Hanging scales are an essential tool in any industry that requires the accurate weighing of large and heavy loads. Unlike traditional scales, hanging scales weigh items and loads by suspending them rather than placing them on a platform. This capability makes them extremely useful for a variety of applications. Additionally, hanging scales are easy to transport and store. So, if you’re wondering if this type of scale is right for your business, here are eight uses for industrial hanging scales.

What Are Hanging Scales

Before exploring the applications of industrial hanging scales, it’s helpful to understand what they are. Also known as crane scales, these heavy-duty devices provide accurate weight measurements while promoting efficiency and safety in material handling.

Key advantages of industrial hanging scales include:

• Space Savings: Hanging scales eliminate the need for floor scales, freeing up valuable work areas.
• Increased Productivity: Weigh items as they’re lifted or transported, rather than having to place them on a floor scale.
• Streamlined Workflow: The weigh-as-you-go function eliminates the extra step of transferring loads to a separate scale.
• High Capacity & Durability: Built to handle heavy loads reliably, protecting both equipment and operators.
• Enhanced Safety: Prevents crane overloading by ensuring accurate weight measurements before lifting.

Uses for Hanging Scales

Weighing Fish

In the fishing industry, industrial hanging scales are essential for weighing nets and hauls. Accurate measurements help ensure catches stay within regulated limits and allow fishers to calculate potential profits with precision.

Weighing Fruits & Vegetables

Grocery stores rely on hanging scales to measure produce, meats, and bulk goods. Many stores even provide small hanging scales so customers can weigh fruits and vegetables before checkout.

Weighing Livestock & Other Animals

Agriculture and veterinary fields use industrial hanging scales to weigh livestock safely and efficiently. Monitoring animal weight is critical for tracking growth and detecting health issues. Zoos also use these scales to weigh animals that would be difficult—or unsafe—to place on a platform scale.

Weighing Livestock Feed & Crop Yields

Farmers use hanging scales to measure hay bales, feed, and bulk crops. Accurate weighing ensures animals receive the correct rations and helps farmers track crop yields effectively.

Weighing Steel & Other Metals

Because metals are often bought and sold by weight, industrial crane scales are widely used in steel manufacturing and metal recycling. They allow manufacturers to weigh rolls of metal before and after cutting, and recyclers to evaluate scrap loads quickly and accurately.

Weighing Mail

Postal services employ hanging scales to weigh bags of mail. This ensures proper packing, prevents bags from becoming too heavy to handle, and improves efficiency in sorting and transport.

Weighing Luggage & Cargo

Airlines use industrial hanging scales to weigh passenger luggage and cargo. By ensuring items meet strict weight guidelines, they maintain safety standards and prevent costly overloads.

Weighing Shipping Containers

In shipyards and freight operations, industrial crane scales are used to measure heavy containers and oversized loads before they’re loaded onto ships. Because shipping costs are calculated by weight, accurate measurements are essential for fair pricing and safe transport.

Get the Right Industrial Scale—Buy or Rent with Confidence

At Accurate/Western Scale, we understand the importance of precision and reliability in weighing heavy loads. That’s why we offer a wide selection of durable industrial hanging scales and crane scales for rent or purchase—perfect for Alberta businesses that need accurate results without compromise.

Whether you’re tackling a short-term project or need a long-term solution, our expert team will help you find the right heavy-duty scale for your operation.

Contact Accurate/Western Scale today for a free quote and discover why businesses across Alberta trust us for their industrial scale needs.

Industrial scales are a critical piece of equipment in Canada’s key industries, where accuracy and durability can directly impact a business’s safety, compliance, and profitability. From weighing raw materials to managing inventory, these ultra-durable systems are designed to perform in even the most demanding environments. But what industries use industrial scales the most? Let’s look at some of the most common sectors where reliable weighing equipment is absolutely necessary.

Agriculture

On the farm, every pound counts. From planting to harvest, farmers depend on industrial scales to keep their operation running smoothly. Industrial scales help measure out seed at planting time, weigh bulk grain or product during the harvest, and track fertilizers or feed throughout the season. For growers and processors alike, this accuracy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making sure buyers get exactly what they pay for and keeping operations running. The right scale can make all the difference in the world when it comes to building trust with customers and saving time when every minute matters.

Oil & Gas

In the oil and gas industry, efficiency and accuracy go hand in hand. Companies are always looking for ways to move trucks through terminals faster, simplify the driver’s job, and cut down on bottlenecks. That’s why dependable industrial scales are at the heart of every operation.

Every terminal needs industrial scales to track the weight, density, and source of the resources moving through. It’s a non-negotiable part of the business. Modern, custom solutions help to improve performance, reduce downtime, and keep materials moving.

In the field, whether you’re weighing drums of chemicals or monitoring drilling muds and by-products, industrial scales deliver both accuracy and safety in a high-stakes environment. The right system not only ensures compliance—it helps maximize efficiency across the entire supply chain.

