading.“ When it comes to scale calibration, tolerance is the amount the weight reading on your scale can differ from the nominal value of the mass standard that has optimal accuracy. Of course, ideally, everything would match up perfectly. Since that’s not the case, tolerance guides ensure that your scale is measuring weights within a range that will not negatively affect your business.

While the ISA specifically states that tolerance can be in measurement units, percent of span or percent of reading, it’s ideal to calculate the measurement units. Eliminating the need for any percentage calculations is ideal, as those additional calculations only leave more room for error.

The manufacturer will specify accuracy and tolerance for your particular scale, but you should not use this as your only source to determine the calibration tolerance you will use. Rather, in addition to the manufacturer’s specified tolerance, you should consider:

• Regulatory accuracy and maintenance requirements

• Your process requirements

• Consistency with similar instruments at your facility

What Is Legal-for-Trade Calibration?                

Commercial scales require legal-for-trade calibration. That means the scale needs to be calibrated according to the standards found in “Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices” — also known as “Handbook 44.” This comprehensive list of requirements is mandatory for all scales used for commercial purposes. A new version is published every year by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Do I Need Legal-for-Trade Calibration?

If you use your scale for commercial purposes, you need legal-for-trade calibration. For example, at the grocery store, your lunch meat and cheese is weighed on a scale and is sold to you at a price determined by that weight. That grocery store scale is an example of a commercial scale.

Commercial scales require legal-for-trade calibration. A state weights and measures inspector will follow up to ensure that your commercial scale has proper calibration.  A device found to be out of tolerance by a state inspector is generally tagged and taken out of service.  To avoid the problems associated with a device being found out of calibration by a state inspector, owners of commercial scales should have them calibrated and adjusted periodically to keep them in proper operating order.

Do I Need to Register My Weighing Device?

Yes. Many states require that you register commercial scales with the state. Also, you must make sure that the state you plan to use the scale in approves of the purchase. Most states accept scales that are National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) approved. NTEP-approved scales get a Certificate of Conformance (CC or CoC), showing its approval. This document is usually in the form of a metal plate or tag on the scale with the make, model and capacity information.

The state will inspect and test the scale then review the results.  As long as your scale has the Certificate of Conformance, and the scale performs to all of the relevant standards and tolerances in Handbook 44, you will pass inspection. If your device is out of tolerance, the state weights and measures official will not adjust it to bring it back within tolerance. Rather, you will be required to repair and adjust the scale. Only a licensed and professional scale calibration and repair company like Precision Solutions can do this.

Closing Words

Acuuracy is paramount when it comes to scales and weighing, an innaccurate scale can really cuase you a lot of lost time and money, if not remedied quickly. Remeber that in the long run if you have an innaccurate scale then you will lose a lot of potential profits. Consider how important an accurate weight is to your business. If your company can’t afford to have even the slightest inaccuracy in weight, it’s likely that more frequent calibrations will be necessary.

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.

10 Reasons To Get A Hydrostatic Scale

10 Reasons To Get A Hydrostatic Scale

The Advantages of Hydrostatic.

Scales are as essential to our lives more than we realize. If it is sold then at some point in the production process then it was weighed. When coming to accuracy of weighing, there are several options that are considered. Analog and electronic load cells seem to be the main options, but the one not mentioned as much is hydrostatic scales. This post will go over the 10 reasons why hydrostatic scales should be considered.

What is a hydrostatic load cell?

The Hydrostatic load cell is basically a simple mechanical mechanism which functions according to known Laws of Physics. It consists of a piston, a base, a cylinder and a diaphragm. A thin film of fluid is sandwiched between the base and the diaphragm. The piston presses against the diaphragm. The result is only a small amount of fluid is required (less than one (1) pint of fluid used in a 70 foot truck scale). Each Hydrostatic load cell type is designed with an exact "acting area" - a known value in units of square inches. For example, when a known weight is applied to a Hydrostatic load cell with a known "acting area", the output in PSI is predictable. A 50,000lb weight applied to an "acting area" of 50 square inches will have an output of 1,000 PSI.

Lightning and Power Surges.

Lightning strikes and power surges plague large industrial scales more than realized. When this happens with electronic load cells installed, then there usually will be some downtime when lightning strikes. Hydrostatic load cells are unaffected by electrical surges, power failures, stray voltages or even lightning strikes. Electronic load cells are highly susceptible to these common industrial occurrences and are often damaged requiring replacement. Outdoor tank scales or truck scales often lose all load cells from a lightning strike, even with surge protectors.

corrosion

Hydrostatic load cells are available in grade 304 and 316 stainless, with improved life and performance over the more common aluminum and carbon steel. Most electronic load cells are made of nickel plated tool steel, or at best 17-4PH grade stainless steel, which is far less corrosion resistant that that of 304/316. Many electronic load cell manufacturers avoid stainless steel completely due to performance deterioration. In environments that are washed down, this can be bad for electronic load cells due to the moisture getting into the wiring and boards on top of potential corrosion from the type of steel used.

durability

Durability is essential to separating the good scales from the bad. A scale that is unable to handle the amount of measurements it receives will eventually cost more money than it earns, this also includes downtime for the repairs.Hydrostatic scales are a lot more durable compared to their electronic counterparts. They are able to last for decades without any sort of parts replacement. Whereas mechanical scales require periodic replacements of pivots and bearings. Electronic load cells will have to be replaced numerous times throughout the life of the scale.In harsh environments the hydrostatic scale will definitely be up to the task. Less moving parts with a design to handle the harshness of the environment places hydrostatic above electronic and analog.

Special materials

Hydrostatic load cells can be manufactured out of many special alloys, with no loss of accuracy. They are available in 304 stainless, 316 stainless, titanium, monel, as well as teflon and hastelloy. Electronic cells require a certain hardness, and therefore can only be made with aluminum, steel, or 174PH stainless, which are less corrosive resistant.

Shock loading

Hydrostatic load cells have a natural inherent quality of shock absorption. Electronic load cells have no inherent energy absorbing qualities. In the event of severe shock loading resulting in load cell damage, the hydrostatic load cell can be easily repaired. Due to the simple design nature of hydrostatic load cells, it is very easy to repair them on site. Electronic load cells have to be rebuilt at a repair shop. They are unable to be repaired on site and almost always require a full replacement.

Calibration

In the unlikely event that a hydrostatic load cell ever needs to be replaced, the scale rarely needs to be recalibrated. Hydrostatic load cells with identical acting areas have matched outputs, whereas electronic load cells have variations in millivolt output, requiring the scale to be recalibrated whenever a load cell is replaced.

Temperature

Hydrostatic load cells are available with a 500 degree operating range, from -50 degrees F to 450 degrees F. Electronics operate at less than half this range. The adhesives used in electronic cells deteriorate in high temperatures and become brittle in cold temperatures, causing total failure or inaccurate readings, frequently resulting in load cell replacement.

high capacity

Hydrostatic load cells have been manufactured with capacities exceeding 1 million lbs. There was actually a 12 million pound load cell that has been operating in a testing machine at the National Institute of Standards and Technology since 1968. In addition, high capacity hydrostatic load cells require a minimum expense in mounting hardware, while the hardware for high capacity electronic load cells can cost more than the cell itself and often must be made of specialty hardened steel.

Installation

Hydrostatic load cells are “dead” until activated with fluid. Therefore, the load cell is almost impossible to damage during installation. While electronic load cells frequently require “dummy” load cells during installation, hydrostatic load cells never do. An electronic load cell is “live” from the time it leaves the factory. It can easily be damaged beyond repair by being dropped, when placed under a tank leg, overloaded, left exposed to weathering, etc. Many are replaced before ever being used.

Cost of ownership

With all these advantages listed, it should be easy to see that scales with hydrostatic load cells have the lowest cost of ownership of any scale on the market today. The fact that hydrostatic load cells are a lot less to maintain, it dramatically reduces your overall cost and keeps you from losing money due to downtime for repairs. Any product that can save you money while being of superior quality is always a plus.

closing words

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.

Weight Indicator Issues.

Weigh Indicator Issues.

Understanding the environmental factors that can contribute to indicator issues.

Weigh Indicator Issues.

Mechanical and operational issues can and will occur during the life of scale ownership. Scale manufacturers have certain standards when it comes to scale care and scale calibration. When operating your legal for trade scale and indicator, there are factors that will add to potential issues but can be prevented with an understanding of which issues can arise. This will help you prolong the lifespan of your scale system and also help you avoid other common problems. You can ensure that your weighing system performs accurately by choosing components suited to your application and taking steps to control environmental and other forces acting on the system. This article discusses the factors that can affect your weighing indicator’s accuracy and provides advice and DIY fixes for potential issues. 

UNDERSTANDING THE FLOW OF COMMUNICATION

A weighing system and weighing application can take any of several forms but typically includes one or more load cells that support (or suspend) a weigh vessel or platform, a junction box, and a weight controller. Sometimes you will see certain setups with a remote display or scoreboard. When a load is applied to the weigh vessel or platform, a portion of the load is transmitted to each load cell. Each cell sends an electrical signal proportional to the load it senses via a cable to the junction box. The load cell signals are summed in the junction box and sent via one larger cable to a weight controller, which converts the summed signal to a weight reading. This weight reading's accuracy can be affected by the system components' quality and the system's installation and operation in your environment.

