Monthly Archives: April 2023

Comparing Truck Scale Quotes from Different Scale Manufacturers

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When it comes to purchasing a truck scale for your business, it’s essential to compare truck scale quotes from different scale manufacturers to find the best overall product for your needs. However, comparing truck scale quotes can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with how truck scales work and terminology in the truck scale marketplace. Here are some tips on how to compare truck scale quotes from different manufacturers effectively.

comparing truck scale quotes from different scale manufacturers

  1. Determine your Weighing Needs

Before you start comparing truck scale quotes, you need to determine your scale needs. Every truck scale manufacturer is going to hype whatever advantages they have. Some will emphasize their heavy duty construction. Others will emphasize their technology. Make sure you determine what features are important to you. 

What size and type of semi-trucks will you be weighing? (Weighbridge length)  How many trucks will you be weighing daily? (Standard vs. Heavy Duty Weighbridge)  What type of environment will the scale be in? (Standard vs. Galvanized) What kind of truck scale accuracy do you need?  Answering these questions will help you narrow down your search and find the right type of scale for your business.

  1. Compare Popular Features

Once you have determined some of your scale needs, you can start comparing the features of the different truck scales. Some of the features to consider include the load cell types, standard duty versus heavy duty weighbridges, concrete decks vs. steel decks, type of scale display, and any connectivity needs you may have. You should also consider the warranty and support offered by the scale manufacturer and your local scale company.

  1. Compare Truck Scale Prices

Price is, of course, a crucial factor when comparing truck scale quotes. However, it’s essential to remember that the cheapest option is usually not always be the best option. You should also consider the quality and reputation of the scale and the support offered by the manufacturer and the local scale company. It’s also important to ask about any additional costs, such as scale installation, freight charges, crane fees, and foundation and site prep.

4. Read Customer References & Reviews

In many cases, a scale company or manufacturer can provide you with the contact info for various happy customers who like the truck scale they have purchased. Reading customer reviews and discussing scale purchases with previous customers can be an excellent way to get an idea of the quality of the product and the level of customer service offered. 

  1. Consider the Long-Term Costs

When comparing truck scale quotes, it’s essential to consider the long-term costs. While a cheaper scale may seem like a better option in the short term, it may end up costing you more in the long run due to maintenance, repair, down time, or replacement costs. Look for a scale that is durable and requires minimal maintenance to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. An example might include hydraulic truck scales. Sure, they cost more money up front but do you actually save money over time compared to a traditional truck scale?  If you deal with a lot of lightening issues, then you might come out ahead with one of these scales. 

6. Consider the Manufacturer’s Reputation

When comparing truck scale quotes, it’s important to consider the reputation of the scale manufacturer as well. Look for a truck scale manufacturer with a track record of producing high-quality scales and providing excellent customer service. A reputable scale manufacturer will be more likely to stand behind their product and offer support if any issues arise. You also want to make sure that all three parties… (you, your local scale company and your scale manufacturer) have adequate stock levels of replacement scale parts on hand for fast truck scale repair if necessary. This is especially true for technologies like hydraulic and digital where many of the components are single source or proprietary.  

Comparing truck scale quotes from different scale manufacturers can be a time consuming and challenging task, but it’s essential to ensure that you are getting the best product for your business. Remember to take your time, consider all the factors, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Our sales staff is only a RFQ form, an email, or phone call away.  A good truck scale is an investment in your business, and it’s worth taking the time to make the right decision.

Key Benefits of Using a Weight Scale for Dogs

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If you’re a dog owner, then you probably realize keeping track of your pet’s weight is an essential part of maintaining their health and well-being. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from weight-related health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and joint problems. One of the best tools for monitoring your dog’s weight is a good quality electronic scale specifically designed for dogs. Here are some of the benefits of using a vet scale for your furry friend.

Scales Help You Track Your Dog’s Weight Over Time

One of the most significant advantages of using a veterinary scale for dogs is that it allows you to track your pet’s weight over time. By monitoring your dog’s weight, you can identify any changes early on and take action if necessary. Regular weigh-ins can also help you determine if your pet is maintaining a healthy weight or if they need to lose or gain weight.

weight scale for dogs

Good Quality Weighing Equipment Provides Accurate Measurements

While you can estimate your dog’s weight by picking them up and trying to judge how heavy they feel, it’s not a very reliable method. Using a weight scale for large dogs that’s specifically designed for weighing cats all the way up to large dogs, provides an accurate measurement that you can use to monitor your pet’s weight more effectively. This is especially important if you have a larger breed of dog that can weigh up to 100 pounds or more.

