Service calls by an Authorized Service Provider like Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. involve a range of tasks aimed at keeping your scale in optimal working condition. These include inspection, testing, calibration, repairs, part replacement, cleaning, inspection reports and scale certification. Here’s why regular maintenance is crucial.

It helps your business survive and grow
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that your scale consistently provides accurate readings. No matter how high-end it is, over time various factors will cause its readings to drift or jump around. These include, notably, regular wear of the equipment’s components and humidity changes in the environment.

Inconsistent readings from your scales hurt your business. They lead to inaccurate data, unfair transactions that undermine confidence in your company as well as under- and overloading. In addition, they can make your products unusable, for example, in circumstances requiring high levels of precision, such as mixing ingredients.

In addition, preventative maintenance extends the lifespan of your equipment, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.

It ensures that you avoid closures and fines
Service calls by an Authorized Service Provider include inspection, calibration and scale certification and therefore help ensure that your scale is legal-for-trade. Under the changes made to Canada’s Weights and Measures Act in 2014, all weighing and measuring devices used for trade must be certified and must have their continued accuracy and precision monitored. Industries in which scale certification is mandatory include the dairy, oil and gas, mining, grain and field crops, forestry and fishing sectors.

If one or more of your business’s scales fail to meet scale regulations, they will be taken out of use until the issue is resolved, which can result in costly downtime in your business operations. In addition, your company could be subject to fines or even closures, which could hurt its reputation.

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. has been accredited by Measurement Canada as authorized scale inspectors. This means that we can inspect and certify trade devices on behalf of Measurement Canada. When you sign up for our optional pre-scheduled maintenance program, you ensure that your scale provides correct reading, remains in optimal condition and complies with all industry regulations.

Industrial scale maintenance in Alberta
Count on the highly trained technicians at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. to keep your industrial scales in top condition. To learn more about our pre-scheduled maintenance program or our scale inspection, calibration and certification services, contact our team.

Also known as platform scales, floor scales are large weighing systems whose platform is at or near ground level. They can be used in a variety of ways and offer some distinct advantages. Whether you’re purchasing a floor scale or want to make the most of the one you own, here are five tips for using it.

1. Use it for weighing hard-to-lift cargoOne of the main advantages of a floor scale is that it’ low to the ground. This makes it ideal for weighing cargo that would be difficult to place on a higher scale. Most floor scales come with small ramps that facilitate loading and unloading. Moreover, they’re designed to accommodate pallet jacks, forklifts and other loading equipment.

2. Store it when it isn’t in useThanks to their low profile, floor scales are easy to store. Many models can even be stacked. This allows you to free up floor space.

3. Use it for your heaviest and bulkiest loads
Floor scales generally have very high weight capacity, a large surface area and a heavy-duty construction. As a result, they can be used to weigh loads of every shape and size.

4. Speed up your wash-downMost floor scales have a surface that’s quick and easy to wash, such as stainless steel. Reduced cleaning time is always a plus. This also makes floor scales an ideal option for hygienically sensitive environments such as pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.

5. Take advantage of its versatility
Floor scales are used in many industries and perform a wide array of functions. For example, in agriculture they’re used to measure and monitor the weight of animals. They can be combined with accessories like cages to make animal weighing easier. Farmers also use floor scales for weighing bulk items such as produce, fertilizer and grain.

In manufacturing, they’re commonly used for weighing incoming and outgoing shipments. Their size enables them to accommodate bulky items like pallets and containers. Floor scales can be custom-sized according to your business’ needs and can be installed below- or above-ground.

Floor scales in Calgary, Swift Current and across AlbertaAccurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. supplies and installs floor scales built according to your specifications. In addition, we provide inspection and calibration services to ensure that your scale adheres to industry regulations. For a quote on a floor scale, or to have your equipment inspected or serviced by one of our technicians, contact us today.

This guide about “what to consider when buying a cattle scale” was first published in 2019, this is the June 2022 version. Every rancher knows the importance of a high-quality livestock scale for maintaining animal health and maximizing profits. However, buying the best livestock scale for your needs requires some research and forethought. Here are some points to consider when purchasing a new cattle scale.

1. What are you weighing? Platform size
You’ll need to determine the best size for your weighing platform, first. Depending on the animals you’re going to weigh, your scale will also need different features. The size of the animals, how many of them you’ll need to weigh at once and whether you’ll have to secure them are all factors you should to take into consideration.

2. Do you need a mobile scale? Portable vs. Permanent
Portable scales are a more popular choice for cattle farmers because of their versatility. It’s much easier to transport the weighing unit to the cattle than to move the animals to the weighing platform. Setup is simple, too. You can mount the load cells before the squeeze chute entrance or anywhere in an alleyway where you know the cattle will stop. You don’t need to bolt a portable scale onto a solid surface like concrete – they can function on any terrain, even gravel. However, they may become insufficient if you need to weigh many animals. They’re also typically less durable than their stationary counterparts.