INTERFERENCE WITH INDICATOR

Weigh indicators communicate with the Load cells by receiving an electrical signal, which is processed by some type of weight controller that then outputs the weight onto the scale’s digital indicator. If it is an analog or electronic load cell there are factors that can add to inaccurate weight measurements. Interference occurs during any part of the process can lead to inaccurate weight readings between the load cell and scale indicators.

Below are just a few of the more common types of interference that we see when operating your scale and indicator. 

• Temperature – As temperatures increase wire resistance increases as well, causing voltage to drop, which can lead to the scale controller displaying results that are actually different from the load cell’s output.

• Moisture – From time to time, condensation or moisture can build up on the load sensor, which can affect electrical outputs and cause interference in the signals being sent from the load cell to the display indicator.

• RFI and EMI – These can create additional input signals, or noise that can also cause the scale controller to display an incorrect weight.

Temperature: A factor that some can overlook is the impact temperature has on your indicator. A load cell cable conduit that's subject to large temperature changes or that runs more than 50 feet from the junction box to the weight indicator can be affected by temperature fluctuations, which cause resistance changes in the cable. This can cause excitation changes, in turn causing load cell signal changes. To prevent these temperature problems, use six-wire load cell cable, which allows the weight controller to make ratiometric readings of the load cell signal that ignore excitation-change-induced changes. Essentially the extreme temperature changes can cause a chain reaction from the cable to junction box, thus sending an inaccurate signal to the indicator. 

 INTERFERENCE WITH SIGNAL TRANSMISSION

In addition to ensuring that the load cells measure only the desired weight, it's equally important to ensure that the weight controller measures only the load cell electrical signal. Radio frequency interference (RFI), electromechanical interference (EMI), moisture, and temperature can all interfere with this electrical signal.

RFI and EMI. Just as vibration is mechanical noise (that is, interference) to a load cell, RFI and EMI are electrical noise to the load cell signal sent from the cells to the weight controller. RFI and EMI sources include lightning, portable two-way radios, large power lines, static electricity, solenoids, and electromechanical relays. One major step toward preventing these electric noise sources from affecting your weighing accuracy is to isolate the load cell low-voltage signal (typically equal to 1 millionth of a penlight battery's output) in a shielded cable and then route the cable in a conduit separate from other cables. But be aware that the load cell cable shield can also be an open door for electrical noise. To prevent the noise from affecting your load cell function, properly ground the shield by tying it at only one end to a true ground, which will prevent the shield from forming a ground loop.

Moisture. Moisture that enters the weighing system's junction box can wick itself into the cables to each load cell and reduce the capacitance between signal lines. This causes the load cell excitation lines (the lines carrying electrical energy to the cells) to couple with the signal lines (the lines carrying the cells' signals back to the junction box), creating electrical noise that can affect the weighing accuracy. To avoid this, use a waterproof NEMA 4-rated junction box and plug any unused junction box holes. If moisture is present in your environment, also use load cells that are hermetically sealed at both the strain gauge area and the cable entry. The strain gauge area should be welded shut. The cable entry, which is the most vulnerable to moisture because moisture can wick up through the cable, should have a welded fitting that includes a glass-to-metal hermetic header.

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.

How Much Do Truck Scales Cost?

HOW MUCH DOES A TRUCK SCALE COST?

As you consider the purchase of a new truck scale, price is often-times one of the first considerations.  As with many large equipment purchases there are many models and options which will impact the cost. So, how much do truck scales cost? The short answer to how much does a truck scale cost is $45,000 - $100,000.

First, let’s start with the initial purchase price of the truck scale.  Generally, truck scales are sold by independent scale dealers spread across the country. Most truck scale dealers will represent a number of different scale manufacturer brands.  Some common brands you will hear about: Rice Lake, Cardinal, B-Tek, Mettler Toledo, Emery Winslow, Fairbanks, Thurman, etc.  Your scale dealer can help guide you to the brand which will best fit your budget and application. Checkout this blog post when considering steel deck vs concrete deck truck scales.

PRICES FOR NEW TRUCK SCALES:

The standard truck scale system in the industry is an above ground electronic 70ft long & 11ft wide steel deck.  We will use that as the basis for pricing.  We will also focus more on electronic scales vs hydrauli . There are a lot of things to consider when pricing your scale.

There are two main packages you can choose from; a basic package or a turnkey package:

1. BASIC TRUCK SCALE INSTALLATION:

Equipment: This will include the truck scale weigh bridges, load cells, basic indicator, printer, and any other accessories you order such as a remote display. 

Foundation: This will not include the truck scale foundation.  You will need to coordinate for forming and pouring the concrete foundation.  The truck scale manufacturer will provide foundation drawings for you to use.  This will save you on cost.  The downside is that pouring foundations for truck scales can be difficult and requires it to be within ¼” per the drawings.  Bottom-line, ensure your concrete contractor is high-quality.  Pouring a truck scale foundation is more technical than just pouring a slab for a house or garage. To learn more details on truck scale foundation types checkout this blog post on build timelines.

Installation: This will include setting the truck scale on the foundation with a crane after it arrives via flatbed truck.  It also includes anchoring the truck scale, running all wiring, installing all load cells, and calibrating the scale. Finally, the scale service company will complete state weights & measures placed into service paperwork. To learn more details on the installation checkout this blog post.

Truck Scale With Basic Installation Average Cost: $55,000 - $80,000

2. TURNKEY TRUCK SCALE INSTALLATION:

Equipment: This will include the truck scale weigh bridges, electronic load cells or analog), basic indicator (stainless steel or washdown), printer, junction box, and any other accessories you order such as a remote display.

Foundation: This will include the truck scale foundation.  Included is basic site preparation, digging of piers, along with layout of wash-out slab.  The concrete is normally poured over 2 days.  One item to note is whether to add concrete ramps to your project or not, these can add over $10,000 in additional cost but are often necessary. Keep in mind that there are regulations on the steepness of the ramps; these rules are normally set by each state weights & measures department.

Installation: This will include setting the scale on the foundation with a crane after it arrives via flatbed truck.  Includes anchoring the scale, running all wiring, installing all load cells, and calibrating the scale. Completing state weights & measures placed into service paperwork.

Truck Scale With Turn-key Installation Average Cost: $95,000 - $115,000

To see what truck scales American Scale offer click here.

Steel Surcharges
As of early 2021, many truck scale manufacturers are implementing steel surcharges on their truck scales. This is due to surging steel pricing across the county as the pandemic has waned. These surcharges range from 5% up 15% depending on the specific manufacturer. This can add thousands to your truck scale project. A concrete deck truck scale may save some money as they contain less steel. However, keep in mind the scale decks often require rebar and the price for rebar has also increased dramatically. UPDATE: As of early 2022, steel surcharges continue to increase with many topping 25%. In addition, deliver times after ordering a truck scale are reaching up to 40 weeks.

Freight
The prices above do not include the freight cost to ship the scale to your location.  There is significant variability in freight pricing based on your location in relation to the scale manufacturer’s factory.  Also if the scale is 12 ft or wider it will often require escort cars the entire trip which increases the cost.  Some scale companies will quote fixed cost freight but most will provide an estimated freight cost range given the trucking spot rates change by the day.
Truck Scale Freight Average Cost: $2,500 - $4,500

Truck Scale Add-ons / Options:

There are number of truck scale accessories or options that you may need or be required to purchase. For example if you operate a truck scale in a location that is under the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) jurisdiction then you must have double-pipe guide rails on your truck scale, period. Or in most states the requirement is that for legal for trade truck scales you must have a scoreboard or remote display that a truck driver can see from inside their truck. To learn more about when a remote display is required checkout this blog post.

Other Considerations

Also you need to consider whether your scale will require connectivity to a network or computer system. You need to ensure your scale indicator has the necessary output built in to send the data whether ethernet, fiber optic, USB, serial, etc. We have a scale accessories page that can help you find what you need.

Bottom-line, make sure account for these additional options when computing the price for your new truck scale. During the lifespan of your scale ownership you will find that you may need certain accessories to add a level of ease added to your operation. These options are where you should lean on your scale dealer to assist as they have years of experience.

NOTE:
When considering the purchase price of a truck scale project, you need to also understand the long term costs associated with the scale. Understanding the weighing applications that will be used will definitely help you narrow down cost. These range from warranties, truck scale calibration costs, and general maintenance that will be required, to just wanting to know the differences between truck scales. Your scale dealer is your best source of information on these items. Be sure to ceck out our post about issues that can occur with truck scales. To learn more about truck scale warranties, check out The Guide To Truck Scale Warranties. Our Common problems with truck scales is a good article to look into as well.

Weigh Indicator Cost Guide.

Introduction

An industrial scale indicator is an important part of a scale and helps collect and read information. Pricing an indicator can seem a bit overwhelming, especially since it can be a bit of a chore to locate accurate prices for scales and accessories. Weight indicators are digital or analog display devices that indicate the weight of an object located on a connected scale. The weight and measurements standards are created and maintained by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). The indicator is a very important part of owning a scale and a good indicator will make weight measurements a lot easier and efficient to obtain. 

Breaking down the cost

When breaking down the cost of scale indicators, you need to figure out what you are using the indicator with. Indicators will have varying features and options that will cater to the application that you are using your scale for. In the next sections ahead, we will break down the factors that contribute to the cost of your scale indicator. 

Indicator Types

Weight indicators are available with a wide variety of features designed for specialized applications. Depending on the application and the type of device needed will determine the primary functions needed. Weight indicators are programmed to work with different scale types to work with a scale system and vary in type by a digital or an analog readout. There are other features that can be included with an indicator like counting, checkweighing and wireless functionality. 

