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Remember! Our advice is free and we are here to serve you!
Call SALES or RENTALS at:
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then press "1" or email:
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Weighing Scales |
This section is designed to educate you as to the different kinds of scales available for weighing. We think you will benefit from looking at this section:
"What to consider when You Buy a Scale"
We do not intend that this section will determine your exact needs. That’s why we are here! Please contact us for our free advice.
Call sales: 1-800-696-8282 then 1 or email:
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Click on a weighing scale category to view its details:
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Bench Scales
These scales range from small pocket scales that might have only a 50 or 100 g. capacity to industrial models perhaps to 500 lb. Indicators may be built-in as they are in the pocket scales, or separate, or mounted on a column. More expensive models allow you to choose your platform and indicator independently to precisely match your needs. Go here to see what indicators are available. Here are some examples. If you don’t see what you need, don’t worry. We have many other models to choose from:
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Analytical Balances
These are used in laboratories and other applications requiring 0.1 mg. or 0.01 mg. accuracy. The weigh cavity is enclosed to keep drafts out. We have an interesting and unusual application for this kind of scale highlighted in our "SYSTEMS" section
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Small balances and checkweighers
These scales can vary in capacity and sensitivity, but are usually between 500 g. and 5000 g. with 0.1 g. to 0.001 g. sensitivity. Some have specialized modes for checkweighing, animal weighing, density determination, compounding, GLP, etc.
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Light duty shipping/general weighing
This shows you the 3 basic ways to attach an indicator to a platform-loose with a cable, on the front on a bracket, or on a pole or column. Legal for trade scales, these range from 30 lb. to 300 lb. in capacity with a rechargeable battery included. They are not intended for really heavy-duty industrial use.
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Heavy duty general weighing
You can purchase the column if needed. We can use any indicator from any manufacturer to fine-tune the scale to your requirements. See the indicator section. We can also add a ball transfer or roller table to aid in moving product across the scale. Platform sizes range from 9" X 9" to 30" X 30" up to 1000 lb. Stainless steel is also available for food, pharmaceutical, or corrosive environments. We can incorporate our custom programs-see the "SYSTEMS" section to use with these platforms.
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Stainless steel for check-weighing or other usage
These are staples of the food processing and chemical industries. All sizes and capacities are available.
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Precision multifeatured scales
Detachable display/keyboard, high resolution, custom formatting for any printing need, macros to automate operator steps, optional battery operation, ports for keyboards, printers, and scanners make this a versatile performer. Available in all capacities. Even at 110 lb. (50 kg.) we can weigh to within 1 gram!
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Inexpensive pocket scale
This one has a 50 g. capacity with 0.01 g. graduations. Typically these go up to 500 g. capacity with 0.1 g. graduations. They run on batteries and often can be calibrated with an included weight.
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Inexpensive scale for the home or small office
These usually weigh up to between 5 and 10 lb. to the nearest 1 g. or 0.1 oz. They are used to portion food for people on special diets, for postage for letters or small parcels. This one has a removable bowl.
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Truck Scales
Truck scales come in any length and capacity that a customer might need. Instrumentation also varies depending upon need. Usually a truck scale in/out program is needed to match incoming and outgoing weights to produce a weight ticket.
Some things to think about when purchasing a truck scale:
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Above ground vs. below ground.
Above ground makes for easier installation and maintenance. We don’t have to worry about what’s going on under the scale such as water filling up the pit, debris gathering, or the structure of the scale rotting away due to constant moisture exposure. On the other hand, a below ground scale does not require ramps that the trucks have to climb up onto. Below ground scales also require less room for the "approaches" due to the level approach..
Steel deck vs. concrete deck.
There is a nearly universal agreement that concrete scale decks last longer than steel. However, they are very heavy which makes them hard to move after installation & require the extra step of pouring the deck after installing the basic structure & waiting until it cures before using the scale.
How portable are truck scales?
