8 guides on choosing the perfect fork truck scales

Fulfilling orders might come easy for smaller products, but even larger products that are packed by the crate or pallet must be weighed and shipped. Because large items must often be loaded and arranged using a fork truck, it is important that you use a fork truck scale to accurately measure each load. That said, buying a fork truck scale represents a very specific type of purchase for a very specific and difficult type of process. 

Consequently, you need to ensure functionality and durability if you are going to use it for a business. Additionally, you need to ensure that the average person or employee can readily use it. Finally, you need to ensure that even though it is being used in an industrial setting, it needs to be as modern as any other type of technology for any other type of job. 

Additionally, many people might think of scales as something you step up on or drive up on. However, a fork truck uses a scale that fits directly to the forktruck’s hydraulic system. For instance, sensors measure the pressure that builds in the hydraulic fluid. Higher pressure results from higher payloads, and this pressure is easily measured and calculated. 

1. Capacity 

In terms of weight loads, a forktruck’s weight load can measure in tons rather than pounds. Consequently, ensuring your fork truck scales can handle heavy loads is a must as inaccuracies can lead to inaccurate shipping or billing. However, in terms of fork truck loads, the scale measures the pressure in the system. Consequently, it should be able to measure up to 500 tons because it is measuring pressure rather than actual weight.

 2. Accuracy

 Any digital scales that fit to a forktruck’s hydraulic system will not be as accurate as a home scale that you step up on. For instance, a standard scale is accurate within a few ounces. A digital scale that hooks to hydraulic systems is generally reliable within one to three percent of a forktruck’s capacity. If a fork truck can lift five tons, which equals 10,000 pounds, one-percent accuracy represents 100 pounds. Many scale systems vary in accuracy. A three-percent variance might not sound like much, but there is quite a bit of difference between 300 pounds and 100 pounds. Consequently, you should read reviews and ensure the scale is actually closer to the one-percent mark than it is to the three-percent upper limit.

 3. Initial operation

 Installing any scale takes time. A digital scale for a hydraulic system will take upwards of three hours. For proper installation of a digital sale, the installer will likely need to use a T fitting designed specifically for your type of fork truck. Once the system is installed, you should be able to calibrate the scale and zero out the tare weight, which is the container weight.

 In terms of installation, it is often best to purchase a scale from a dealer that also sells forktrucks. For instance, a dealer like North Coast ForkTrucks will be experienced with various models of fork trucks and have the expertise to install the scales. If you buy a scale online from some random dealer, you are potentially complicating the matter of installation and future customer service because the dealer you purchase from might not know anything about forktrucks.

4. Visibility

 A high-profile screen will make reading the dashboard easier. You should look for a bold LED readout, and the buttons on the dashboard should be easy to read and sensitive to the touch. In terms of usage, the digital readout should also indicate if the battery that runs the dashboard is fully charged.

 5. Legal for trade

 Because of the accuracy rate, you need to determine if you need a scale rated for commercial trade or a scale that simply estimates the weight within one hundred pounds. Estimating weight is good if you want to ensure a load is within a few hundred pounds of shipping or safety requirements. However, if you are measuring products by the pound for commercial sale, you need a scale rated for extreme accuracy.

 6. Durable

 Depending on your work site, you will likely need a scale that can operate in inclement weather. Because most scales are waterproof or weather resistant, you will not have to worry about a scale short circuiting due to getting wet. However, you want to make sure the scale is readable in wet weather because if the readout is not watertight, it could fog up, making visibility near impossible.

 7. Accessories

 Your scale should come with hydraulic fittings that are specific to your fork truck. Additionally, you should be able to attach a printer to the system, which will allow you to produce hard copies of each load’s weight.

 8. Customer service

 Your scale should come with a warranty that will cover your investment. Additionally, you should be able to talk to a service technician if you have problems operating the scale. 

Author: 

Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy. You can directly connect with her on email – [email protected] or visit her website www.lisaeclesworth.com