Modern weight indicators are generally used in industries such as industrial, factories, warehouses, shipping and receiving, food, chemical, energy and just about any other industry where materials are being weighed. 

One misconception to those new to industrial scales is that the indicator does everything. In reality, the weight indicators are not the ones that perform the weighing of an object. What happens is that the devices convert the weight measured by load cells into a digital readout. Essentially, weight indicators are like the computer for the scales. 

what does it cost?

When choosing an indicator that you think is the best option you will definitely look at the overall cost of everything included. Below are our pics along with prices on which weigh indicators will work well for your operation. 

Entry level

Ohaus T31P:

Designed with affordability in mind for basic industrial applications, the T31P combines high-impact ABS housing with a large high contrast backlit LCD display, bi-directional RS232 and 100-hour internal rechargeable battery. The T31P also features software for weighing and simple parts counting.

• Applications: Weighing, Parts Counting

• Display: Backlit liquid crystal display (LCD)

• Operation: AC adapter (included) or rechargeable battery (included)

• Communication: Easy access communication port including RS232 interface (included)

• Construction: ABS housing and painted steel mounting bracket, non-slip rubber feet

• Design Features: User-configurable resolution up to 20,000d/6,000e, OIML Approved, NTEP Certified and Measurement Canada Approved

Cost: Starting at $445

Mid Level

Rice Lake 480 Legend series:

Rice Lake is no stranger to the scale industry. Their industrial-strength Legend Series indicators are built for dirty, wet environments and demanding workplaces, inside or out.  Advanced circuitry withstands electrical noise, power disturbances and transient spikes that are common to industrial applications. The Legend Series offers a valuable solution for a variety of applications, from basic weighing to batching. Built-in gross/net modes provide quick flexibility for everyday needs. Also utilize the 480’s custom ticket printing to modify

• LCD backlit display

• Time and date, battery backed

• Local/remote operation

• Numeric keypad 

• Keyed entries for setpoint values 

• Programmable ticket formats for gross, net, accumulator and setpoints

• Adapter filter or rolling average filter

• Operator functions through menu for audit trail, preset tare, unit ID, accumulator, time and date, setpoints, communications and print formats

Cost: Starting at $750

High Level

Cardinal 825 Spectrum

The Cardinal 825 Spectrum indicator is a top of the line weigh indicator that is loaded with great options and features. The 825 is equipped with a back-lit LCD touchscreen display and stainless steel enclosure, coupled with 64 MB of memory. With connectivity options via 4 bi-directional RS232 serial ports, 110/100 Base-T Ethernet port, 2 USB A host ports, and 1 USB B device port, there is no end to this indicator’s potential. The programming options can link up to 8 operators to use. Other features include a time/date function, adjustable filtering, Gross, Tare, and Net conversion, QWERTY keypad and navigation keys. NTEP legal-for-trade and OIML certified. Supports up to 14 350-ohm load cells.

• 64 MB User Memory

• 640 x 480 Pixel Full-Color LCD

• Interactive Touchscreen Display

• Internet File Management

• IP66 Enclosure Rating

• Navigation Keys

• NTEP Legal for Trade

• OIML Certified

• Unlimited Truck Storage ID’s

Cost: Starting at $2,315

Washdown

Rinstrum x320 Washdown

The X320 combines innovation in industrial design and engineering excellence to create an instrument that is ideal for use in food processing, automotive, chemical or pharmaceutical applications or applications that require reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions. The X320 indicator builds on Rinstrum's already successful R320 indicator.

Constructed from a plastic alloy that is:

• Food grade

• Chemical resistant

• Temperature resistant

• Impact resistant

IP69K rating: the industry's highest environmental protection rating - designed to withstand cleaning with high pressure water jets (1400psi) at high temperatures (up to 80oC) from multiple angles.

Built-in check weigh function  with 3 coloured high intensity LEDs

Isolated outputs - Over, Under, Pass. High side driver up to 400mA, allowing direct connection to PLCs and external actuators to be driven directly

Cost: Starts at $715

Conclusion

The cost of a weigh indicator will vary depending on options, application and level of indicator. As stated and shown above, weigh indicators have a lot of differences that separate them from each other. The cost can be anywhere from $450 to over $3,000. Remember that the features and options that you select can impact the cost of your indicator. Evaluating your weigh operation and listing the things you will need and not need will make the selection process a lot more simpler. 

Belt Scales 101

Understanding Belt Scales

Belt scales are a unique method of retrieving accurate weight measurements in a more logistically challenging environment. They are not like a truck scale with a steel deck, nor is it like a bench scale with stainless steel components. Belt scales are scales on conveyor belts to ensure accurate and consistent material flow rates. Conveyor belts are supported by weigh frames that consist of load cells, rollers or idlers resting on the load cells, and speed sensors typically installed in tail pulleys on the conveyor belt. As material is carried on the conveyor, the load is measured by the load cells while speed and distance are collected by the speed sensors. This data is processed and displayed as pounds or kilograms per hour and total weight, on a weight indicator. Operators can control the flow of material to keep the supply to production lines consistent. Weigh frames are connected to weight integrators or process controllers that can communicate to peripheral equipment such as computers and printers.

CALIBRATING BELT SCALES

Calibrating your scale is essential to ensuring that you have an accurate measuring scale. Many scale manufacturers will have a Belt scale calibration that is a lot different from a conventional scale. A regular calibration schedule is good to keep your scale running optimally. If the material weighed on your belt scale is sold based on weight, you should contact a certified scale technician to perform regular inspections and calibrations as required by your local agency. A zero calibration should be performed daily; this is done by running the conveyor belt while it is empty to check the load cells and indicator register no weight on the scale. The load cells will be different from typical analog and electronic load cells.

MATERIAL COMPARISON CALIBRATION

To calibrate a Legal for Trade belt scale, you must perform a material comparison calibration. For this method, you need access to a certified scale such as a truck scale or a railroad scale. Material that passes over the belt scale must be weighed on the certified scale either before or after it’s weighed on the belt scale.

Use enough material for the belt scale to run for a minimum of 10 minutes or match the load obtained at maximum flow rate in one revolution of the belt to meet local agency requirements. After the material weight has been compared on both scales, a span adjustment can be performed on the belt scale to match the certified vehicle scale.

STATIC CALIBRATION

A static test weight calibration is most likely the simplest calibration method to perform. Belt scales require specialty calibration weights due to the unique design of a belt scale. Some systems allow weights to be semi-permanently attached to the weigh frame so the weight can be applied to the load cells as needed. For belt scale systems that don’t have this option, using a hanging weight set to check the load cells without the conveyor running is an alternative option.

A failed conveyor belt scale can bring the whole bulk handling operation grinding to a halt. So surely it is necessary to opt for reliability above all else.

The quarrying contract commits to removing a certain quantity of rock or gravel every single day. These numbers must be achieved – and have to be verifiable. If the company is engaged to load cargo for rail or sea transport, container after container has to be filled without the risk of overloading them. When working on a major demolition project specific targets for recycling building materials such as concrete and masonry must be met. In all these scenarios, uninterrupted operation is vital. When being forced to halt the conveyor belts unexpectedly because of a breakdown, valuable production time or the passage of goods will be lost.

Service levels will fall below what is expected. There could even be the risk of a hefty fine for breach of contract or for safety failings. A small but sophisticated piece of machinery, a belt scale is fitted to a conveyor belt to continuously measure the quantity of material being carried. The scale determines the amount of material by simultaneously weighing the belt load and measuring the belt speed. But if it develops a fault, this means that the conveyor belt comes to a standstill.

MAINTAINING YOUR BELT SCALE (WITH TIPS)

As mentioned before in the article, creating a regular service schedule for your scale will help keep your belt scale. To prevent common problems from shortening the lifespan of your scale, then setting up a maintenance schedule will help keep your scale running properly. The scale should be checked frequently to determine when calibration is required. It is recommended that zero calibration be checked every other day and that calibration be checked every week for several months after installation. Observe the results and lengthen the period between calibration checks, depending upon the accuracy desired.

Here are some tips to help keep your belt scale operating properly:

• Cleaning: Keep the scale area clean of rocks, dust and material build-up. Also clean surrounding scale accessories (scoreboard, remote display, junction box, scale indicators)

• Lubrication: The weigh idlers should be greased one to two times yearly. Overloading the weigh idlers with grease can change the tare weight and place the scale out of calibration. A zero calibration is necessary after greasing.

• Idler Alignment: The alignment of the scale service idlers to close tolerance is the single most important step in the installation of a belt weighing system. In order to minimize the dynamic effects of the moving belt and to provide a straight belt path through the scale, the weigh area idlers must be aligned to close tolerance.

• Belt Tension: It is important that the conveyor conditions remain constant at all times. Therefore, gravity-type take-ups are recommended on all conveyors where belt scales are installed. Conveyors which do not have a constant tension device will require calibration whenever the belt tension changes and the take-up is readjusted.

• Residue on Belt: Material can form a film on the belt which is carried continually around the belt and is never discharged. This condition is often true when handling wet, fine material. Belt scrapers may correct this condition. If the film can’t be removed, the zero will have to be adjusted. Any change in the build-up of the film adhering to the belt will require further adjustment.

