You invest in a scale because you are looking for a machine that will give you an accurate weight reading. If you have done your research, then you have purchased the right scale for your needs — one that is designed to handle the weight of the objects you need to weigh.
So what happens when you think you have done everything right and then you find out that your scale is giving you inaccurate readings? What if you have been using it and moving forward with business – only to find out your readings have been off for weeks?
If your scale is not level, it is not going to give you an accurate measurement.
Leveling Matters
Many people may use a scale without realizing that leveling it is crucial to a successful reading. Who cares if it is leaning a little? After all, leaning a little is not going to change the weight of the item on the scale, right? Wrong. Leveling has everything to do with a solid weight reading.
Here is why leveling matters so much. When weighing an object, it is actually the measurement of Earth’s gravitational force being exerted on the object. If you think way back to your middle school science class, you may remember learning that Isaac Newton taught us that gravity only forces things in one direction – and that is down.
With this in mind, gathering the measurement properly will only happen if the force of gravity is exactly perpendicular to the surface of the scale. If not? Well, you would only be weighing gravity on part of the object. And that’s just not going to give you the measurement reading you are looking for.
How do you fix the problem? Level the scale.
How to Level Your Scale
Leveling each scale will vary based on the type – and size – of the scale. Many have leveling feet that can be adjusted up and down to make sure it is completely level. Using a bubble level that may or may not be attached, you can easily tell when you have appropriately adjusted the feet.
Because leveling tips will vary based on the unit, it is best to consult your manufacturer’s guide when setting up your scale so that you know initially – and in the future – how to ensure proper leveling.
Important note: Leveling needs to take place before every use. If the scale gets bumped or if it is moved from one location to another, it will likely be unlevel again. It is a good idea to make it common practice to make sure the scale is perfectly level before each use.
Central Carolina Scale for All Your Scale Needs
We know how exciting it is to get a new scale and put it to work. But we can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your scale is level before you start using it. Otherwise, you may find yourself wasting your business resources – or finding yourself with bigger problems.
So, whether you have questions about leveling your scale or believe it is just time to buy a new one, Central Carolina Scale has a professional team that is just waiting to help you out.
Be confident that your weight measurement is 100% accurate every time. Contact Central Carolina Scale today at (919) 776-7737.
Keeping animals of all sizes healthy and happy is what veterinarians have dedicated their lives to doing. This means monitoring their health in every way so that they can thrive for years to come. Of course, to make sure any animal is at a healthy weight or that they are prescribed the right dosage of medication, knowing their exact weight is vital.
Every veterinarian needs a scale that can easily handle the weight of the animals they see without putting too much strain or stress on the animal. But with so many options on the market, it is hard to tell which one you should purchase. This veterinary scale buyer’s guide is designed to help you determine the right choice for your practice.
The Scale’s Weight Capacity
Animals come in all sizes. Some veterinarians may work with a wide range of animals while others may only work with a select group. That means when it comes to purchasing a scale, you must have an idea of the weight capacity needed. For instance, if your practice primarily caters to small domestic animals – like dogs and cats – you may only need a scale that goes up to 300lbs or so. If you work within the equestrian community, however, you will need a scale that can weigh horses that are well over 1,000lbs. Cattle and other farm animals can weigh even more. At the same time, veterinarians that deal with small pets, such as gerbils, will need a scale that can accurately calculate lightweight.
The point of all this is to help you understand that scales are not one-size-fits-all when it comes to weighing animals. To make sure you get the one you need, decide the lowest and highest weights of the animals that you typically treat — and then add some cushion to either end. You want a scale that will go over your highest-weight animal just in case. Remember, a scale is an investment so you want to make sure it will be there for you when you need it.
The Size of the Platform
Just like you need a scale to be able to handle the weight of the specific types of animals you see at your veterinary practice, you also need to make sure that the size of the platform will be suitable for your patients, too. After all, you can’t accurately weigh a horse on a 2’ x 2’ platform. Instead, you would look at a larger scale, such as a heavy-duty livestock floor scale. These will be size-appropriate to adequately handle larger animals.
Whereas, if you have a typical veterinary practice that sees cats and dogs, then a 500lb capacity scale with a platform of 36” x 22” may be more suitable.
Weighing animals is a big part of treating them so it is important to make sure the scale you choose will allow you to easily gather the animal’s weight – without struggle.
