When you are purchasing an industrial floor scale for your company, you must consider many factors. The weight capacity of the scale is one of the most important aspects, followed by the size of the platform, and the durability of the scale.
Capacity of Industrial Floor Scales
When you are looking at floor scales, you should start here with the weight capacity and narrow your decision down from there. Many industries are satisfied with just a 5,000 pound capacity, while others need a capacity of 20,000 pounds or more. Typically, floor scales are available in capacities ranging from 2,500 pounds to more than 20,000 pounds. If you need a capacity that is not one of the standard amounts, it can be custom ordered.
When you are considering what capacity you need out of your scale, you should start with your current needs. What capacity are you currently working with? You also need to consider future growth or if your loads vary greatly with the seasons, for example. You need to have a scale that can handle any load that will come through, but you don’t want to pay for one with a higher capacity than you need.
Size of the Platform
Industrial floor scales come in a variety of platform sizes to accommodate different sizes of loads. You can choose from sizes that range from 3 feet by 3 feet up to 8 feet by 10 feet and larger. The platforms are low to the ground so you can easily load and unload the scale for weighing. Usually, the platforms are around 4 inches high, but you can purchase lower ones as well. If you need to wheel something up on the scale, you can purchase ramps to make that possible.
In addition to considering the size of the load, you need to consider where the scale will be installed. You don’t want to purchase a scale that is too large for your space when you could have chosen a smaller one for your needs.
Durability of the Scale
You will have to check with the manufacturer or retailer of the floor scale you are looking to purchase to find out the materials used in manufacturing the scale. Most of the time, the scales are made of welded steel and have painted steel components. A special, high quality zinc epoxy is used to prevent the components from rusting. If you have a hazardous environment, you can purchase a scale made completely of stainless steel so it is resistant to dangerous chemicals.
So when you are shopping for an industrial scale, start with the capacity and move down this list. Not only will you make sure you are getting just what you need out of a scale, but you will be able to narrow down your choices as well.