Permanent scales are more suited for larger operations as they can weigh numerous animals simultaneously. Brackets are bolted into a concrete floor to ensure stability and reliability. The platforms may be gated to ensure the cattle don’t step off the sides. You can also mount the load bars under your squeeze chute for improved efficiency. However, this requires dedicating a large area of your operation to weighing.

3. How durable does it need to be?
Depending on where and how you use the scale, you may need to invest in a more durable model. This will depend on local climate as well as where the scale will be located and used. If it’s a stationary scale, you’ll need to make sure it’s built in such a way that it won’t be at risk of becoming damaged by anything in the vicinity. If you opt for a mobile scale, make sure it can handle your terrain and the use you plan to make of it.

4. What type of floor for your cattle scale? Animal safety
The weighing process can be stressful for your animals, so you want to make sure accessing the scale is as easy as possible. Scales with rubber flooring can reduce noise for both animals and operators. Rubber flooring also has an advantage over wood planks because it won’t rot or harbour bacteria. For large cattle it is also recommended to connect your platform to an alleyway to get animals on and off more easily.

5. Do you need data management? Data collection Most modern scales are designed to be paired with a digital weigh centre or indicator that collects and stores weight data for you. You can quickly download the data into a spreadsheet on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. Advanced memory models can keep hundreds of pieces of data on a single animal. Some scales are outfitted with electronic identification (EID) to identify individual animals as they step on the scale.

Even if you don’t think you need these features now, it’s important to consider them, as they may become crucial when your operation grows. Recording important data will help you to streamline operations down the line.

6. Does the scale need to be legal for trade?
If you’re going to use your scale to buy and sell livestock, it needs to be certified as legal for trade according to Measurement Canada specifications. These are available in single- and multi-animal versions, as well as in both mobile and stationary formats.

Cattle scale sales and service in Alberta
At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a variety of livestock scales to suit any operation. We are accredited by Measurement Canada, and we can certify devices as legal for trade. We also provide mobile cattle scale repair services to minimize downtime. Contact us today at our facility in Calgary, Alberta, to learn more about our products and services.

If you operate a business that relies on mail services, you can’t do without a quality shipping scale. Accurately weighing your outgoing packages is crucial. To determine which bench scale is right for your shipping needs, you’ll have to take the following things into consideration.

1- Your shipping partners Familiarize yourself with your shipping company’s services, as each company has different measuring, pricing and labelling procedures. Adapting your packaging practices to these procedures will allow you to increase efficiency and save money. Alternatively, you may want to choose your shipping partner on the basis of their pricing system. Because these factors may affect the size and weight of the packages you send, it’s important to clarify have a good understanding of them before purchasing your scale. 2- The size of packages you ship Having a scale that’s too small or too large for your shipping needs isn’t ideal. Too small a scale won’t accurately weigh oversized packages. On the other hand, too large a scale will cost you more than you need to pay and take up more space than necessary. That said, it’s better to be on the large side, especially if you anticipate that your business will ship larger items in the future. Of course, you’ll need to choose a scale that can handle the weight of the packages you’re sending. Inaccurate weightings could end up costing you a lot of money and could reduce customer confidence. 3- The features you need Depending on your needs, you might need some of the following features:

• Automatic tare

• A large, bright display with clear lettering

• A label printer

• Ability to measure in kilograms, ounces and pounds for international shipping

• Rechargeable battery for portability

• RS-232 or USB port to connect to a computer or printer

If you’re not sure about which features you need, speak to a certified scale technician. They can also certify your scale as legal for trade per Measurement Canada requirements. Alberta’s scale experts At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a range of precision bench scales. Our expert scale technicians can help you determine which one is right for your shipping needs. For more information about our scales or our installation, inspection and repair services, contact us today.

Crane scales are a type of hanging scale used in a wide range of commercial and industrial operations. Here’s everything you need to know about them, including common applications, purchasing advice and safety considerations.