The Price is Right
Finally, when making any business investment, the price must always be taken into consideration. You need a scale that gives you precise weight, but it doesn’t need to break your budget. Some scales offer a lot of extra frills that you probably don’t need. However, some may have different weighing modes and options that you think may benefit your practice.
Look at your options carefully and choose the scale that will best meet the needs of your practice – and your patients. More expensive and more features are not always better. Look for durable scales that give you precise weight and will be easy to care for and maintain.
Veterinary Scales at Central Carolina Scale
Whether you are a veterinarian that treats dogs, cats, horses, alpacas, goats, or any other animal – you will find the high-quality, durable scale you are looking for at Central Carolina Scale.
Speak to the experts at (919) 776-7737 to discover the perfect scale for your veterinary practice. Or, if you have an idea of what you are looking for, request a quote online.
If you have invested in a scale to meet the demands of your daily business operations, then you expect that scale to be ready to go with quality, accurate readings every time. One small issue can have a disastrous impact — sending your productivity and efficiency in a downward spiral.
As with anything, a little care and attention can go a long way. Before you power up your scale for the day, follow these 4 tips to ensure long-lasting reliability.
Tip #1: Give Your Scale Plenty of Clean Space to Work
Your scale is going to need space to function properly. Depending on the size of objects you have to weigh, you will need adequate room to access the scale and gather a proper weight. The scale should have a sturdy foundation free from any climate conditions (including indoor drafts) and vibrations from other machines or equipment.
Further, your scale needs to be cleaned regularly. Wiping it down will help keep dust and other debris at bay. Check for any objects or debris that may be blocking your weighing mechanism. For instance, anything that gets caught under the weighing pan (big or small) can have an impact on gathering weight. Carefully remove the pan and clean anything that may be caught under there.
Without proper cleaning, you are risking downtime and even costly repairs as these tiny particles make their way into the internal parts of the scale – so make this part of a daily routine.
Tip #2: Always Check Your Power Supply
Your power supply is one major thing that stands between you and a working scale. If your scale doesn’t seem to be working, always check the power supply first, making sure it is securely plugged in. This will ensure it is always ready to go when you need it. It is a good idea to periodically check and make sure your power cord is healthy, without any cracks, frays, or knots.
If your scale is a battery-operated model, check to be sure your batteries are charged up and have a spare set ready to go when you need them. Being prepared in this manner can keep your productivity flowing.
Tip #3: Keep Your Scale Level At All Times
We talked about keeping your scale on a solid, steady surface, but you always want to be sure that the scale is level. Even if the surface is solid and not wobbly, it could still be off-level. And any degree of off-level surface can result in poor, inaccurate readings. Some may not even be visibly noticeable – which means your scale could be inaccurate and you wouldn’t even know it.
To avoid any potential future issues, use a bubble level to check your scale and make sure that it is perfect. Most scales will come with adjustable feet to help you make this happen more easily.
Tip #4: Regularly Calibrate Your Scale
Calibrating your scale regularly keeps it performing at its optimal, accurate level. This is vital in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of your scale. Depending on the scale, you may have received a manual from the manufacturer with instructions on how to calibrate your scale. Or you may want to contact the experts.
Set a date on your calendar (at least annually) to take care of your scale’s calibration — and stick to it.
Scale Experts at Central Carolina Scale
Whether you are looking to purchase a new scale, need a repair, or have a scale that needs calibration, Central Carolina Scale can help. Our experts understand the best practices for every scale — and we can guide our customers when it comes to technical issues or knowing which scale to buy or rent.
For the many businesses that use a scale in any part of their daily operations, that scale is a crucial part of the process. When it is not functioning properly, not only can it severely disrupt your production line, but it can lead to a lot of unwanted aggravation.
There are a few common problems that can often be fixed with some minor attention. However, it should be noted that before doing any troubleshooting on your own, you should consult with your supplier or manufacturer as this could void any warranty you may have.
Below are the top 5 scale problems and how you can fix them.
Scale Problem #1: Lack of Power
Most scales require electricity to run. So when the scale doesn’t power on or it doesn’t seem to have any power at all, it may not be connected. And while it could be any number of issues, checking the power source is a good place to start. Make sure that it is securely plugged into the outlet.