Mining

In the mining industry, your industrial scale will directly impact your business’s productivity and compliance. These scales are used to weigh extracted materials, like coal, ore, and minerals, before they’re transported or processed. Truck scales and conveyor belt scales give you and your operators the tools to monitor output, prevent overloading, and confidently measure production against targets. Because mining is such a tough, demanding environment, scales need to be built for extreme durability while still delivering reliable, repeatable accuracy day after day.

Forestry

Forestry is another industry where industrial scales are used extensively. From pulp and paper operations to lumber mills, accurate measurement ensures that loads of timber are priced fairly and processed efficiently. Industrial scales are also used for weighing by-products such as wood chips or biomass fuel. Whether in the yard or on the road, having reliable weighing systems supports fair trade and operational efficiency.

Livestock

When it comes to livestock, accurate weighing is essential for keeping your herd healthy. Industrial livestock scales ensure proper feeding and growth monitoring, helping you catch minor issues before they become major problems. Industrial livestock scales are designed to handle large, moving animals safely while providing accurate data. These scales are widely used in cattle ranching, hog farming, and poultry operations, supporting both animal welfare and business profitability.

Why It Matters

In any of these industries, industrial scales aren’t just tools—they’re part of the backbone of daily operations. Accurate weighing supports compliance with regulations, ensures fair pricing, builds client trust, and improves the overall efficiency of any operation. By investing in industrial scales designed for tough environments, you can reduce downtime, protect profits, and maintain your reputation among clients.

Find the Right Scale for Your Industry

Whether you work in agriculture, oil and gas, mining, forestry, or livestock, the right weighing solution makes all the difference. At Accurate Western Scale, we provide CSA-approved industrial scales for any industry use, built to handle the toughest conditions. With options to purchase or rent, we’ll help you find the equipment that fits your needs.

Ready to upgrade your weighing system? Contact Accurate Western Scale for details and to explore our line of scales today.

Commercial retail scales are more than just weighing devices—they’re powerful tools that streamline retail operations, track inventory, and elevate data capture. Whether you’re using a standard retail price computing scale (like the Kilotech KRS-3000) or another model, here’s how to effectively connect your retail digital computing scale to your computer.

Standard Connectivity Options

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

USB is the most common and user-friendly way to connect a retail digital computing scale. It offers:

• Real-time weight display on your computer.
• Simple data export to Excel or other reporting software.
• Broad compatibility with modern operating systems.

As computer manufacturers phase out RS-232 ports, USB has become the standard. It’s faster, easier to use, and supported by inexpensive, widely available cables. With a USB connection, you can view the scale indicator directly on your computer screen, control its functions, and download weighing data for analysis in a variety of programs.

Another advantage is scalability. A single computer can monitor and control multiple retail digital computing scales, though most PCs include only two USB ports. To connect more than two, a USB hub provides an easy solution.

Some retail computing scales also feature keyboard wedge functionality. This allows weight data to appear instantly in any open program—such as a POS system or spreadsheet—as if it were typed in, eliminating the need for additional software.

RS-232 (Serial Port)

RS-232 has long been a dependable standard for connecting retail scales to computers. While many modern PCs no longer include serial ports, adapters are readily available, making this option practical for businesses that still rely on legacy POS systems or require a stable, direct data stream.

An RS-232 cable—typically featuring a 9-pin connector secured with side screws—is one of the most common ways to connect a retail digital computing scale to a computer. Although slower than newer methods such as USB or Ethernet, RS-232 is valued for its reliability in specific applications. If your computer doesn’t have a serial port, a simple adapter can bridge the gap.

Ethernet and Wi-Fi (Network Connections)

If your store has multiple scales or requires full network integration, Ethernet and Wi-Fi offer a flexible solution for connecting your retail digital computing scale to your computer.
Ethernet is a wired connection that links devices—such as computers, printers, and scales—through a central hub. The cables, which look similar to oversized phone cords, snap securely into place to deliver a direct, stable connection. This setup ensures continuous data transfer and reliable communication between all connected devices.

Wi-Fi completely eliminates the need for cables, giving you the freedom to connect with your scale from anywhere on your network—or even remotely across the world. Wireless scales can send and receive data instantly, helping businesses reduce manual entry errors and track performance across multiple locations.

Together, Ethernet and Wi-Fi are ideal for retailers looking to integrate scales into broader systems, improve efficiency, and keep operations running smoothly.

USB Flash Drive (Data Logging)

If your computer is too far from your retail digital computing scale to connect it with a cable, you can always transfer data using a USB flash drive or thumb drive. This option allows you to capture weighing records and transfer them to your computer later, without needing a permanent connection. Simply insert the USB port into your scale, collect and save your data, then remove the drive and insert it into the USB port in your computer to upload the information.

Which Option is Right for You?

• Single checkout scale? Go with a simple USB connection.
• Older POS system? RS-232 may be the most reliable choice.
• Multi-scale or remote access setup? Ethernet or Wi-Fi integration will save time and reduce manual work.
• Occasional data transfer only? A flash drive is a simple and cost-effective solution.

Why It Matters

By connecting your retail digital computing scale to your computer, you can:

• Improve pricing accuracy.
• Speed up transactions.
• Eliminate manual data entry errors.
• Gain better insight into sales and inventory trends.
• Streamline day-to-day retail operations.