Ones installed in the ground are very difficult to move and require filling in the hole after they are removed. We sell portable contractors scales that install in one day on flat packed ground without a special foundation and are legal for trade. There are also very portable alternative scales
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We are installing a portable 60’ truck scale on hard pack. This scale was ready to use the same day it came in on a flatbed. The scale came with bulkheads so that it could be backfilled to form ramps. We also provided an unattended truck scale program and printer. All transactions were stored for future download to a computer. |
Truck Scale Alternative SubCategory
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The scales on the left are suitcase in size, have integral ramps and can be placed so that the vehicle can drive onto them. Typically 20,000 lb. capacity per scale. Usually used in pairs. We have cables that can hook several together so you can read all their weights on a single unit. Not legal for trade, but some are legal for law enforcement.

The units above are typically 7’ (good for tandem ) or 11’ (good for triple axles). Easily moved by pickup truck or trailer, they are quicker to use than the scales to the left, but not as portable. We match the indicator to customer needs. Not legal for trade. Accuracy is better than 1%.
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Crane Scales
Crane scales are available in capacities from 200 lb. up to many tons. We stock them up to 25,000 lb. Most models operate on rechargeable batteries. Some have remote controls so that basic functions can be controlled with the scale away from the operator. Other models communicate via radio waves to an indicator in another part of the plant.
Some things to consider when buying a crane scale:
How easy is the battery to remove?
Some crane scales do not allow the user to remove the battery-it charges within the scale. This can be a problem if you need to use the scale and the battery is run down. Other models allow you to keep one battery on a charger and easily replace the battery as needed. Some use throwaway batteries.
What hardware is needed to hang the scale and to hang product from the scale?
Some crane scales come with shackles only. Some come with safety hooks. Some come with swivel safety hooks. A swivel safety hook costs a lot more than a shackle and can account for difference in prices between one model and another.
Where will the scale be relative to the operator when weighing?
If the scale will be high up where the operator can’t read it you will either need a remote control or a "HOLD" feature to hold the weight until you can lower the scale, or a radio controlled unit that will send the weight to a remote indicator.
It’s a hard life!
Crane scales lead a hard life being banged around, dropped, overloaded, etc. These suffer more abuse than say a floor scale of the same capacity. Buy a quality model if you want long-term durability in a critical application.
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Floor Scales
(Including other Scales that Weigh Pallets & Gaylords)
Floor scales come in many types, sizes, capacities, and working heights. Most are from 200 lb. capacity to 20,000 lb. They range from 18" X 18" to 12’ X 12’. The largest are used primarily to weigh containerized freight that goes onto jet aircraft. See the indicator section for various indicators. We can incorporate our custom programs-see the "SYSTEMS" section to use with any of these platforms.
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This is the standard floor scale for weighing pallets with no ramps, it is usually loaded via forklift-with ramps via wheeled cart or pallet jack. Least expensive is 4’ X 4’- manufacturers beat each other up in this size. Can also be installed in a pit. If you are planning to use a pallet jack, you need one large enough to get the entire pallet jack onto the scale, usually a 4’ X 5’ or 4’ X 6’. Available in smooth or diamond plate. |
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Ultra low profile standard floor scale This is an ultra low profile version of the above. It is only about 2" high even without side rails. Used where limited space for ramps exists, or to go into a pit with limited height. These are great replacements for the expensive poorly made units supplied by medical supply companies for dialysis weighing. The column and pedestal is optional and available for any scale-not just these ultra low profile ones. |
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These are specifically designed for carts, pallet jacks, 55 gallon drums, and similar wheeled objects The one on top is open to access on 3 sides, has a "stop" on 1 side and integral ramps that hover just off the floor. We sold the unit on the left (blocked on 3 sides, open with an integral ramp on the 4th) to a company that makes very high-resolution microscopes that require a continuous supply of nitrogen. We are using a special 5" ramp to mate to the integral ramp so that the nitrogen tank can easily be rolled onto the scale. The indicator remembers "tare" weights and "zero" settings after power loss. |
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Here is an ultra low profile side-rail scale similar to the above but with a portability cart, a push bar, an indicator stand, two casters and two fixed wheels. The ramps fold up onto the scale for easy moving. Good for small carts, reels, and 55 gallon drums |
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A portable scale around 7" off the ground The column and push bar are optional. Available with casters for easy moving. Any indicator can be used. A 360o bracket is available so the indicator can be read from any side. A counting scale with dual counting capability can be mounted. |