CLOSING WORDS

Belt scales are a great way to keep production flow up and still get consistent accurate weight measurements. They are a good way to ensure that your operation does not have a slow down period as well as get heavy materials weighed and distributed. Be sure to visit our belt scale products page to see which scales are offered. At American Scale we are dedicated to providing unparalleled customer service and information. We have articles about truck scale installation, weighing applications, as well as truck scale foundations and warranties. Also be sure to check out our article about belt scale accuracy, to check out methods on ensuring scale accuracy as well as other articles like How much do truck scales cost.

Scale Indicators 101

The Guide To Scale Indicators

An industrial scale indicator is an important part of a legal for trade scale and helps collect and read information. A well maintained indicator can cause your weigh operation to run smoothly. Essentially an indicator can come with a lot of options or features that can include things like check weighing and counting. Ultimately the scale indicator is like the controller for a scale. It can provide weight values as well as perform specific tasks when collecting weigh data.

Weight indicators are digital or analog display devices that indicate the weight of an object located on a connected scale. The weight and measurements standards are created and maintained by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). The standards are a way to keep things in order and hold up safety standards. Scale indicators are used in commercial and industrial applications to display the weight of products of various sizes. The devices offer a number of display variations to match the requirements of their many applications.

The use of scales has been around for a very long time. Granted the technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, the basis of scale usage is still the same. For the longest time scales were analog and were equipped with analog displays. Spring scales with analog displays were used a lot by shipping and parcel companies, because it helped increase overall efficiency. With the advancement of technology, digital weight indicators started to become the standard in industrial scales. 

INDICATOR TYPES

Weight indicators are available with a wide variety of features designed for specialized applications. Depending on the application and the type of device needed will determine the primary functions needed. Weight indicators are programmed to work with different scale types to work with a scale system and vary in type by a digital or an analog readout. An intricate indicator will be able to connect to a scoreboard/remote display or even monitor electronic load cells for scale calibration. Being able to connect to the junction box and monitor different aspects of the scale is a benefit for the operation as a whole. There are other features that can be included with an indicator like counting, checkweighing and wireless functionality. 

Modern weight indicators are generally used in industries such as industrial, factories, warehouses, shipping and receiving, food, chemical, energy and just about any other industry where materials are being weighed. 

One misconception to those new to industrial scales is that the indicator does everything. In reality, the weight indicators are not the ones that perform the weighing of an object. What happens is that the devices convert the weight measured by load cells into a digital readout. Essentially, weight indicators are like the computer for the scales. 

INDICATOR FEATURES

Indicators can come with a lot of features, depending on how you get them optioned. Weight indicators are grouped in accordance with their features.

Several features of weight indicators include:

• Washdown enclosures

• Size of the digital readout screen

• Light Emitting Diode (LED) Display

• Configurable analog to digital measurement rate

• Numeric keypad

• Three-stage digital filtering

• Various mounting options

The majority of weight indicators are optimized for a certain set of measurements. The figures will vary depending on the application. The indicator used for a bench scale will be optimized differently compared to an indicator optimized for weighing vehicles. Various indicators work automatically for use in unmanned weight terminals as well as units equipped with keypads or more advanced user interfaces. The additional features of advanced user interfaces provide more control to account for climate and unique material variations.

You will also find that Indicators equipped with oversized displays are used so they can be seen at distances of up to 50 feet or more. Industrial indicators usually feature a stainless steel casing. This is designed to allow the indicator to operate in extreme environments. Materials avoid rust, corrosion and degrading effects caused by excessive heat and wet conditions. There is also a washdown option for indicators as well. This encases the indicator making it completely sealed and is rated with an IP rating. These are used for environments where there is a lot of high powered washing and drastic temperature changes. 

INDICATOR APPLICATIONS

There are a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications for weight indicators. You will find indicators used in these following industrial applications:

• Bench scale applications

• Floor scale applications

• Tank or hopper scale applications

• Overhead track scale applications

• Truck scale or other transfer station applications

• Ready mix and concrete products dispensing applications

• Weigh house applications such as landfills or recycling centers

• Weigh lock applications (used in weighing canal barges)

• Tax, postage, freight and other cost levying applications

• Industrial process control applications

• Mining applications
  

INDICATOR SPECS

Industries can require specific features out of weight indicators. Pairing the features and specifications to the right indicator will ensure that your operation is running efficiently.

Typical specifications of weight indicators include:

• Maximum weight output 

• Hardware compatibility and other device compatibility measures

• Primary power source or alternate power source options

• Display type, size, brightness and clarity requirements

The interior of weight indicators includes electronic components and solid-state devices similar to those found in a computer. These materials normalize the flow of electricity and store, process and transmit data necessary for display. Circuitry comprises resistors, transistors, diodes, memory chips and various processing units that work together to perform the functions of the indicator. The electronics are silicon based with tin, silver or gold leads connecting them to main circuit boards. Circuit boards are manufactured from fiberglass and plastics. Several wires and controller ribbon cables made of flexible rubber and plastic work to connect displays and send input data and output data. Base units, springs and other mechanical pieces consist of metals such as stainless steel, durable plastics or polycarbonate materials.

The majority of weight indicators are appropriate for general-purpose weighing uses. However, certain applications require a device with tailored features to make sure it is suitable for the job. If the application involves weighing massive objects, choose an indicator with a high maximum weight display. For harsh outdoor conditions, there are many models with durable, washdown enclosures. Some devices are optimized for highly specialized uses like weight-based admixture dispensing.

Calibration and standards for weight indicators depend on which piece of equipment is being used. Each device must be calibrated to the weight scale system it operates with. Based on the weighing application the devices are designed to work with, weight indicators each have their own calibration and standards. Consult manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the calibration and standards requirements.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, a scale indicator is a tool used to measure weight and track other measurements, thus making the work move efficiently.  There are a lot of factors to consider when looking for an indicator. Understanding the application that your indicator will be paired with can simplify your search and eliminate any unneeded extras or options from your search. If you are in the market for a new indicator or want to learn more about what options are available, then it is highly recommended that you check out our article on scale accessories as well as heading over to our scale accessories on our product page. 

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.

Costs Of Scale Accessories

The Cost of Extras.

Industrial scale accessories can greatly help with the overall efficiency and productivity of your operation. One of the main questions that is usually asked is “how much will it cost?” which is usually the main factor that determines if one will purchase any sort of product. In this article we will dive into the cost of different accessories for your industrial scale as well as offer our recommendations for accessories in each category. If you have not read our article about Industrial scale accessories, then it would be a good idea to read that as well. 

Indicators

An indicator is a device that turns electrical signals (that are caused by distortions in the base’s load cells) into something that can be read by users. The signals are converted to legible results on the display integrated into the indicator. Indicators include various applications to add functionalities (like counting or checkweighing) to platforms, offer data communication capabilities and buttons to navigate through menus or for sample entry. Essentially scale indicators are an integral part of any industrial scale operation, and because of the vast array of options available, it can prove to be quickly overwhelming to someone just starting their search. 

Types of indicators

Like scales and balances, there are many kinds of indicators. This list includes the most commonly used indicators and their main features are counting, Checkweighing indicators and washdown are the common indicators that you will encounter. Depending on the indicator type will determine the overall cost of the indicator. This section will give a quick overview of the indicators listed as well as the price you will expect to pay.

• Counting: Counting scale indicators You might have noticed most indicators include a counting function. So what makes a counting indicator different? It’s the inclusion of a full numeric keypad. A full numeric keypad allows users to enter sample numbers, unit weight and more quickly and easily. It’s especially useful when dealing with unwieldy numbers (for example, a unit weight of 15.78 grams) and for large inventories. Prices for these types of indicators can range anywhere from $550 to upwards of $2,000. 

• Checkweighing: a dedicated checkweighing indicator is designed to speed up checkweighing tasks. LED indicators or even the whole display will change color to indicate if a sample is over, under or within preset limits. They also often include an audible alarm that sounds when a limit is reached, so users don’t even have to look at the indicator while they work. Checkweighing indicators will range around $450- $1,500. 

• Washdown: These indicators are built to withstand dust, humidity and wet or harsh conditions. Their sturdy housings are rated a minimum of IP67 and often made of easy-to-clean stainless steel. They’re well-suited for weighing tasks in docks, ships, agricultural settings, food processing plants or demanding industrial environments. Combine them with a stainless steel platform for a rugged scale with high performance.

Remote Displays

Remote displays are not an essential part of your weighing operation, but can prove to be beneficial, especially if you are tight on space and need to free up space by mounting it to a wall. When it comes to remote displays, it is entirely up to you to determine if it is something you need. A good way to determine this is by evaluating the environment that you will be weighing the most and then look at if a remote display is necessary. When choosing a remote display, you can choose among a few options. There are single display and multi display options which allow you to view more than just one measurement. The differences are really broken down into the size of the display and also the viewing range of the display, which typically will start at around 150 feet on up. The cost of purchasing a remote display will start around $850 for a standard entry level display, and can reach up to $3,000 for a quad display. 

Printers

Including a printer in your operation is a good way to tie everything together and also have a way to print out measurements when needed. The most common printer used is the thermal printer. Dot Matrix is still used in some places, but is a lot bigger and heavier than a thermal printer, so for the sake of consistency we will just focus on thermal printers. Just like other accessories, it really comes down to preference. Depending on what you want to do, you are able to program the printer to print certain values or a report for the measurements recorded. When looking for a printer to add to your operation, expect to spend anywhere from $530-$1,230 for a 2”-4” thermal printer.

