Platform scales are an essential tool for a wide range of industries, from shipping and receiving to manufacturing and agriculture. They provide a reliable way to weigh large or bulky items accurately.
With so many options available however, choosing the right platform scale can be a daunting task.
This guide will walk you through the different types of platform scales, key features to consider and their various applications, to help you make an informed decision.
Where Platform Scales are Used
Platform scales are used across a wide range of industries, including:
- Shipping and Receiving: Weighing packages, pallets and freight for accurate shipping calculations.
- Manufacturing: Measuring raw materials, finished goods and work-in-progress.
- Agriculture: Weighing livestock, feed and harvested crops.
- Logistics: Tracking inventory and managing warehouse operations.
- Healthcare: Weighing patients, medical equipment and supplies.
- Food Processing: Weighing ingredients, packaging and finished products.
Choosing the Right Platform Scales for your Environment
Selecting the right platform scale depends on the specific environment and application. Here’s a little more information to help you choose:
Weighing Palletised Goods:
- Forklift Truck Use: For pallet weighing with forklifts, consider platform sizes that accommodate standard pallet dimensions. Factors like a durable, non-slip surface and straightforward indicator features (such as checkweighing) can improve efficiency.
- Pallet Truck Use: If using pallet trucks, ramps can facilitate loading onto standard platforms. Alternatively, drive-through platforms offer a more gradual incline for easier manual handling, but may have capacity limitations.
Weighing Other Bulky Items:
- Drums, Barrels or Kegs: For these items, choose a high-capacity scale with easy loading capabilities. Low-profile ramps can simplify the process, and portability can be a valuable asset.
Space Constraints:
- Confined Spaces: Pit-mounted platform scales offer a solution when space is limited. They sit flush with the floor, allowing for easy passage of pallet trucks and forklifts when not in use.
Harsh Environments:
- Wet or Washdown Conditions: For environments prone to moisture or requiring regular cleaning, select a waterproof or IP-rated scale to prevent damage and ensure longevity.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Platform Scale
- Capacity: This is the maximum weight the scale can accurately measure. Choose a scale with a capacity that exceeds the heaviest item you plan to weigh. Some platform scales do offer overload protection, to protect the components if too much weight is added.
- Accuracy: Look for scales with a high degree of accuracy. Consider the readability (the increments in which the scale will display the weight in) too.
- Platform Size: The platform should be large enough to accommodate the items you want to weigh. Consider the dimensions and shape of your typical loads.
- Durability: Platform scales are often used in harsh environments. Choose a scale made from robust materials, such as stainless steel, to ensure longevity.
- Portability: Smaller platform scales may offer some degree of portability, such as built-in handles and wheels. This is ideal if space on your premises is limited: the scale can be stored away when not in use.
- Display: The weight reading will be displayed on the scale’s indicator. Consider, for example, if you need an indicator with a large display, or if it needs to have specific features such as a check weighing mode, parts counting mode or built-in label printer.
- Connectivity: Some digital scales offer connectivity options like USB or Bluetooth, allowing you to transfer weight data to a computer or other device for analysis and record-keeping.
- Legal for Trade: If you plan to use the scale for commercial transactions where weight is a factor in pricing, it must be "legal for trade" or "trade approved" and comply with relevant regulations.
- Price: Platform scales range in price from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. Set a budget and consider the features and specifications you need within that price range.
- Warranty: Different manufacturers offer varying lengths of warranty, shop around to get the best protection for your investment.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right platform scale depends on your specific needs and requirements. Carefully consider the factors outlined in this guide, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or just need a little advice.
By making an informed decision, you can ensure that you invest in a platform scale that will provide accurate, reliable and efficient weighing for years to come.
Take a look at the range of platform scales we have available for delivery right now.