Scales Help You Manage Your Dog’s Diet

Using a weight scale for your dog can also help you manage their diet. If your pet is overweight or obese, you can use the scale to monitor their progress as they lose weight. You can also use the scale to measure out precise portions of food, which can help prevent overfeeding and weight gain. This is particularly useful if you have a dog that is prone to weight gain or if you’re trying to maintain their weight after a successful weight loss program.

Animal Weighing Can Help Detect Health Issues Early

Weight changes can be an early sign of health issues in dogs. For example, sudden weight loss can be a sign of a metabolic disorder or cancer. On the other hand, weight gain can indicate a thyroid issue, diabetes, or other health problems. By regularly weighing your dog, you can identify any changes in their weight and take action early on to prevent further health complications.

 

Weighing Equipment Helps You Monitor Your Dog’s Exercise Needs

Dogs need regular exercise to maintain good health. However, the amount of exercise they need can vary depending on their weight and breed. By using a veterinary scale, you can monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their exercise routine accordingly. For example, if your dog is overweight, you may need to increase their exercise regimen to help them lose weight. If your dog is at a healthy weight, you can maintain their exercise routine to help keep them in good shape.

Using a good quality weight scale for dogs is an essential tool for any pet owner. It can help you track your pet’s weight over time, provide accurate measurements, manage your dog’s diet, detect health issues early, and monitor your dog’s exercise needs. By using a vet scale, you can help ensure that your dog is healthy, happy, and well-cared for. If you need assistance choosing the right vet scale for everything from weighing small cats to dog scales for large dogs, call us at (919) 776-7737 or complete the RFQ button on our website.

Advantages of using a Pallet Jack with Built In Scale in Warehouse

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Pallet jacks with built-in scales have become increasingly popular in warehouse and industrial settings over the years. Pallet truck scales offer several advantages over traditional floor scales. Here are some benefits of using a pallet jack with a built-in scale versus using a stationary floor scale.

Increased Efficiency

Pallet jacks with built-in scales are designed to save time and improve efficiency. With a built-in scale, you can weigh and move pallets in a single step, eliminating the need for multiple trips to find the nearest floor scale in a busy freight and logistics center. This can reduce the time and labor required to move and weigh pallets, which can increase productivity and reduce labor costs.

pallet jack with built in scale

Portability

Pallet jacks with built-in scales are highly portable and can be easily moved around a warehouse or facility. This allows you to weigh pallets at the location where they are loaded, reducing the need to move the pallets to a central location for weighing. This can save time and reduce the risk of damage to the pallets during transportation.

Reduced Floor Space Requirements

A pallet jack scale requires less floor space compared to a floor scale. Floor scales can take up a significant amount of floor space and require a dedicated area for weighing. This becomes even more obvious if you need to add a ramp or ramps to the floor scale!  In contrast, a pallet jack with a built-in scale can be used in the same space as a regular pallet jack, making it an ideal solution for facilities with limited floor space.

Reduced Equipment Costs

Using a pallet jack with a built-in scale can theoretically reduce equipment costs in the long run. Instead of purchasing separate equipment for moving and weighing pallets, you can invest in a single pallet jack with a built-in scale. This can save money on equipment purchases, maintenance, and repairs.

Improved Safety

Using a pallet jack with a built-in scale can also improve safety in the workplace. Floor scales can be difficult to access and require workers to bend down and lift heavy objects, which can lead to injuries. In contrast, a pallet jack with a built-in scale is designed to be ergonomic and easy to use, reducing the risk of injury to workers.

Final Thoughts

Pallet jack scales can certainly be a good option for some customers. The same is true for customers looking at forklift scales. In most businesses, it’s a good idea to utilize several of these products together to make sure you have a backup, just in case a scale has failed or is down for routine maintenance. For example, you have a pallet jack scale and you have a floor scale with ramp.

A pallet jack with a built-in scale offers several benefits over traditional floor scales. These benefits include increased efficiency, portability, reduced floor space requirements, possible reduced equipment costs, and improved safety. If you are looking to improve the efficiency and accuracy of weighing pallets in your facility, a pallet jack with a built-in scale may be the ideal solution for your needs. Be sure to contact our sales office by calling (919) 776-7737 or click the RFQ button on our website to get in touch with us.