Closing Words

Industrial scale accessories can definitely tie your weight operation together and ensure that it runs in an efficient manner. Equipping your operation with a good digital display, printer and indicator will essentially remove extra steps when going through your entire process. To get a good grasp on what accessories can do for you, then check out our article on industrial scale accessories. Also be sure to check out our scale accessories page. There you can place orders and check prices on all that we carry.

Guide To Scale Accessories

Scale Accessory Basics

Accessories for your scale is an aspect that can change the dynamic of your weighing operation for the better. Typically when shopping for an industrial scale, one is already greeted with a plethora of base, deck, and load cell (analog or electronic load cells) options. When considering accessories for your scale, the main thing to remember is looking at your operation and knowing what you will actually need and if you will put the new equipment to good use. These aforementioned factors contribute to other things like calibration, and how well the scale indicator will connect. When you’re in the market to purchase an industrial scale for your operation, there are a number of different accessories that can really help your business to increase efficiency, speed and overall safety. This article will cover the accessories that you will most likely come across when considering your options.

WEIGHT INDICATORS

The first accessory that you will want to look at is a weight indicator. Weight indicators are an essential accessory for viewing the weight value when taking measurements. In harsh environments, your indicator and junction box are usually sealed to keep moisture from compromising it. Some are stainless steel for a washdown environment. This also factors in for your scale calibration. When taking weight measurements, an indicator will display your weight as well as offer other features. Depending on your operation, setup will determine what type of indicator you will want to consider. For example, if you have your scale located in a heavy washdown area, then you will want to consider an indicator with a high IP rating (IP65) which can withstand extreme environmental changes. Weight indicators have a lot of options as well. Not just for displaying the weight, but also can be optioned with features such as process control and the ability to communicate wirelessly with other additions. A good weight indicator will help save time and expedite weight measurements, while carefully organizing critical weighing information. A good scale and indicator combination will change the way your operation works for the better. Be sure to check out our indicators over at our products page. 

REMOTE DISPLAYS

Remote displays or scoreboard make viewing information much easier from a distance. You may have a floor scale placed in a meat packing plant but are unable to place the display next to the scale. That is where a remote display comes in. You now have versatility in that you can place the display in a more convenient area. Having a remote display will save time and effort for your operation when space limitations force you to relocate your display.  A remote display makes the weighing process a lot quicker and adds an extra element of safety for those operating the scale by reducing the back and forth of the weighing process. 

TICKET PRINTERS

Ticket printers are a great tool for scales due to offering the option to have a printed record of your weight measurement. Ticket printers allow users to print out readings at the scale itself. Some Active Scale ticket printers easily load paper, prevent paper jams, and feature an easily-accessible cabinet allowing the truck driver to simply reach down from their truck to retrieve their ticket. Coupling a good scale, indicator, and ticket printer will help your operation run a lot smoother and efficiently. 

GUIDE RAILS

When operating a vehicle scale, having guide rails is a great preventative measure to take to ensure the vehicle is safely on the scale platform. Guide rails are meant to direct vehicle traffic and prevent drive-offs on elevated platforms. These usually are welded to a steel deck. They are usually reserved for heavy duty weighing applications like truck scales. Typically guide rails will be of a rugged make and are bolted on so they will break away after being run into or struck to prevent hardware deformation. Guide rails are essential to vehicle scale safety. Knowing which style of guide rail is best for you will depend on how your vehicle scale is set up. 

UNATTENDED VEHICLE SCALE WEIGHING

With the advancement of technology, there is a push for things to be more autonomous. With scale operations, having a well set up operation designed to be unmanned will remove a lot of extra work and add some efficiency. With some instrumentation designed with a weather-proof enclosure, internal heater, thermal printer, and a rain hood, an unmanned weighing terminal performs well in all weather conditions. Terminals are able to be optioned with additional peripherals like, RFID readers, credit card collector, and money collectors can be added for convenience.

FINAL WORDS

Scale accessories can have a positive effect on the operations. The accessories listed above can help boost your operation’s efficiency as well as increasing the safety and all around flexibility of your operation. Be sure to check out our accessories section on our products page to place an order or to see what is offered. 

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.

Troubleshooting A Counting Scale

Troubleshooting Your Scale

When counting thousands of pieces or parts, accuracy is a key component that cannot be compromised. Even the smallest mistake can translate into significant expenses, missed production cycles, and wasted components. Using a counting scale is an effective and efficient way to determine the number of parts in receiving, warehousing, production or shipping. Whatever components your operation needs to count, it requires keeping the counting scale clean and well maintained. This article will cover basic troubleshooting tips as you get used to your new counting scale. 

Human Error

The technical level of the scale plays a major part in defining a scale's capability to weigh accurately. But no matter how advanced your weighing technology, when counting manually, the major sources of counting error are operator mistakes and piece-weight variance. Those operator errors are caused not only by misreading scale results or incorrect handling.

Miscounting  often starts one step earlier, namely when taking the reference weight. Take the correct reference To start a counting operation, you must first determine the average piece weight. Because even highly standardized parts have small deviations in weight, you have to calculate an average weight per piece to then count the bulk quantity.

When taking a sample of 10 pieces, for example, you can calculate the complete batch. Logically, the greater the sample quantity, the greater the likelihood that the sample will represent the bulk quantity. But more counting leads to more errors. Efficiency pressure, shift change or lacking operator concentration are common reasons for even this small number of reference pieces to be miscounted.

Not Reading Weight:

A common issue with any scale is when you have weight on the scale but it is giving a reading of zero. There are a few reasons for this. Sometimes it is as simple as checking the power source or ensuring that it is receiving power. Other times you may need to repair or replace the scale. Some ways to troubleshoot this issue are:

• Make sure all the supports of the scale are in direct and solid contact with the floor and that the scale is level.

• Make sure you have removed all the shipping screws from the platform.

• Make sure the feet are screwed in properly and not screwed in too high where a stud may be blocking the load sensor from flexing.

Reading Fluctuations:

You have weight on the scale, but the reading never settles down to a consistent number, jumping back and forth. If you experience this issue, your scale most likely needs service, repair or adjustment. Professionals can help you determine the issue and decide whether the scale needs calibration once it works properly again. Some ways to troubleshoot this problem are:

• Make sure the scale is not on a vibrating surface or being buffeted by winds.

• Make sure the scale is plugged in with a clean power source.

• Make sure any devices that might cause RF interference, like two-way radios or heavy industrial electric motors, are not interfering with the scale.

• Make sure no pins are missing from the load cell cable.

Inconsistent Readings

Depending on where you place the weight, you get a different measurement. Sometimes in our environments, we won’t realize that some surfaces may not be suitable for the counting scale. Environments and surfaces matter and could be the factor to causing you inconsistent readings. These tips below can help ensure a more consistent measurement. 

• Make sure you did not screw in one of the feet so tightly that it prevents the load sensor from flexing.

• Make sure all feet are on the floor.

• Make sure nothing is interfering with the platform.

Honorable Mention

Error Codes Manufacturers typically use error codes in their software to help diagnose issues with their scales. Error codes are usually clearly documented in the scale's manual. The code could mean anything from the scale needing calibration or that a particular component is malfunctioning. Referring to the manual is always the first step if an error code is displayed. 

Drifting

Drifting is another common problem scale users may face. Drifting occurs when a scale's display continuously fluctuates and is generally caused by water exposure. Water in the scale's indicator, junction box, load cells, cables, or internal components can cause erratic readings. If you discover water in the system, immediately shut it down. Allow the scale to completely dry. You may be able to use it again if there is no permanent damage.

Closing words

Owning an industrial scale is pretty straightforward, but like any piece of equipment will have its own issues throughout the duration of the ownership. These tips will serve as a good quick reference guide to help when you experience the aforementioned issues. For more information concerning counting scales, then check out our Counting Scale Basics article. 

How Much Does A Counting Scale Cost?

Breaking Down The Cost.

Pricing a counting scale can seem a bit daunting due to the amount of options, features and capacities. This article will break down what goes into the cost of a counting scale.A digital counting scale measures the weight of the items you place on the weighing platform and divide the weight by the number of pieces you entered, to compute the average piece weight. This is how a digital counting scale displays the number of pieces or parts or better yet how it works. The items that you are weighing have to be uniform in weight. Be sure that your weigh samples do not have a big variation in the weight of the items. Remember that the larger the weight sample is the better results the counting scale can provide.

What goes into the cost of a counting scale?

The anatomy of a counting scale is similar to different bench scales with different applications. When breaking down a digital counting scale, the parts that make up the scale will vary in price depending on features and quality of the part. A good example of this is if you were to price out an Ohaus counting scale (Ranger Count series) which costs roughly $900. This particular scale has a simple design with several features. This particular scale is by no means along the higher end of scales, but it is a well made scale with decent features but is not the absolute best scale you can buy.  On the other side you could be considering a higher end counting scale (A&D® FC-i/Si Series) which is $1,800 and has a lot more features which overshadow the Ohaus.  The A&D is going to be the better option with a lot more features.The item(s) you are counting must be uniform in weight. No counting scale will ever work if there is a significant variation in the weight of the items. The larger the initial sample (100 pieces versus 5 pieces) the better results the counting scale can provide since it averages out any variations in the piece weights.

Capacity Matters.

Many people buy a counting scale with more maximum capacity than they typically need. A good example is If 75% of the time you are counting no more than 10 lbs of parts at a time, a 10 lb. capacity counting scale is the ideal choice as opposed to a 50 lb. The reasoning for this is because having a too high of capacity will cause you to sacrifice resolution. Keeping your capacity in check will also help keep costs down when optioning your scale. Also a quick note; If you think you may need to weigh and count larger items in the future, just make sure you buy a counting scale with a remote scale option available or a counting scale with an accumulation function. A scale with the accumulation feature are, A&D HCi and the A&D FCi series scales.