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A pallet truck scale Yes! It’s a pallet truck that weighs as well. Uses the same load cells as in the 1st scale in this category, but in a special package. Must be treated as a "scale", not a "pallet truck", or it will not hold up. Battery power, portability, low height requirements, and stresses and strains of getting under the pallet mean a tough life. Even the best of this breed are more problematic than a floor scale, but sometimes efficiency and lower floor space requirements are more important. Don’t buy on price alone! Buy from a scale company-not a material handling company. Service is very important on this product. |
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Forklift scale These work well and are efficient. They can do the job of a floor scale without tying up any floor space or requiring the operator to drop the pallet on a floor scale, read the weight, and then pick the pallet up again. The scale "platform" goes where the forks were and the forks go on the front plate of the scale. The forklift works as before, but the load center is moved forward lowering forklift capacity somewhat. These are reliable. Legal for trade models are available. |
We also sell models that tie into the truck hydraulics without the separate scale as pictured. These are not nearly as accurate, but do not limit capacity either. They are good for rough checking or making sure the operator does not lift too heavy a load and their accuracy is highly dependent on how diligent the operator is. Most claim accuracy of 1% to 2%, but this is optimistic in most situations. The best units use an indicator with special software for this application. Inexpensive units use generic indicators without special software and are less accurate.
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Retail Scale
These range from simple scales with displays for weight, price per pound, and total price. Most are 20 lb. to 60 lb. in capacity, but we have a legal for trade indicator that can be used for any capacity. Below is just a small sampling. Call us for specifics. Call sales: 1-800-696-8282 then 1 or email: sales@baystatescale.com
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This is a programmable, network capable unit. We can totally customize your label, do sales reports and store all your Price "Look-Up" information. It has a very nice graphical display that can show all the information at once. If you have your PLU information in a spreadsheet or database, it can be exported to this scale. |
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This scale is available as a dual range 30 and 60 lb., AC or battery operated, 15 PLU & turns itself off so you don’t drain your batteries. |
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Indicators
Every digital scale has an indicator. This is the device that allows the operator to read the weight and operate the scale. Sometimes it is packaged with the platform as a single unit such as in the retail scales or most of the laboratory scales above. In other cases such as the floor scales, some bench scales, and motor truck scales, you decide what platform you need and what indicator you need independently. Here are some questions to consider when determining what indicator you need.
Do I need a legal for trade scale?
If you are buying or selling by weight, the answer is "yes". This typically includes scales used to compute shipping charges, scales used in weight loss clinics if the clients are paying by the lb., even restaurants that charge children by the lb. If you need the weight for some internal reason such as verifying inventory, making a recipe, making sure a vehicle is not overloaded, etc. you do not need legal for trade. Keep in mind that, for the most part legal for trade scales are built to a higher standard. Basically, there is no standard for non-legal for trade scales because they are not submitted to an independent agency for testing. There is no such thing as a legal for trade scale used for counting. In that case "packaging" laws take affect, not "weighing" ones.
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Good low cost universal indicator. Batteries or AC. Backlit LCD. Wall bracket available. NTEP approved legal for trade |
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Great all around indicators! Take options such as analog outputs and set points and can even work as a batch controller. Remembers tare and clock settings after power failure. Can even calibrate a partially filled tank! Set-up parameters can be stored in a computer to clone another unit.
Versions of these are available for hazardous areas-all groups, classes, and divisions. Set points and other peripherals are available. |
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These indicators are so advanced that they can replace a computer and process controller in most cases. They have their own programming language and support data bases, networking, process control, analog outputs, inputs, timers, variables, can emulate other manufacturers protocols, support various peripherals, proximity sensors, calculate various measures including rate of flow. |
Why do some indicators have a "TARE" button?
Isn’t the "ZERO" button sufficient? The zero button is only allowed to work within ±2% of true zero (platform unloaded) in a legal for trade application, so you will need the "TARE" button when you have a container. You will also need it for gross, tare, net calculations to verify proper tare when printing or to assure the operator that he has correct tare.
