There are many components involved in any lifting operation, with some of the material handling options we provide here at Metreel including workstation cranes, workstation jibs, track systems, hoists, balancers, winches, galleries and monorails.
Any of the above systems are capable of lifting some incredibly large and heavy loads, depending on the product specification you opt for. This begs the question, how can you measure the weight of loads you may be lifting or repositioning to ensure safety for your team?
For any cranes, the aptly named crane scales are the accessory of choice. Here is an overview of what crane scales are along with information regarding their usage suitabilities.
Crane Scales: An Overview
Scales are something you may be familiar with on an everyday basis, such as kitchen scales or bathroom scales. Crane scales follow much the same premise, only they are attached to cranes to weigh loads and measure the pressure that is being placed on the crane itself.
There are lots of different environments where crane scales are used including when moving cargo, within warehouses or on construction sites.
Typically, crane scales consist of aluminium housing, with aluminium being both strong yet lightweight making it a perfect material for scales. Other typical crane scale components include an upper shackle, swivel hook, LED display and a remote control.
Enhanced models may also have a waterproof keyboard to protect the interior scale from water damage, along with heavy-duty anchors to resist large and heavy loads.
Crane Scale Specification Features
- Weight capacity limit
- Weighing units
- Tare range
- Structural material
- Display type
- Digit height
- Power
- Battery life
- Working temperature
- Hook opening
- Product dimensions
- Total product weight
When choosing crane scales, all of the above needs to be taken into consideration to match up the needs of the application and usage environment. For instance, digit height will determine how easy the digits are to read from a distance, and possibly also in poor weather or low lighting conditions.
The same level of scrutiny should be applied to each suitability factor, well beyond the main aspects such as the load capacity or total weight.
Crane Scale Pros
- Tailor made for industrial usage
- Improves safety for weighing tasks
- Higher maximum weight capacities
- Small and compact making them easy to store
- Frees up workspaces
- Lessens the amount of forklift traffic in warehouses
- Easy to use
- Saves time and money
- Large LCD screens are user friendly
- Many different configurations are available
Crane Scale Cons
- Improper use can lead to serious injury or costly failings – employees must receive adequate training before using crane scales
- It is recommended to have at least two team members lift crane scales as some models can be very heavy
- As with any machinery or appliances in your work environment, regular maintenance of crane scales is required
- Crane scales should only be repaired by the manufacturer or agreed service partners
- It’s important to consult material handling specialists such as ourselves to find the correct crane scale model for your needs – although this is actually a positive as it will ensure the best user outcome!
Crane Scales UK – Metreel Material Handling
Are you interested in finding suitable crane scales for your operations? Metreel is based in Derbyshire working across the UK and beyond, as a leading manufacturer of material handling, fall protection equipment and powerfeed cabling.
You can also download our free brochure to discover more about our product specifications by visiting our product brochure page. If you’re ready to place an order or have any questions, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or email us at [email protected].