Choosing the right scale.

When selecting the scale you want, it is a good idea to figure out what you will weigh the most. If you are to be counting lots of different weights, identify the weight of the lightest item. This will allow you to choose the appropriate scale resolution to obtain a precise and accurate weight. Knowing this will help you to pick the appropriate counting scale. Once you figure out your maximum capacity and know what you will be weighing it is time to select a scale. In the second half of this article we will discuss the scales that we recommend for each level. This will help give some insight as to where to start. 

Our recommendations

Intro Level:

• Cardinal C Series: The Cardinal C series portable counting scales are a good scale to get started with. The C series counting scales are ideal for inventory counting where you need a more mobile option. The scales come in 30 lb/15 kg, 65 lb/30 kg, and 100 lb/50 kg capacities and feature a rechargeable battery pack standard for mobile weighing. These durable counting scales offer a full keypad to enter and recall known piece weights and tare weights, metric conversion, 1/300,000 counting resolution, bubble level, and non-skid feet for stability. You can quickly count multiple inventory parts with ease, and 15,000 weight divisions makes them capable of counting the smallest of parts. Starting Price: $569

Mid Level:

• Rice Lake Counterpart Series:More than a weight indicator and more than a counting scale, Counterpart from Rice Lake stands alone as a configurable counting indicator, able to convert almost any scale base into an intelligent piece-counting device—for parts of every shape and size. Unlike traditional counting scales, Counterpart uses Rice Lake’s simple configuration method to adjust to the parameters and resolution of any attached scale base, whether a floor scale, bench scale, or laboratory balance. Counterpart also connects with most barcode scanners, label printers, and inventory management software, making it a versatile piece of equipment. Starting Price: $1,080

High Level:

• A&D® FC-i/Si Series:The FCi Series counting scales utilize ACAI, A&D’s exclusive Automatic Count Accuracy Improvement. ACAI combines the two most critical performance requirements of a counting scale: count accuracy & operation expediency. Initial Average Piece Weight can be determined through an operator’s choice of fixed, random, keyboard entry, or memory recall.Starting Price: $1,800

Conclusion

Counting scales are a great way to streamline and make your operation a lot more efficient. Knowing what type of items you will weigh and the frequencies of each measurement will make your job a lot smoother. The scales mentioned above are good starting points to help guide you with your scale purchase. For more information, please check out our article on counting scale basics. You can also head over to our products page to check out our counting scales selection.

Beginner's Guide To Counting Scales

What Is A Counting Scale?

A counting scale is a scale designed to count items placed on a weighing machine. These types of scales are legal for trade and a convenient option compared to manual counting. They usually have a small stainless steel deck, and will require lower weight for scale calibrations. Have you ever tried counting out two bolts or nuts at a hardware store? It is a part of a scale system that allows for one to quickly sort through inventory. Depending on the weighing application will determine how heavy your measurements will be. The process is very time consuming and mundane. Now imagine having to count over 1,000 bolts. That would take entirely too long and would take away from productivity. This is where counting scales come in. They are designed to keep you from spending all your time counting inventory.

HOW DOES A COUNTING SCALE WORK?

To understand how a counting scale works, is to also understand the layout of the scale. On most dedicated counting scales there will be three displays - 'Weight', 'Piece Part Weight' and 'Total Count’. Weight gives the total weight applied to the scale, piece part weight is the individual average weight of the items being counted and the magic resulting total number of pieces is on the last display.

In order to count accurately, counting scales will need to know what exactly they will be weighing. To do this we provide a weight sample to let the scale know what is being weighed. The scale is communicating with the junction box and scale indicator by signal from the electronic load cells. The sample gives the scale two pieces of information, the weight and how many pieces that weight is. So we counted a sample of say 30 bolts and placed them on the pan and the weight was 30g. So the scale knows that the individual weight is 1g, 30g divided by 30 items. Once the scale has this information you can now add more bolts to reach your desired number of pieces, and watch the total count.

WHY DO I NEED A COUNTING SCALE?

Imagine having to count out your inventory by hand, and you have thousands of items that will need to be counted. The amount of time needed to count out your entire inventory is way too long. Having a counting scale helps take out the manual aspect and helps speed up the entire process. Having a counting scale is essential to saving time

Selecting the right counting scale is also very important, as it would be unfortunate to find that the scale you purchased is not counting correctly and costing you time and money.

Keep in mind that just because an item looks the same does not mean it is the weight. Even load cells (analog or electronic) have differences amongst them. Even with calibration, the scale could have varying capacities. The items may have been made with different materials or even machining and operator tolerances. So just because they look the same they may not weigh the same. If you do not take into account the tolerances then the error can quickly multiply up when counting your bulk resulting in inaccurate counting.

3 STEPS TO FINDING THE BEST COUNTING SCALE

1) Determine the average piece part weight

Consider your application. If you are going to be counting lots of different items with various weights, first identify the lightest item you will be counting. This will determine the resolution required from the scale. So we have an item we wish to count, take 10 of those items and weigh each one on a precise scale and record the individual weight. Next add those weights together and divide by 10, the result gives you the mean average weight. This takes into account the variations in tolerance of the part. So we now have the average weight for the smallest item being weighed.

2) Determine the maximum weight

So we have an item that we know the average weight of, so how many are we going to count out. Are you bagging say 200 pieces to be sent to production? Or is there 5,000 pieces in a bin and you are checking for stock? Either way the maximum weight is literally the average piece part weight times the quantity.

3) Choose your scale

So we know the average weight and the maximum weight, 2.5g and 25.0kg. Now let's determine the capacity of the scale. Our example has an average weight of 2.5g. The counting scale needs to be able to measure this and allow for the variations in tolerance, so it is commonplace to either divide the average by 10 or half the average weight. In this case we will half the average weight to 1.25g. This means that I will need to look for a scale that will weigh in steps of 1.25g up to or over 25kg in capacity. I know in this case the CBC 32 has a resolution of 1g and a working capacity of 32kg, so this will cover my needs.

CLOSING WORDS

Counting scales are essential to operating in an efficient manner. Being able to weigh as well as count out the amount of items will greatly decrease time spent on the sorting/counting aspect and save the bottom line. Counting scales have definitely made sorting through smaller pieces a lot easier. They are easily customizable, one can even order different scale accessories for it like a remote display or scoreboard. Be sure to check out our counting scale page to see which scales we carry.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale 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.

Top Livestock Scales For Each Application

Picking The Right Scale

Working with cattle and livestock is an involved job, and maintaining the animal’s weight and health is a large part of the process. Accuracy is an essential element within the Agricultural Industry, and scales used for weighing livestock are no exception. The scales must be up to date, scale calibration must be performed at regular intervals (no matter electronic or analog), and maintained to ensure that you obtain the most accurate results possible. Inaccuracies when dealing with livestock weight can affect the bottom line. So make sure that you keep your scale and scale indicator void of anything that can cause issues. Ensuring that you are reading accurately depends on choosing the right scale for your operation. Knowing about the different types of livestock scales upon the market can feel overwhelming, but research can make the task of finding the right scale not as difficult.  There are hundreds of livestock scales available, and manufacturers like to claim them to be the best for the job. This article will break down the top livestock scales (stationary, mobile, and portable) available on the market today. 

CHOOSING A SCALE

When choosing a scale, remember to think about when and where the scale will typically be used. Will you primarily be weighing one animal at a time, or multiple? Is it important for you to get a Legal for Trade reading? Is it important that the scale is NTEP certified? These are a few questions you should answer before looking for a scale to ensure that you’re investing in the agricultural scale which is best suited for your needs.

STATIONARY SINGLE ANIMAL SCALES

Single Animal Scales are great for smaller operations where only one animal needs to be weighed at a time. Not only do these give you the animal’s weight, they also give you a legal for trade weight reading. SAS include heavy-duty stainless-steel bars to keep the animal in place in order to get an accurate reading. Different variations also come with advanced features such as noise reduction or padded flooring.

Rice Lake: (SAS) Single Animal Scale:

Rice Lake single animal scales (SAS) offer safe and reliable weighing for a wide range of livestock including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, swine, and exotics. With a load capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and Legal for Trade readability in one pound increments, the SAS is ideal for county fairs, youth agriculture organizations, university research centers, veterinary practices, and other small- to medium-size operations that do not require a multi-animal scale.

• Gate configurations: swing gates, sliding gates, combination swing and slide gate, or head gate with swing or slide gate

• Solid 48-inch kick panel sides

• Ships assembled

• Durable X-Lug or X-Plank floor over steel

• Rugged all-weather powder paint

Cardinal: SLS Series:

Cardinal Scales SLS series steel deck single animal livestock scales are available with or without a livestock pen and dual slide-out gates. They feature an extremely accurate 2,500 lb x 0.5 lb, or 5,000 lb x 1 lb capacity, varying widths and lengths. NTEP certification and quality construction throughout the scale for weighing cattle, swine, horses, sheep, goats, and more. Indicator sold separately.

