Not only do truck scales have to handle 30,000-pound semi-trucks, they also need to be able to stand up to the elements, including the snow, ice and freezing temperatures characteristic of Canadian winters. Although a quality truck scale is built with these conditions in mind, to perform well, it needs to be properly maintained. In winter, that means keeping the scale free of snow and ice. Here’s how to effectively perform this task.

Remove snow without damaging the platform

Robust as your truck scale is, it’s also a sensitive weighing instrument and needs to be treated with care. Clearing your scale with a snowplow or metal shovel is ill-advised, as you risk scraping the scale platform. Instead, clear your scale with a brush or plastic shovel. After larger snowfalls, opt for a time-saving solution such as a powered rotary brush or snowblower. Snowblowers are ideal, as they can blow the snow away from the sides of the scale. A buildup of snow alongside the scale can be problematic, as the snow can drift underneath it, causing suspension parts to freeze.

Clear ice using steam cleaning equipment

Ice makes scales dangerous to walk on and can cause inaccurate readings or even damage scale components. In particular, it can affect the suspension components and weighbridge joints.

By clearing away snow promptly, you can usually avoid ice buildup on the scale. However, after freezing rain, you’ll need to take steps to de-ice the platform. Using salt or chemicals isn’t recommended, as this can cause steel scale components to rust. The best tool for removing ice on your scale platform is steam cleaning equipment.

Set up barriers alongside the scale

As mentioned, you should avoid letting snow blow under your scale, as this can cause suspension components to freeze and thereby result in inaccurate weight readings. To prevent this, place barriers on either side of the scale. Some scale owners use hay bales for this purpose, but any solid barrier will do.

Invest in quality weighing equipment

It’s important to have a truck scale that can stand up to the elements. If you’re shopping for a new truck scale, be sure to choose a heavy-duty product designed to handle ice, snow and freezing temperatures.

State-of-the-art truck scales in Alberta Turn to Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for high-quality truck scales and portable truck scales in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Swift Current and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our scale products and services.

Many industries use counting scales, which are weighing machines that can also count the objects they weigh. This combination of functions is extremely useful in industries that rely on checkweighing and those that need to stick to very specific part counts. They’re found in warehouses and quality control centres and come in a variety of sizes. Here’s what you should know about them.

How do they work?

To count objects, counting scales use a sample unit weight. This weight is either determined by weighing a single piece or by manually entering it. Then, the scale divides the total weight of the objects placed on it and divides this by the unit weight, providing an accurate count.

This is extremely useful if you have a lot of one thing that you need to count (for instance, when packaging bolts and screws). However, make sure that the pieces you’re weighing are all the same, otherwise the measurements won’t be of much use.

What are their applications?

Counting scales are most often found in quality assurance and retail distribution warehouses. In both cases, lots need to contain the appropriate number of units, and failing to do so could result in getting fined.

This kind of scale is also fairly common in other industries, especially those that rely on having access to parts and materials, such as construction and plumbing. In these cases, being able to simply weigh a box to determine how much hardware you have left is much quicker, and much more reliable, than counting the pieces by hand. Contact our team for more info!

How do I choose the right model?

Counting scales come in many sizes and with a wide range of features. Which model is best for your warehouse will depend on what you want to use it for. If you have lots of small, lighter things, a compact scale with high resolution is likely you best bet. In a warehouse setting, however, a floor scale that can handle higher weights is a better option. The best thing to do is discuss your requirements with an expert.

Scale sales and rentals

Whether you need to get your floor scales calibrated or want a new precision counting scale for your small business, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. has you covered. We offer a wide range of scales and services in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and Swift Current. Contact us today to find out more.

In the material handling industry, pallets are as common as they are varied. While all of them are designed for the same general purpose, they come in a wide variety of configurations. This can make selecting the correct one for your needs less than straight forward. However, doing so is a must. Here’s how to choose the right type of pallet for your business.

Material

Pallets come in a variety of materials, and you’ll need to determine which ones meet your requirements. Here are some of the pros and cons of the most common types.

• Wood is a strong and durable material that’s easy to handle, repair and recycle. On the other hand, wood has limits, as it’s heavy and prone to moisture damage. Plywood and pressed wood are lighter versions of traditional wood pallets, but they’re only suitable for lighter loads.

• Plastic pallets are lighter than wood ones but strong. They’re resistant to corrosion and humidity and easy to clean. In general, plastic has a longer lifespan than wood ones. However, plastic pallets are complicated to repair and expensive to replace.

• Metal pallets are usually made of aluminium. They’re much stronger than wood pallets and ideal for outside storage as they aren’t vulnerable to weather damage. However, they’re quite heavy and difficult to repair.

To determine which type of pallets you need, you should consider how frequently they’ll be handled, the type of materials you store, and other relevant details pertaining to their use.

Configuration

There are two main types of pallet configuration: stringer pallets and block pallets.

Stringer pallets can only be lifted from two of their four sides, but are lighter than block pallets, which can be lifted from all four sides.

Block pallets tend to be more durable, but their weight can be an issue.