Scales for Weighing Propane Cylinders & Tanks

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Many folks use portable refillable propane tanks every year. Perhaps you’re using them for your outdoor grill. Chances are you’ve either searched online or wondered things like, how can you tell how much propane is in a 100 lb tank?  Or maybe you’ve asked, how much does a 100 lb propane tank weigh? Or, perhaps you’ve asked the question, how much does 100 pound propane tank weigh empty? These are all popular questions that folks have asked recently.

The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the publication “2022 NCWM-NIST National Survey on 20 lb LPG (Propane) Cylinders” with the Weights and Measures Divisions. This survey represents practices of exchanging, selling, filling and manufacturing 20-pound propane tanks by measuring actual tare weight accuracy compared to the cylinders’ stamped tare weight.

scales for weighing propane tanks

Study Findings
When a consumer purchases a propane tank, they are being charged based on weight. If the weight stamped on the tank isn’t accurate, and price at the end of the process is inaccurate.

Most tank manufacturers will stamp the tare weight on the tank before it’s filled with propane and sold to consumers or retailers. Over time, a tank’s weight can fluctuate when it is repeatedly reused. This means when a tank is refilled, the tare weight is often not checked or the tank is not weighed correctly, making it possible to overfill or underfill the tank. This results in the consumer paying an inaccurate price and creates safety risks.

Out of the thousands of cylinders that were evaluated—both new and used—less than half of the new cylinders, and even fewer of the used cylinders, were in compliance with the existing DOT tare weight requirements. However, after December 28, 2022, almost all of the new cylinders and more of the used cylinders will be in compliance due to the updated DOT regulations.

Many direct sale refilling locations were evaluated throughout the country, and nearly 10% of those locations were improperly verifying the safe fill level of 20 pounds. Out of those refilling locations, most of them passed the overall requirements, but some still exceeded the safe fill level.

Many consumers return a cylinder still containing between 1 and 5 pounds of propane. This causes the consumer to lose money due to an inaccurate weight check.

Scale Considerations for Propane Tanks

Having an accurate scale to weigh something such as a 20-pound propane tank is critical, not only for fair commerce but safety as well. A tank that has been overfilled with propane can be dangerous. Measuring and weighing devices used to check propane tanks must meet Handbook 44 requirements, and it is essential to have the right kind of scale for this type of environment.

A Legal for Trade scale means that items such as cylinders and tanks weighed on a scale can be legally sold based on their weight. Both the scale platform and digital weight indicator must have a Certificate of Conformance from the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) to be considered Legal for Trade, and the scale must also meet requirements for Handbook 44.

The NCWM developed Handbook 44 to help provide equity, fairness and accuracy of measuring and weighing equipment. This market of fairness is enforced through policies adopted by federal, state and local jurisdictions to provide accurate and traceable measurements. Not only do these scales need to meet Handbook 44 requirements, it is also crucial that they are intrinsically safe.

intrinsically safe portable scale with 1000 lb capacity

Having a Legal for Trade scale that is intrinsically safe is important when weighing a substance that could cause combustion. When a piece of equipment is intrinsically safe, it means that it is incapable of causing sparks or combustion. It must limit electrical current, voltage and heat to reduce the risk of explosion. This is critical to have in a scale when weighing something such as a propane tank or cylinder.

Accurate Propane Tank Scale Recommendations

We have intrinsically safe equipment to meet the demands of applications such as tank manufacturing and filling. These products include the RL1200 Series portable beam scale and the 882IS Performance™ Series digital weight indicator.

The RL1200 IS portable beam scale is a cost-effective, cast-iron design to help deliver durability and portability. Well suited to intrinsically safe applications, the all-mechanical design is NTEP certified and has a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds.

The 882IS indicator is designed for hazardous locations that are potentially explosive. Its auto-ranging power supply enables wiring to a single AC conduit line and seal from the safe area. This indicator can be paired with most bench and floor scales, including the RL1200 scale.

We also offer a variety of cast iron and stainless steel calibration weights to properly test and/or calibrate almost any scale. 

If an intrinsically safe system makes sense for your application, we offer a wide variety of bench scales and floor scales. Our scale experts are available for consultations if you have questions about the right system for your application. Call us (919) 776-7737 or complete our RFQ form on our website.