• TB 2,500 lb stainless steel load cells with adjustable support feet

• Side-access stainless steel junction

• Rubber mat interior flooring for sure footing and noise reduction

• Customizable pen options for versatility

B-Tek: SAS Series:

The B-TEK Small Animal Livestock Scale offers reliable weighing for a wide range of small livestock with a capacity of 1,000 or 2,500 lbs. Ideal for veterinary practices, agriculture organizations, research centers, county fairs, and operations that do not require a multi-animal scale, the B-TEK Small Animal Livestock Scale is versatile to meet the needs of the environment and animals.

• Plated alloy steel, 350 Ohms, 3.0 mV/V, FM Approved

• 1K capacity: (4) 500 lb cells

• 2.5K capacity: (4) 1,000 lb cells

• Optional hermetically sealed (IP68) cells are available

• Electrical Junction Box: NEMA 4 box with signal trim summing board

MULTIPLE ANIMAL SCALES (STATIONARY AND PORTABLE)

Group Animal Scales are capable of providing legal for trade weights in locations where the scale may need to weigh more than one animal before transport or at the processing site. In addition to the scale’s ability to meet the physical demands of remote cattle weighing, the instrumentation package that complements the scale provides a complete report for each batch and lot of animals weighed. 

 

Rice Lake: MAS-LC Stationary Animal Scale Series:

This scale combines the accuracy of fully electronic weighing technology with steel I-beam weighbridge designs typically found in heavy capacity vehicle weighing scales. With a wide range of sizes, the MAS-LC is the right choice for any stationary cattle weighing application. Like all MAS series scales, the MAS-LC is certified for commercial use in both the United States and Canada. Certified scales are held to exacting design characteristics providing accurate weights allowing you to sell across the scale. 

• Bolt-on racks and swinging gates

• Durable X-Lug or X-Plank floor over steel I-beam

• Solid 48-inch kick panel sides

• Spring-loaded latch on swinging gates

• Rugged all-weather powder paint

• Scale collapses for shipping

Cardinal portable MAS series:

Cardinal Scales portable Weight Wrangler group animal scales provide a self-contained NTEP legal for trade weighing system that can be used on any firm surface with up to a 5% grade (maximum allowed by NTEP). The hoof-gripping rubberized component deck and steel cattle pen enclosure with dual swing gates are all suspended at four points within a portable base frame. 

• Calculates Shrink Loss for Livestock Group

• Can Be Used on Any Firm Surface With up to a 5% Grade

• Durable Steel Cattle Pens

• Includes Lower Frame for Portability

• Includes Mobile Weighing Center

• NTEP Legal for Trade

FARM BARS

The most basic livestock scale you can get is a Farm Bar Scale. Farm Bar Scales are a type of farm scale that are easy and convenient to use due to the fact they can be placed under platforms or cages and used to weigh livestock in virtually any location. Farm bars are extremely durable, and often weather-proof as they are typically constructed from steel. These heavy-duty, electronic load cell scales can be mounted under most cattle squeeze chutes, hog crates, feed hoppers, and custom platforms.

B-Tek Weigh Rails

B-Tek Weigh Rails are ideal for all types of farm and animal weighing applications. Weigh Rails can also be adapted for industrial uses that are not practical for regular platform scales. Rugged all-steel construction, sealed components, and stainless steel load feet for outdoor use year-round. The lag-down foot retainer plates are great for a permanent install, can become portable for temporary or seasonal use. The B-Tek Weigh Rails are a good option for a setup that requires versatility. 

• Rail Capacity: 2,500 to 10,000 lb system gross capacity

• Rail Length: 22 in long weigh rails, 2,500 lb capacity x 0.5 lb

• Rail Height: 4-1/4 in

• Junction Box: Remote mount NEMA 4X stainless steel junction box with signal trim summing board

 

Adam Equipment Pallet Beam Livestock Scale

The Adam Equipment pallet beam scales are made from superior grade rugged stainless steel. The rugged stainless steel does not just protect it against water and dust, but makes it durable and eco-friendly as well. These pallet beams are designed for smaller to medium sized animals. 

• Measures in g, kg, lb, oz 

• Allows you to track capacity

• Wall-mountable indicator

• Changes color when the weight is over or under the limit

• Weighing, parts counting, check weighing, and dynamic weighing

MOBILE LIVESTOCK SCALES

A step up from stationary and portable, mobile scales allow for the weighing of multiple animals at once with the versatility of being portable. Many of these scales also come with legal for trade weight reading features, as well as NTEP certifications. A full-size livestock scale comes in various forms such as a Livestock Ring Scale, a Mechanical Stationary Livestock Scale, or a Mobile Group Livestock Scale. They are designed to equip various scale accessories including remote displays and scoreboards. When choosing from the different types of portable scales, it’s important to consider why, when, and where the scale will be most frequently used.

Cardinal Weight Wrangler: LSM series

Cardinal Scales mobile Weight Wrangler group animal scales provide a self-contained NTEP legal-for-trade weighing system that can be used on any firm surface with up to a 5% grade. This livestock scale includes an integral air pump to easily lift and lower the trailer's air bag suspension. Models come in 18-ft-long tandem axle or 13-ft-long single axle sizes. The X-lug rubberized component deck and steel cattle pen enclosure with dual gates are all suspended at four points within a mobile base frame. 

• High-Quality X-Lug Composite Flooring for Livestock Stability and Assurance Included Standard

• 3 Heavy-Duty Panels and Bows on 18-ft Models. Cardinal Scales Panel Construction is the Heaviest in the Mobile Cattle Scale Industry

• Available in 13-ft-long Single Axle or 18-ft-long Tandem Axle Sizes

• StableSense Digital Filtering Compensates for Animal Movement While Weighing to Provide Accurate Weights

• Calculates Shrink Loss for Livestock Groups

Rice Lake: MAS Series

Built with the physical demands of remote weighing in mind, the MAS-M livestock scale provides legal for trade measurements even when the scale is placed off-level by up to three degrees (or 6%). No other model brings as much flexibility as Rice Lakes Livestock Scale performance. The scale employs an independent air ride suspension which allows it to be moved in and out of weighing mode by simply adjusting the air pressure in the air bags. Load is applied to and or removed from the cells through a manual lift/lower lever system.

CONCLUSION

The livestock scales listed are not the final word on livestock scales. This merely serves as a guide as to what to look for when it comes to familiarizing yourself with the scale system as well as getting a better idea as to what you want and what works best for you. Be sure to check out our Livestock Scales 101 article which breaks down the basics of livestock scales. If you are looking to start the process on your livestock scale, then be sure to check out the Livestock scales under the product section.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale 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.

Livestock Scales 101

Livestock Scales For Beginners.

Livestock scales are an important part of farming. The scales are an integral part of the food production process. There is a lot that goes into livestock scales and how they operate. This article will take a deep dive into livestock scales and how they work in food production.

What is a livestock scale?

Livestock scales are scales that are either mechanical or electronic with a design for weighing large animals like cattle. These scales have a pen with animal safety design. Other than farms and ranches, there are other places that use livestock scale such as zoos and animal rescues.

Livestock scales have a durable design. The components are corrosion resistent and has a washdown surface for easy cleaning. When it comes to optioning out your scale deck, you have several choices to choose from. Some of those choices include steel, concrete or rubber-coated decks. The deck surfaces help keep the animals comfortable and safe while weighing. Depending on the scale’s location will determine which scale is best. If your scale is located outside, then there are various hazards that can affect your scale. Scales can get dirty quickly, having a washdown schedule.

The different types of livestock scales

Livestock scales provide a safe environment to weigh the animals. The scale design with pen-like are available with stationary, mobile and portable alternatives. Manufacturers provide individual and group livestock scales in various sizes. There are a lot of custom options as well. There will also be a different weight, weighing technology and display choices.

• Mobile Livestock Scales:

  Mobile animal scales (MAS) are designed to be transported to the location of the animals to be weighed. The scales are designed with durability in mind. These scales will also be equipped with steel pens suspended on load cells.There is also a cage that is installed to help keep the animals safe and locked in during transport. This cage can be locked down to the frame while transporting the animals. The reasoning for this design is because it prevents cage movement and load cell damage during transport. The mobile livestock scale is a good choice if you have to actually go to the animals yourself. 

• Portable Livestock Scales:

  Portable Animal Scales (PAS) are designed to be transported to various weighing sites. The majority of portable livestock scales are suitable to be used in harsh and unpredictable conditions of multiple site weighing. They can have a deck and a pen side for a smoother loading and unloading process for the animals.

• Stationary Livestock Scales:

  Stationary Animal scales (SAS) are designed to be set up at one location, to which the animals can be guided to the scale to be weighed. One thing to note about stationary livestock scales is that they're available in a myriad of sizes to hold the amount of livestock you need to be weighed.  The cool thing about stationary scales is that they combine the accuracy of fully electronic weighing technology coupled with steel weighbridge designs that are typically found in truck scales.

What makes up a livestock scale?

Livestock scales are made up of several components. There is a deck that is surrounded by pen fences, which is then suspended on a base frame on top of four load cells. Portable scales are equipped with an air suspension system which makes the scale lift and lower to allow for the animals to be easily loaded and unloaded. The majority of animal scales are pen configurations that provide a safe environment for animal weighing. These pen-like scales are accessible with stationary, mobile and portable alternatives. Manufacturers also  provide scales that are designed for  individual and group animal weighing. Depending on where and how the scale will be stored will help you determine whether to have surfaces for washdown. 

What is Shrink?

