Floor Scale Considerations Prior to Purchase

Floor Scale Considerations Prior to Purchase

There are some important things to consider before purchasing a floor scale. It will save you time and money to ensure you’ve done your research before ultimately purchasing a new scale. For example, how do you plan to access the scale? Will it be susceptible to damage from forklifts, front end loaders or other types of heavy equipment?

The product specialists at Michelli Weighing & Measurement are here to help ensure you get the right scale for your application. Here are some of the important factors to consider before you purchase a floor scale

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Basic Floor Scale Considerations

It’s important to consider floor scale placement before purchase. First, where will the floor scale be? It will require a power source, so positioning it near an outlet would be helpful. Also, depending on what material the scale is made of, the environment directly surrounding the floor scale is important to consider. Additionally, you need to decide what size & capacity floor scale would best fit your space, while still providing the functionality you need. Below is a check list of basic considerations to take into account when purchasing a floor scale.

• What size scale do you need? (And what size scale can fit into your space?)
• What capacity floor scale do you need?
• Where will the scale be located?
• What type of corrosion resistance does your application and environment require?
  • Mild Steel – Best suited for dry environments
  • Stainless Steel – Best suited (and often required) for wet and/or high heat environments.

Operational Floor Scale Considerations

It’s important to consider how the floor scale will be used before making a decision as well. For example, the environment in which the scale will be used can help determine the required IP rating. If the application in which the scale will be used involves selling goods based on weight, the scale must be NTEP approved, meaning it meets specific requirements outlined by governing bodies that allow it to be utilized in a legal-for-trade application. Usability features like readability & available units of measurement are still other important floor scale considerations to take into account when choosing which to purchase.

• What type of IP rating does your application require?
• Is your application legal-for-trade? (Will your scale be used in a commerce application?)
• How will the scale be cleaned?
• What type of connectivity do you require? (Will the scale be used to capture and/or analyze data, or as a means of communication, etc.?)
• What level of readability is required? (What resolution does your application require? This refers to the smallest measurement increment or # of decimals the scale can produce.
• What units of measurement does your application require?

Accessories to Consider

Compatible accessories could also influence your decision on which scale to purchase. When choosing a floor scale, you should consider the type of indicators that are compatible with that scale, and what sort of connectivity features that indicator offers. If you intend to use the scale to capture & analyze data, you’ll need to ensure that the compatible indicators can do so.

Will the floor scale be loaded by forklifts or other heavy-duty equipment that could harm it? If so, you may choose to consider a floor scale that is compatible with forklift channels or pit frames to ensure the longevity of the scale. Perhaps the scale will be loaded with dollies and requires ramps. It’s important to look for scales that are compatible with these additional accessories prior to purchase.

Floor Scale Warranty

Last but certainly not least, you should carefully read the manufacturer’s warranty when considering a floor scale to understand what is covered and what isn’t to ensure your expectations are realistic. Your Michelli Weighing & Measurement Account Manager can go through this with you to help address any concerns you may have, and to make sure you have full faith in your purchase before proceeding.

There are many important floor scale considerations to review before making a purchase. The Michelli Weighing & Measurement team is here to help you navigate this process and to ensure you end up with the right equipment for your application. We want you to be fully satisfied with your purchase and help to ensure you have the right equipment to get the job done. There’s no need to try to go through the process alone. Chances are it won’t save you any money overall anyway, and you could end up with subpar equipment that doesn’t meet your requirements.