Whether you need a straightforward plug-and-play option or a fully networked setup, modern scales are designed to fit seamlessly into your retail environment.

Get the Right Scale for Your Store

Accurate Western Scale provides a full range of CSA-approved retail digital computing scales, built for Canadian retailers. Our scales are accurate, reliable, and ready to integrate with your business systems—helping you reduce downtime and keep your operation running smoothly.

Upgrade your checkout process today. Contact Accurate Western Scale and browse our selection of retail digital computing scales.

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. On that note, we’ve got you covered with our livestock scale buying guide. Here’s our advice on what to consider when purchasing your next livestock scale.

What Are Your Goals?

The first thing to consider when purchasing your livestock scale is what your goals are:

Preventing Shrink Loss

Minimizing shrink is key to maximizing profit when it comes to your livestock. When transporting your livestock, every pound counts, but during transit, animals can lose a significant amount of weight that can directly impact your bottom line. Always factor in shrink when planning your livestock hauls.

Enhancing Animal Welfare

A livestock scale on site guides animal care and helps to protect their overall health. With easy access to weight monitoring, you can quickly spot unusual changes that may indicate illness, and address them immediately.

Conducting Commercial Transactions

To legally sell livestock, you require a Legal for Trade scale. This means it must be certified and regulated. That said, if you’re simply monitoring your livestock for health, rather than commercial transactions, a Legal for Trade scale may not be required.

Narrowing Down Your Scale Needs

Now that you’ve determined your goals, it’s essential to consider your scale requirements. Let us guide you through the livestock scale buying process with these questions:

Platform Size—What Are You Weighing?

First things first—you’ll need to determine the best size platform for your livestock scale. The animals you’re weighing will not only determine the size, but also the scale features you’ll require. Consider:

• The animal’s weight
• How many you plan to weigh at once
• Whether they’ll need to be retrained

These factors will all play a role in selecting the right livestock scale for your operation.

Portable vs. Permanent—Do You Need a Mobile Scale?

Portable scales are a popular choice among cattle farmers because of their versatility. It’s often quicker and easier to bring the scale to the cattle rather than the other way around. Setup is quick—simply place load cells before a squeeze chute or in any alleyway where cattle naturally pause. Portable scales don’t require bolting and can adapt to various terrains, including gravel.

That said, they do have limitations. If you’re weighing large numbers of animals, the portable scale may not be able to keep up. They’re also typically less durable than permanent scales.

Permanent scales are better suited for larger operations as they can weigh numerous animals simultaneously. These scales are bolted into a concrete floor to ensure stability and reliability, and often include grated platforms to prevent animals from stepping off. You can also install load bars beneath the squeeze chute for a smoother workflow. The trade-off? Permanent scales often require more space and a dedicated area within your facility.

Durability—How Strong 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 your local climate, and where the scale will be placed and used. If you’re working with a stationary livestock scale, it’ll need to be secured to avoid damage. If you opt for a mobile scale, ensure it can handle your terrain and workload.

Animal Safety—What Type of Floor Should Your Livestock Scale Have?

The weighing process can be stressful for your animals. To ensure it goes smoothly, provide your livestock with easy scale access. Scales with rubber flooring help reduce noise for both animals and operators, creating a calmer environment. They’re also more hygienic than wood planks and easier to clean. For large cattle, connecting the platform to an alleyway makes loading and unloading safer and more efficient.

Data Collection—Do You Need Data Management?

Most modern scales can 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 good to consider them, as they may become crucial when your operation grows. Recording important data will help you to streamline operations down the line.

Accurate Western Scale: Your Livestock Scales Guide Starts Here

Accurate Western Scale is your trusted partner in Alberta agriculture. With our extensive experience in the field, we deliver practical advice, quick service, certified technicians, and reliable local support. We understand Alberta’s farming conditions and deliver dependable systems built to endure.

Accredited by Measurement Canada, we certify devices as Legal for Trade, provide mobile cattle scale repair services, and work with you to guide your livestock scale purchase. For expert advice and reliable solutions, contact Accurate Western Scale.

At Accurate Western Scale, we are proud to support the Canadian economy by helping you and your business succeed. We’re committed to delivering top-quality industrial weighing equipment that meets or exceeds industry standards because your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.

Your Canadian scale specialist

Located in the heart of Calgary, AB, Accurate Western Scale carries a wide range of advanced industrial weighing equipment and related products, including:

• Industrial scales
• Heavy capacity scales
• Livestock scales
• Commercial and retail scales
• Scale accessories

Our dedicated team also provides expert services such as calibration, certification, scale rentals, and repairs. When it comes to your industrial scale needs, our certified technicians are ready to help you find the right equipment and service to keep your operation running accurately and efficiently.

Happy Canada Day from Your Partners in Precision

This Canada Day, all of us at Accurate Western Scale want to thank you for your continued support. We’re proud to be your Canadian distributor for industry-leading scale brands, and an authorized dealer of high-performance weighing equipment in Alberta.

For years, we’ve been committed to delivering reliable service and helping businesses across Calgary and Western Canada meet their measurement needs with confidence.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Canada Day!