Shrink is the quantity of weight-loss of animals when traveling on an off-site scale. When working with livestock, farmers will spend the majority of their time managing their cattle’s diet to ensure that they gain as much weight as possible by the time it's ready to go to the market. When the cattle is transported, held or gathered, it cuts into their time for eating. When this happens the animals start losing weight. This weight loss is referred to as shrinkage. There are various factors that can  influence the amount of shrinkage you will have. Understanding that these factors are present and important to how you manage your livestock and ensuring minimum shrinkage.

Regardless of which livestock you are working with, minimizing shrinking losses is paramount in maximizing the bottom line. There have been various studies that have shown an average weight loss of 6 percent. With the introduction of mobile and portable scales, shrinkage has been reduced to about 2%, with a profit increase of 6%. The choice of a mobile over a stationary livestock scale could be decided by the increased profitability. Below is a list of tips that can help you decrease shrinkage during the weighing process.

Reducing Shrink

Shrink is most often measured from the time an animal leaves the ranch or farm, to the point the animal is weighed at the destination. The shrink comes as a result of time off feed and water and the stress of handling and hauling. There is also the factor of  temperature, weather changes, environment, feed changes. These are all factors that can contribute to shrink. Below are some tips on how you can help decrease shrink: 

• Understand what upcoming weather will be like. Checking the forecast, reading an almanac will help you to avoid transporting cattle in less than ideal conditions.  

• Transport livestock slowly when handling and loading.

• Avoid exposing animals to unfamiliar environments without preconditioning.

• Perform regular service on your scales to help avoid downtime.

• Avoid overcrowding of your livestock. This can cause stress and discomfort during transport.

• Avoid long transport trips and also provide time to allow cattle to rest.

• Try to transport animals on smooth roads and avoid rough and uneven surfaces. 

• Provide feed and water for the animals.

• Be sure to withhold water up to 3 hours before shipping.

Benefits of livestock scales

Livestock scales will hold a lot of benefits over other scales that can measure heavy weight. In this section we will go through the benefits of owning a livestock scale and how it helps your overall livestock production. 

• Accuracy: Livestock scales are designed to be extremely precise. Since you are dealing with animals, that means that weights can fluctuate, thus affecting the bottom line. The precision and accuracy of a livestock scale is very important and integral to your operation. Ensure that your scales are maintained and properly calibrated.

• Durability: Livestock scales need to be durable to ensure that they can handle the difficult livestock circumstances and in handling the heavy loads. These scales are intended to be very durable and capable of handling the hazards of handling livestock. These scales are designed to manage animal kicking and other environmental hazards over other industrial scales.

• Evaluation: Livestock scales  are equipped with the ability to evaluate weights at different phases of their life-scale. The information collected can be used and analyzed to assess feedlots and annual weights averaged daily increase (ADG), and daily weight gains (WDA). With livestock scales you are able to evaluate the overall performance of your livestock.

• Feed & Medicine Monitoring: When feeding and medicating your livestock, knowing what the exact quantity of food and medicine, is essential to the overall health of your livestock. Livestock scales can assist in correctly calculating the feed/medicine, which in turn helps keep you from giving the animals exactly what they need in food and medicine.

• Animal Comfort: Scales for livestock are intended to comfortably accommodate different animal types. Low profile scales are great for loading and unloading animals due to the convenience factor of not having to step up a high distance.

• Simple to Handle: You need less work to use livestock scales because they are simple to manage. They have an inner memory that makes the history of different animals simpler to evaluate.

• Ease of use: The cattle scales are constructed from flat or concrete wood decks that make things easy to transport. There are several features that have ease of use in mind, including memory parts and weight information collection. 

• Customization:A lot of livestock scales are highly customizable to meet your needs. Some accessories include digital indicators, portals, load bars, surfaces and many more. All of the custom options available are designed to each unique client. 

Conclusion

Livestock scales have a lot of intricacies to them and it is easy to get lost on each aspect. When it comes down to it, as a farmer or rancher you will want to protect your bottom line. Researching and purchasing the right livestock scale for you will take some time, but it is well worth it. Regardless of having a small farm or a large scale livestock farm, the significance of accurate measurement of animal performance is paramount when maximizing your profits through the entire process. If you want to know more about the cost of livestock scales, be sure to check out our article about livestock scales pricing. 

How Much Do Livestock Scales Cost?

Understanding Livestock Scales

Livestock scale systems are a very important part of our food production process. There are many types of livestock scales to consider and they vary based on the application requirements. When considering the purchase of livestock scales, accuracy is paramount and can potentially cost you a lot in lost profits over time. Scale manufacturers try to create scales that can handle the requirements of farming. Weight is an important factor in food production. Owning a livestock scale can be a large undertaking, and there are a lot of important factors that need to be considered before you go along with a purchase. Depending on the type of scale, size and components, a livestock scale can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $40,000 depending on the aforementioned factors. This article will go over the things to consider while searching for your next livestock scale as well as a cost breakdown of what you can expect when purchasing a livestock scale.

Note: This article will only focus on legal for trade livestock scales. We will not have anything non legal for trade in this article. 

TYPES OF LIVESTOCK SCALES

Mobile Livestock ScalesMobile animal scales (MAS) are designed to be transported to the location of the animals to be weighed. The scales are designed with durability in mind. These scales will also be equipped with steel pens suspended on load cells.There is also a cage that is installed to help keep the animals safe and locked in during transport. This cage can be locked down to the frame while transporting the animals. The reasoning for this design is because it prevents cage movement and load cell damage during transport. The mobile livestock scale is a good choice if you have to actually go to the animals yourself. 

Portable Livestock ScalesPortable Animal Scales (PAS) are designed to be transported to various weighing sites. The majority of portable livestock scales are suitable to be used in harsh and unpredictable conditions of multiple site weighing. They can have a deck and a pen side for a smoother loading and unloading process for the animals.

Stationary Livestock ScalesStationary Animal scales (SAS) are designed to be set up at one location, to which the animals can be guided to the scale to be weighed. One thing to note about stationary livestock scales is that they're available in a myriad of sizes to hold the amount of livestock you need to be weighed.  The cool thing about stationary scales is that they combine the accuracy of fully electronic weighing technology coupled with steel weighbridge designs that are typically found in truck scales.

WHAT INFLUENCES THE PRICE?

Livestock scale pricing has a myriad of factors that influence the overall cost of owning the scale. You have to ask yourself several questions. What are you using the scale for? The weighing applications involved also will affect the price. Do you need a single animal livestock scale or multiple animals? Is the scale going to be stationary, portable or mobile? These are just some of the things that will influence the price of your scale. Below is a breakdown of what goes into the pricing when you are optioning out your scale. 

• Scale Size: The size of the scale will be the biggest contributing factor to the price. You have to look at if you want a single animal scale or if you want a scale that can weigh multiple livestock at once. The size of the scale will need to be known before you can move further with the other options. Single animal scales tend to have the steel deck dimensions of 3’x8’ and 4’x8, while multiple animal scales will have dimensions of 13-19 feet with a width of 9 feet. There is no “right'' size when picking out a livestock scale, just the right size for you. So depending on what size you want will determine the cost you will be looking to spend. The cost for an SAS with dimensions of 3x8 can cost you anywhere from $6,000 to over $11,000. For a MAS with dimensions 13x9 can cost you anywhere from $16,000 up to well over $30,000. Keep in mind that these are for stationary livestock scales. The cost for portable and mobile scales will vary compared to stationary scales due to the other components that are specific to those scales. 

• Scale Components:Optioning your scale is where you will start to get the bulk of your costs. So it is good to think about what is important to you when looking for a scale. A typical livestock scale will be composed of a deck plate,electronic load cells (or analog), scoreboards, remote displays, junction boxes, pen sides as well as kick plates and a stainless steel scale indicator. A lot of these components will have multiple options with multiple features, thus affecting the price for each component. Scale accessories also influence the price as well.

• Load Cells:When choosing a load cell for your scale, you have to choose from analog or a digital load cell. An analog load cell will usually be the most cost effective between the two based on the build of the load cell, which is a lever system. Ensuring proper scale calibration for your loa cells will increase the lifespan of the scale. Going digital will usually have a more precise and faster reading compared to an analog load cell, but is also a bit more expensive as well. 

• Indicator:The indicator on a scale is what you use to get the weight of the animals. The indicator offers a  readout of the animal's weight. Depending on which indicator you decide to go with will determine what features you will have. There are indicators designed for farming and ranching, and are programmed for particular animal weighing requirements. 

PORTABLE OR PERMANENT?

Deciding if you need a permanent or portable scale simply depends on your layout and how you want to go about getting the animals weighed. If your livestock is located at different sections on your ranch, then you will want something that is portable to save time and effort when getting the animals weighed. The portable scale is convenient because there is not a lot of setup time needed. You simply set up the scale in the area where the animals are located. 

If you are looking to weigh livestock in the same location that they will be processed, then you will most likely opt for a permanent installation, in which load bars are placed under your squeeze chute and the scale is bolted to a concrete slab.

Determining if you will go permanent or portable will depend on your layout, and your processing method. These factors will be unique to each person. 

CONCLUSION

When it comes down to it, a farmer will need a good quality livestock scale to ensure that they are getting accurate results. Accurate readings will equal better profit all around. Regardless of whether you have a small or large-scale livestock farm, the importance of accurate weight can be directly tied to your business and how profitable it is. Pricing a scale can be a broad undertaking, but it depends on whether you want single, multiple, stationary or portable. Look to spend anywhere from $7,000 to $40,000 depending on your setup and options selected.

If you are looking to get a quote on our livestock scales, then head on over to our site and our team can help guide you through the process of ordering a livestock 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.