If you use a floor or platform scale in your facility, knowing how to use the scale effectively while also maximizing its life cycle will be an important factor. These are one of the pieces of equipment in any building, loading dock or production area that can take a beating.
Ideally, always choose a floor scale that is designed for a slightly higher range of load weight than you need. In other words, don’t go by the average, go by the highest possible weight that will place on the scale. This reduces the risk of damaging the load cell by continually using the scale over the indicate upper weight level.
Positioning
Whether using a portable type of floor scale or using the scale in a permanent location, be sure to choose that location carefully. Keep it out of the main traffic areas of the facility so there is no risk that the scale will be hit with equipment or, even worse, that the platform may be driven across if the operator is not paying attention and moving a load.
Ramps, In-Floor or Above Floor
Considering the configuration or installation of the floor scale will also be important. If the equipment operators will drive loads to the scale, lower them and then back out to weigh, above the floor scales will work.
Keep in mind, when the scale is above the floor there is the risk that the forks on a pallet jack, lift truck or a forklift can easy catch the platform, which will result in the scale requiring recalibration.
With in-floor designs, the floor scale platform is level with the surface of the floor, and the steel frame supports the platform. This prevents any damage to the platform by operator error and also allows loads to pass over the scale.
A compromise between these two options is to use ramps. With the ramps, loads can be driven across the scale, although equipment operator error can still cause a problem.
