Crane scales perform the dual function of picking up heavy objects and determining their weight. The essence of their functionality has remained the same over the years, but today’s crane scales boast additional features that make them easier and more efficient to use. These multi-functional devices have LCD/LED displays, rechargeable batteries and are available in compact, medium and heavy duty sizes that are able to lift weights from a single ton to two hundred and fifty tons. As a safety feature, many crane scales have a warning signal that is triggered when a predetermined weight is exceeded. The use of crane scales varies depending on the application, industry and where they are used. These locations could range from small manufacturers making everyday products to larger automobile and shipping companies.
Electronic crane scales available today come with electronic displays like those found on street lights and pocket calculators. Common features of these scales include precise design, excellent readability and tremendous durability. The capacity of these scales range from 300 kg all the way up to 30 tons. The resolutions available are 100 g, 200 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg. There are generally two options available for the load cell – Shear beam and S Type, and these crane scales comply with OIML class III specifications. Industrial keypads, aluminum castings for the body and a removable hook made of alloy steel are some of the additional features available.
The features of digital crane scales generally include a high capacity, easy-to-use design and sturdy structure. Digital crane scales start at a capacity of 50 kg and go up to 100 metric tons. Resolutions start as low as 5 g and go up to 20 kg, with color-coded displays for enhanced visibility. Most popular digital crane scales feature a body that has been coated with heavy duty powder coating and OIML class III accuracy for harsher environment operations. Optional high-temperature shields are also available. Along with the basic features, many digital crane scales come with gravity acceleration technology, which allows the crane to be used anywhere in the world.
For heavy operations, the use of a specially-designed crane scale is recommended. The features of heavy duty crane scales generally include rugged construction, convenient installation and optimum utilization of space. These crane scales are normally built using the maximum hook approach, make optimum use of available space and feature low load structures in the design. Heavy duty crane scales are normally available in two distinct variants- single and double girder cranes. The single girder crane scale has a capacity of 1 ton to 20 tons, while the double girder crane scale start at 1 ton and goes all the way up to 150 tons for heavier applications.
Medium and heavy duty cranes are available from MSI, some of which feature the best of modern weighing technology. Designed with large LED and LCD displays that allow for long range viewing and ten thousand divisions of resolutions, MSI cranes scales increase productivity by bringing the latest in weighing equipment to industrial applications. Most MSI crane scales have capacities between 250 lbs and 15000 lbs and comply with all safety regulations – OSHA, ANSI and ASME. They are perfect for foundry and material handling industries. Some MSI crane scale models are designed for operations that require greater system control, with RF weight indicators and extremely large displays. Others feature marine grade alloy, which makes them very useful for the fishing industry and marine operations. These are normally waterproof.