Many times these cords accidentally get unplugged and simply require you to plug it back in. However, if it is plugged in and you are still facing a lack of power, then you may want to take a moment to check for any frayed wires or damage to the cord. Any visible damage to the power cord could result in power issues — and may be a fire hazard.
If you don’t see any cord damage, test the power supply of the cord, the outlet, and the adapter. This should help you to narrow down the faulty area.
Scale Problem #2: Inaccurate Readings
Calibration is so important when it comes to getting accurate readings on scales of all types. And, at a minimum, it should be done every year. If this is something you haven’t done in a while, perhaps your scale is not calibrated and can explain your inaccurate readings.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating your specific scale. Once you do, test the scale to make sure the reading is correct. If it isn’t, then it could be another issue, such as having a broken component within the scale.
At this point, it is best to speak to a scale expert at your supplier or manufacturer to determine the issue.
Scale Problem #3: Inconsistent Readings
You rely on your scale to give you consistent readings. If you find that it isn’t, there could be a couple of reasons why.
Drifting refers to a scale that fluctuates with its readings due to water exposure. If your scale is used in or near water or has been exposed to rain or floods, you could be dealing with drifting. If exposed to water, load cells, cables, the junction box, and other areas of the scale can be affected. Turn it off until it has a chance to dry out.
If there is no way that water is the culprit, perhaps you are experiencing electrical issues or even have loose connections. Double-check your wires and cords and make sure everything is secure.
Scale Problem #4: Battery Problems
Some scales run on batteries. And while having no power can alert you to batteries that are likely dead, sometimes there can be issues with displays blinking, taking too long to display a weight, or doing other strange things. This could be the sign that your batteries are getting low, but aren’t quite dead yet. Or, there may be a battery leak inside the scale.
Try replacing your batteries with a fresh batch and see if that makes a difference.
Scale Problem #5: Error Codes
Error codes were designed for manufacturers to help you troubleshoot issues with the scale. If you have your manufacturer’s manual, each error code should be listed so that you know what it means and how to address the problem.
If you don’t have your manual, a quick search on the internet can often lead you to a list of manufacturer codes.
If all the troubleshooting tips and solutions have been tried and your scale is still not working, there are several options to consider.
Further Diagnosis: You can continue to explore additional troubleshooting guides to try and identify the problem with your scale. By following step-by-step instructions and utilizing different techniques, you may be able to uncover the issue causing the malfunction.
Technical Support: Contacting the technical support line of the manufacturer is another option. They have experienced technicians who can assist you in determining whether your scale can be fixed or if it needs to be replaced. You can reach out to them for guidance and support, providing them with details about your scale’s problem and any troubleshooting steps you have already taken.
Service Request: If the technical support team recommends it, you can submit a service request. This will allow a professional technician to examine your scale and provide a personalized recommendation on whether it can be repaired or requires a replacement. They will have the expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and suggest the best course of action.
Replacement: If all else fails, you have the option to shop for a new scale. There are various high-quality digital scales available on the market, offering a wide range of top brands and models to choose from. You can explore different options that suit your needs and preferences, ensuring you find the perfect weighing equipment to replace your malfunctioning scale.
Tried all that, now what? What are some reasons to consider purchasing a new scale?
There are various reasons to consider purchasing a new scale if you are experiencing issues with your current one. First, if you have exhausted all troubleshooting tips and your scale continues to malfunction, it could indicate that it is beyond repair. In such cases, investing in a new scale would be a practical solution to ensure accurate and reliable weight measurements. (PS: we also recommend working with a scale sales person and discuss how you will be using the scale and what environment you will be using the scale.)
Older scales may lack precision and accuracy over time due to wear and tear. If you frequently rely on precise weight measurements, such as for shipping or parts counting, it may be beneficial to replace your scale with a new one that can provide more precise readings.
Lastly, purchasing a new scale allows you the opportunity to explore a wider range of options. There are numerous brands and models available in the market, each offering unique features and designs. By shopping for a new scale, you have the chance to find one that aligns with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a more satisfactory weighing experience.
Contact the Experts at Central Carolina Scale
If you have followed any of these troubleshooting tips, but you find that your scale is still not working right – or if you believe that you are in need of a new scale altogether – then contact the experts at Central Carolina Scale at (919) 776-7737.
