A crane scale is versatile weighing equipment that’s used in a broad spectrum of industries. It’s a good investment to make for your business if you regularly have to weigh heavy objects or items that have a different shape.
Weighing manufacturers continue to up their game by making crane scales that come with a wide selection of features. These features make the equipment even better for your business needs.
With so many options available, you might need this guide on the best features to look for in a crane scale.
1. Weight Capacity
This is easily the most important feature you need to consider upon buying a crane scale. Ideally, you should look for a maximum capacity that matches the average weight of the items that go through your business.
Crane scales can carry up to a maximum of 1 ton. Consider the weight minimum as well. You can’t get an average reading on smaller items if your crane scale’s minimum weight limit falls below what you need to measure.
The difference between a hanging scale and a crane scale is the weight limits. If you’re looking for a scale to measure lighter objects, it’s a hanging scale that you should be looking for.
2. Display
The display is where you can see the measurement of the item you’re weighing. You can choose between digital and analog displays. Each has its pros and cons.
- Analog Display - These are cheaper but there are a few drawbacks to analog crane scales. For starters, readability suffers as it takes a while for the dial on the scale to set. An analog scale is also bulkier and often requires calibration. While durable because you have lesser parts to worry about, analog displays aren’t as practical as they used to be.
- Digital Display - These are more expensive, but the upgrades are worth it. In terms of useability and maintenance, it’s a good crane scale for beginners as you don’t need to calibrate digital scales. These are also more compact, which makes them easy to carry around when needed. Lastly, digital displays have higher weight maximums, so they’re a better fit in most industries.
Digital displays also allow you to convert results into another unit of measurement. This is an important feature to have as there may be cases where your clients will ask for data in another unit of measurement.
3. Connectivity
Crane scales work well on their own. However, if you want to maximise their function, you need to look at a model’s connectivity options too.
Most modern crane scales have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows the crane scale to connect to other computer systems including but not limited to printers, tablets, and computers. This lets you seamlessly work towards quality control, inventory management, and progress tracking.
A crane scale’s connectivity can also allow you to automate certain tasks, including filling, mixing, and more.
4. Safety Measures
You need to be careful when using a crane scale, especially when measuring extremely heavy items. The hook on a crane scale should come with a safety latch that will lock the items to be weighed.
It goes without saying that the hook should be made out of sturdy material as well. In most cases, it’s made out of reinforced steel. This prevents the steel from bending or snapping even when carrying heavy loads.
5. Size
Crane scales come in a variety of sizes. If you want to find a crane scale that’s easy to store and carry around, you need to factor in the size of the model that you are getting too. Despite being small, most crane scales have a high maximum weight capacity, so size shouldn’t be something that you should worry too much about.
Apart from the size of the crane scale, you should also find one that’s easy to disassemble. The display and the hook should be detachable from one another.
Storage isn’t just for the maintenance and safekeeping of your crane scale. It’s also for the safety of those working around the scale as they won’t accidentally bump into it.
6. Ease Of Use
A crane scale needs to be easy to use. Some crane scales come with a remote control that allows you to see readings and change the settings from afar.
Aside from making the scale easier to use, it’s also safer since people don’t have to get near the object that’s being weighed. While crane scales do come with a manual, it’s still better to pick a crane scale that’s plug and use.
Looking for these features when buying a crane scale will guarantee that you’re going to spend your money well. If you want to check out high-quality scales, be sure to check out what we have to offer here at Meltrons first. We might just have what you’re looking for.