Floor Scales 101 – Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to weighing items, there is no better option than a floor scale. 

Floor scales are durable, reliable, and can handle even the heaviest of loads. 

In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about floor scales.

What are Floor Scales?

Floor scales are large, heavy-duty scales that are typically used for industrial purposes. They are designed to be placed on the floor and have a platform where items can be placed or weighed. 

A floor scale is an excellent choice if you need to weigh objects heavier than a ton. These scales have maximum capacities that range between 75 kilograms and 600 kilograms, and they can measure increments as low as 0.005 kilogram. 

In-between a bench scale and a platform scale, they’re not as precise but take up less space and can weigh more without compromising too much precision. 

Designed to withstand industrial wear and tear, floor scales are usually constructed from stainless steel or aluminium and are built to last. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, with some being lifted off the ground by legs while others have a platform that is directly on the floor. Some models even have wheels so they can be moved easily when needed.

They have an easy-to-clean construction and have rubber feet that help them stay stable in demanding conditions. Most floor scales come with a digital indicator on a separate stand, which is then attached to the main steel platform. 

Many floor scales also come with added features like an integrated label printer or percentage weighing capabilities. The versatility of this device means that users can complete multiple tasks, which saves on costs, space and training time.  

Uses of Floor Scales

Floor scales are primarily used for weighing items, whether it is raw materials, finished products or containers. Their large platform size and durability make them ideal for industrial uses like manufacturing plants, warehouses, shipping facilities and food processing operations.

These scales can work well in repetitive tasks, such as for weighing multiple pallets of goods and products. They are also suitable for businesses that have heavy items or containers like drums or tanks. 

Other than industrial purposes, floor scales are used by veterinarians and farmers to weigh animals and livestock.

Benefits of Floor Scales

Floor scales have a range of benefits that make them an ideal choice for industrial applications. Here are some of the advantages of using these scales: 

Durable: Constructed from stainless steel or aluminium, these scales are designed to withstand wear and tear. This makes them extremely durable and capable of handling heavier loads compared to other types of scales. 

Accurate: Floor scales feature a digital indicator, which is more accurate than mechanical indicators. They are also very reliable when it comes to accuracy, with minimal variation between readings. 

Versatile: Floor scales are capable of weighing items as low as 0.005 kilogram and can handle items up to 600 kilograms. This means they are suitable for a wide range of tasks, from manufacturing plants to shipping facilities. 

Easy to use: Due to their straightforward design, these scales are easy to set up and use. The digital indicator can be installed quickly and the scale is easy to maintain and clean.

Quick Results: as the digital indicator is connected directly to the scale, it is able to provide quick and accurate results with a quick stabilisation time.

Types of Floor Scales

There are a few different types of floor scales you can choose from. 

Some of these include: 

1. Mechanical Floor Scales

These are the simplest type of floor scale and are powered by a spring-loaded lever system. They do not require electricity or batteries to operate and provide consistent accuracy. 

2. Above Ground Floor Scale

These scales are similar to mechanical floor scales, except they have a platform that is slightly raised off the ground. This makes it easier for people to access the scale and weigh heavier items. 

3. Below Ground Floor Scale 

These scales are the opposite of above-ground scales, as they have a platform that is sunk into the ground. As such, they offer greater stability when weighing heavy items and can be built with higher capacities.

Floor Scale Accessories

Using certain accessories with the floor scales can make them even more accurate and efficient. 

Common floor scale accessories include: 

Printer: A printer can be attached to the scale, allowing users to print out weight readings instantly. This will help with record keeping and ensure accuracy when dealing with multiple items.

Software: Special software can also be used with the scale, which helps streamline the data analysis process and make it easier for users to manage their weighing activities. 

Platform Covers: Platform covers are used by many businesses in order to keep their scales clean and free from dirt and debris. This helps to protect the scale from damage and makes it easier for users to read the weight readings. 

Relay Box and Light Tower: A relay box and light tower can be used to make checkweighing more efficient in areas with excessive noise or insufficient lighting. The relay box is connected to the scale and sends signal messages to the light tower when a weight threshold is reached. 

Roller Deck: A roller deck is an optional accessory for a floor scale that adds mobility and additional weighing capacity. It consists of multiple rollers connected to the platform on which items can be placed and transported with ease. 

These accessories provide businesses with more control over their weight readings and help to ensure accuracy in their operations. 

Conclusion

Floor scales are a popular choice for weighing large and heavy items. They provide accurate readings, are easy to use and maintain, and come with a range of optional accessories that can improve their efficiency. 

With the right floor scale, businesses will be able to keep track of their shipments and production processes with ease.  

Whether you are looking for a basic mechanical floor scale or one with all the bells and whistles, MWS can meet all your needs. View our range of floor scales here, or contact us today to provide a free consultation.