What units of measure do I need?
Some indicators have no way to switch units. Many will switch from lb. to kg. If you need tons, lb. and oz. together, tr. oz., dwt., or some custom unit, you better ask about them. We have indicators to support these, but lower end units typically do not.
I need to print a label. What do I need to know?
Basically there are 2 things. You need to know what information needs to be printed and what kind of printer you need to print it. (Link to printer section in peripherals following). If you need time and date be sure to specify an indicator with non-volatile time and date so it does not have to be reset after a power loss. If you have several ID fields you need to consider how the data will be entered. This might include a bar code scanner, a remote PS2 style computer keyboard, or the keyboard (sometimes alphanumeric) that comes with the indicator. Also consider if the indicator can prompt for these ID fields and has a display sufficient to both prompt and display information so the operator knows that the right information will be printed. Some GSE indicators have 16 line X 40 character displays for this purpose. You might want to use a database built into the indicator to save transactions or to help in filling the fields on a label. For example, the operator presses in a number, perhaps "10" and the indicator fills the description field with "3/8" crushed stone."
My environment is harsh. How does this effect my decision?
You probably need a NEMA IV stainless indicator. You might need a Lexan shield that will still allow the operator to press the buttons, but will protect the keyboard. Many indicators have remote input capabilities so that the operator can perform a "TARE" or "PRINT" without having to press any buttons on the indicator itself.
I have an explosion hazard environment. Any indicator that runs on batteries is OK. Right?
NO! You need an FM approved system for your particular group, division, and class. You also need a platform that is approved. Some indicators have a "system" approval. That means they are approved only with specific load cells. The units that we sell have "entity" approval. That means they are approved with any FM approved cells. Make sure that the power supply also meets your FM requirements. Look at the control drawing if you have any doubts.
I want to batch an ingredient and have the indicator shut off my feeder. All I need is an indicator with a set point or 2. Right?
No. The inexpensive units have "coincidence" set points that will reenergize when you remove your product. For example, you would set the set point at 85 lb. so it will deenergize at 85 lb., but as you are removing your product the weight will fall under 85 lb. and reenergize. A "batching" indicator will not reenergize until the "START" button is again pressed. "Coincident" set points are only good for giving an audible or visual signal to the operator that the weight is in the correct zone. They are not good for batching.
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Peripherals
Peripherals are items that attach to indicators such as printers, bar code scanners, keyboards, remote displays, and anything else used in conjunction with the scale. Often these items help the operator to enter information easier e.g. bar code scanners rather than hand entering; or a printer rather than having to read the display and then write the information on a piece of paper. In some cases we write custom programs to make the interface of the peripherals more seamless or to implement a more complete solution.
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This keyboard adapter can attach to nearly any GSE scale to enable easy entry of ID information such as products, operators, descriptions, or any other field. Also, it is easy to print, change units, or perform any other function without touching the indicaor keypad. |
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This remote display is wired to the host indicator. It tells you the same weight that is on the host display, but at a different location. We also can supply a remote "indicator" that has all the functionality of the original, but at a remote location. That way you could "tare" or "print" from the remote location. |
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These can print English and bar code in various sizes and orientations on the label. They burn the image into the label or into a ribbon-a process called thermal transfer. These are commonly used in counting applications where we scan an average piece weight into a scale and it is ready to count without hand counting any samples. |
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This printer takes adding machine style paper, not special thermal paper. It will not print bar codes, but for English only applications, it is a real workhorse. |
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We use special versions of these impact printers with RS232 input so they can attach directly to a scale and use pin-fed paper. Most often used in truck scale situations where a lot of information is printed for each transaction. |
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These are slip printers meaning that a flat form is pushed on top of the plate under the print head and is printed on and moved by the printer. After the printing is completed, the paper is released. These are often used in truck scale applications, sometimes in other applications where a form needs weight and id, and is preprinted with other information |
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This scanner is used to get information into the scale without having to key it in. Often we are scanning information from labels made on a bar code printer that we have supplied. In counting applications this is often the average piece weight of the part that we want to count. Sometimes it’s an ID field or tare weight. We have some custom applications that use scanners. |
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