Both configurations come in many sub-types and sizes, so whatever your requirements, chances are you’ll be able to find your perfect fit.

Additional advice

The key to choosing the ideal pallet material and configuration for your business is to consider the application, in particular, the size and weight of the cargo, the mode of transport (forklift, pallet jack or other) and your pallet weighing procedures.

For example, if you’ll be using a forklift, see if the manufacturer recommends a specific type and weight of pallet. And if you relocate pallets frequently, consider which will be easiest to transport.

Additionally, if you have a lift truck or pallet jack scale (scales that integrate with your material handling equipment, thereby allowing you to weigh cargo during transport), choose a pallet type that facilitates accurate weighing. Ask a scale expert for recommendations.

Industrial and floor scales in Alberta

Whether you’re in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton or Swift Current, you can rely on Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for a variety of sales, scale calibration, pre-planned scale maintenance and more. We can also certify your scales as legal-for-trade, so contact us today to make an appointment or to learn more about our services.

If you operate a fulfillment centre, you know it’s important to maximize your efficiency. The faster you can move merchandise, the better your bottom line will be. Fortunately, having the right scales can help in a big way. Here are three scales you should consider for your business.

1. Floor scale

Floor scales are used to weigh items at ground level. They typically sit no more than a few inches off the floor and can be equipped with a ramp for easy loading. This type of scale can help you save on labour if you need to weigh heavy or bulky items. Instead of hoisting them up onto the weighing platform you can roll them on using a dolly or other device.

Floor scales are available in a range of sizes. At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we carry floor scales with platforms as compact as 12” by 12” or as large as 5’ by 5’. Our larger floor scales can handle capacities as great as 10,000 lbs.

2. Pallet truck scale

A pallet truck scale is a manually operated pallet truck (also known as a pallet jack) with an on-board weighing device that provides precise, reliable readings. It allows you to weigh items on the go and therefore streamline your process. Compare this with using a static scale, which entails the extra steps of unloading goods onto a scale, registering the weight and getting them back on the pallet jack.

The pallet truck scales we carry at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. have an accuracy of ± 0.1%, a capacity of 5,000 lbs. and feature an easy-to-read LED screen and push-button print function.

3. Lift truck scale

Do you use forklifts or lift trucks at your fulfillment centre? A lift truck scale mounts directly onto a forklift, allowing your forklift drivers to weigh items on the fly. Much like pallet scales, lift truck scales allow you to eliminate various steps in your work process. They can even be programmed to wirelessly link up with your warehouse management system (WMS) for easy data collection.

The lift truck scales we carry at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. mount directly onto any Class II or Class III lift truck, have a capacity of 5,000 lbs and feature an automatic calibration function.

Top-quality industrial and commercial scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we have an extensive selection of state-of-the-art scales, including floor scales, pallet jack scales and lift truck scales. We also offer scale rental for those who’d prefer to rent rather than buy their sales. Contact us to learn more about our scale products and services in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Swift Currant and surrounding areas.

Truck scales are integral to the trucking, transportation and shipping industries. They provide precise measurements on the go to maximize efficiency, ensure proper invoicing and help you adhere to regulations. To get the most out of your truck scales, make sure you have the right accessories. Here are five products for truck scales you may want to invest in.

1. Remote displays

A remote display allows drivers to view weight readings and messages at a distance in large LED letters. Certain remote displays can also be customized with red and green stop and go lights. Remote displays can be placed indoors or outdoors and either near to or far away from the scale.

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. carries a range of top-quality remote displays. These products feature high-intensity LEDs that are easy to see in both foul weather and direct sunlight.

2. Automated ticketing kiosk

These state-of-the-art devices offer fully unattended or remotely attended ticketing and include advanced features such as vehicle recognition. Automated ticketing kiosks instantly print custom-formatted tickets for drivers at the end of a transaction and collect relevant weight data. The user-friendly interface integrates with your existing office and accounting system.

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers custom automatic ticketing kiosk (ATK) systems with optional integrated accessories such as traffic lights and remote displays. The ATK systems we carry are designed to automate traffic flow, maximize productivity and reduce labour costs.

3. Data management software

Many companies decide to digitally collect weighing information for data analysis and other purposes. There’s data management software tailored to a wide range of industries, including transportation and shipping.

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers a range of scale software options, including SMART1 programs, which allow users to design their own applications and tickets, as well as unattended vehicle software for automatic ticketing.

4. Side rails

Having guide rails alongside the scale helps ensure that trucks don’t drive off the edge, which can cause damage to the scale and truck and pose a safety risk to the driver.

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can equip your scale with custom rails made with robust materials.

5. Gates

Having gates at the entry and/or exit of your truck scale allows you to control access. Electronic gates are available that can be opened and closed either remotely or by the scale users.

State-of-the-art scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. we offer custom truck scales, portable truck scales, axle pad scales and a wide range of scale accessories. We also provide expert scale inspection and certification. Contact us to learn more about our scale products and services in Calgary and throughout Alberta.