What’s a crane scale? Crane scales, and hanging scales in general perform two important functions: they provide a measurement of an item’s weight and they ensure operators don’t overload cranes or hoists. Overloading presents a safety hazard as well as considerable losses due to broken equipment and machinery. They’re ideal for measuring bulky, oversized loads that can’t be easily weighed using platform scales. They’re typically used for things like weighing freight before it’s transported on planes, trains and ships and determining whether a load is too heavy to be lifted by a crane or other piece of equipment. Crane scales are attached to the crane or hoist’s hook. The digital readout indicates the weight of the load as well as the amount of force being placed on the crane, allowing you to determine whether the crane can transport it. Crane scales vary widely in price, depending on features and capacity. Key features Crane scales range from high-capacity steel units designed for heavy-duty use to precise and lightweight aluminum small-capacity units. Modern crane scales are built to be used in dynamic work environments, meaning they’re not influenced by swaying and they have built-in stability adjustment capabilities to accommodate a range of environmental conditions. Properly calibrated, crane scales offer an efficient and flexible way to weigh materials, as most of them allow operators to switch between different measurement units. In addition, they’re accurate within 0.1 to 0.2 per cent, even when weighing the heaviest of objects. Finally, their large LED screen allows operators to read results from several feet away, even in low visibility conditions. Why you may need crane scales Crane scales have many advantages over traditional weighing solutions. Here are some reasons you might want to consider purchasing one.

• You need to save floor space. Space is usually at a premium and your facilities may not be able to accommodate a weighing area or floor scale. A crane scale can be taken to the item you need to weigh, meaning you don’t need to sacrifice precious space.

• You need to weigh awkwardly shaped items. Some items are unwieldy and awkward to balance. A crane system will allow you to weigh these items precisely and accurately.

• You need accurate measurements. If you’re loading a freighter, manufacturing an aircraft tire or using your scale to portion out goods sold by weight, then precision and accuracy are crucial. Some models can withstand industrial use while providing measurements that are accurate within 0.1 per cent with a capacity of up to 200,000 kilograms (about 220 U.S. tons).

• You want to streamline operations. Eliminating the need to move items to a specific weigh station means more hours of labour going toward increasing productivity. Cutting down on forklift traffic will allow you to keep your team focused on bringing in and processing customer orders.

• You want a safer workspace. With crane scales, you don’t need to transport goods to a weighing area with forklifts. A decrease in forklift traffic means fewer opportunities for accidents, injuries and losses. Your operations will be safer and more efficient.

8 things to consider before buying a crane scale The advantages of crane scales are fairly clear. However, here are eight key things to consider when deciding which one you should purchase.

1. The average load weight. Perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a crane scale is the average weight of the load you’ll be weighing. Some scales can handle loads that that weigh upwards of 100,000 kilograms while others are designed to give very precise measurements for small loads of 10 to 50 kilograms. Keep in mind that the expected maximum weight shouldn’t exceed two-thirds of the maximum permissible rated load of the scale. Otherwise, you’re putting the equipment and everyone nearby in danger.

2. Industry and applications. Make sure the model you purchase matches your specifications and application needs. You’ll need a much more durable and heavy-duty hanging scale for lifting large loads on a construction site or shipping dock than for weighing smaller loads in a store or stockroom. You should also consider whether you’ll need to be able to attach the scale to other equipment, read the display screen from far away or operate the scale remotely.

3. Manufacturing compliance. Make sure the company you’re buying from manufactures and calibrates in accordance with local regulations, especially those related to measurement values, units, accuracy and safety.

4. Ease of use. You want crane scales that are easy to use and read. Hard-to-use models could cancel out the efficiency gains of using crane scales in addition to introducing a higher risk of error and accidents.

5. Precision and accuracy. When selecting a scale, pay attention to the how sensitive, or precise, the scale is. The measurement precision you’ll need will depend on what you’re using the scale for. Similarly, accuracy may prove crucial depending on the application. It’s also important to consider that load volume is critical, as freight cargo might shift and cause catastrophic accidents if the load is unbalanced.

6. Professional installation. Higher capacity crane scales need to be professionally installed, calibrated and maintained. It’s a good idea to train your workers so they know the basics of the scale’s operation and are able to spot issues.

7. Versatility. Look for models that allow you to change measurement units. The more versatile the crane, the easier it will be to integrate the crane scale into your business operations.

8. Work environment. Finally, you should think about the type of environment in which you’ll be using the crane scale. Some models work best at certain temperatures and in dry environments while others are suitable for all weather conditions and are resistant to dust and water.

Safety considerations Crane scales are often used to handle very heavy materials. An accident can have devastating consequences. When choosing a scale, you need to make sure it won’t be used to weight anything exceeding two-thirds of its maximum load. The reason you need that wide of a margin is that crane scales are often used to weigh dynamic loads, meaning they could move during the weighing process. If a load that’s right at the crane’s limit moves, it can cause the load cells to overload. Overloading can pose a serious risk to the equipment and the safety of staff working in the area. As crane scales are integrated into lifting equipment, it’s recommended to have them inspected by a professional every three months, since a problem could mean lifting equipment malfunction. This is usually enough to spot any potential problem. Alberta’s scales experts Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers a wide range of crane scales as well as calibrations, servicing and rentals. Our team can help you find the right crane scale and we have numerous options to suit almost any budget. Call us at 403-250-3232 to learn about our products and services. You can also complete an online contact form to get a quote.