What’s the difference between a platform scale and a floor scale?

Platform and floor scales are the most common in commercial and industrial businesses. While similar in many ways, platform and floor scales have critical differences to consider before you choose a new scale for your business. Here are some of their key features to help you determine what type of scale is best for you.

Floor scales

Floor scales are an asset for companies that need to weigh pallets, ingredients for manufacturing plants, loads for shipping and more. They’re best suited for weighing heavy loads and large objects, with a capacity of between 18,000 and 36,000 kilograms. They have a lower profile than other scales, which makes it easier to place items on the scale. Most models also come with ramps, making loading and unloading even more manageable.

The main advantages of floor scales include the following:

• High-capacity weighing

• Heavy-duty, highly durable construction ideal for manufacturing conditions

• Low profile for ease of use

• Versatility — floor scales can be combined with accessories such as cages for large animals or containers for cargo

Floor scales are popular for retailers, farms, zoos, shipyards, warehouses and factories. However, they’ll take up a lot of space on the factory floor. They can be as large as 2.5 by 3.5 metres.

Platform scales

Platform scales are perfect for warehouses and factories but can work in almost any industrial environment. However, their weighing capacity is lower than floor scales, and the platform sits much higher off the ground. They can weigh loads between 1,000 and 3,000 kilograms and can also weigh large, awkwardly shaped objects.

Platform scales provide fast, accurate measurements, increased productivity and fewer shipping or overload errors. They’re easy to use and allow your business to operate more efficiently. For example, a forklift driver can set a loaded pallet on the platform, make a quick measurement and then pick it up again.

Another benefit of platform scales is that they take up less space than a floor scale. Moreover, most models have wheels, so you can move them around the factory floor and stow them away when not in use. Platform scales are affordable, effective and convenient.

Floor scale and platform scale sales and service in Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers a wide range of durable but precise floor scales and platform scales for your commercial or industrial property. We also provide floor and platform scale rental services, an affordable alternative if you need a scale only a few times a year. Contact us today at our facility in Calgary, Alberta, to learn more about our inventory and services.