Crane scales vs dynamometers

Crane scales and dynamometers are measuring devices that weigh suspended loads. Although they may look similar, each has its use, and they aren’t always interchangeable. Knowing the differences between a crane scale and a dynamometer will ensure you use the correct scale for the job.

Dynamometers
A dynamometer measures the tension force between two points in a straight line. Basic models use a spring, while modern models use load cells and digital indicators. A dynamometer typically has a shackle on either end and can come with various handles, grips and hooks. It’s also smaller, lighter and more compact than a crane scale.

You can use dynamometers horizontally or vertically, which gives them an advantage over crane scales, which can only be used vertically. Therefore, dynamometers are often used to measure tension on wires and cables. For example, elevator service companies use dynamometers to test elevator safety.

Crane scales
A crane scale is a specialized dynamometer designed to weigh hanging loads as small as supermarket vegetables or as large as shipyard containers. Crane scales weigh heavy loads between 100 kilograms and 225 tonnes with incredible accuracy. However, their design means they can’t be utilized for any other application than weighing suspended loads.

Crane scales increase efficiency and safety at job sites. Outfitted with rugged steel shackles and an onboard indicator, a crane scale allows you to immediately weigh large, awkward objects without needing forklifts and floor scales. You can attach the scale to your crane and leave it without affecting its performance. Manufacturers also make crane scales with rugged shells to protect the inner mechanisms from the harsh environments on industrial job sites.

Things to consider
When purchasing a dynamometer or crane scale, consider the following features:
Maximum weight capacity
Readability and accuracy
Digital or analogue display
Wireless remote readout
Protection from the environment
Certification

Finally, talk to an expert about the best scale for your application and how to use it.

Crane weight scale and dynamometer sales in Alberta
At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we have various crane weight scale options to suit any application. Our scales are durable, and Measurement Canada accredits us to declare scales legal for trade. Our technicians provide fast, professional repairs to minimize downtime if your commercial or industrial scale breaks down. Contact us today to learn more about our crane and hanging scales.

The importance of buying a commercial scale from a reputable company

Purchasing a commercial scale online may be convenient, but it’s risky. Many online retailers boast ultralow prices. However, the scales they sell are often subpar, and there’s no way to tell if they meet Measurement Canada’s legal standards. A flawed scale could affect your business’ reputation and bottom line. It could also result in hefty fines.

In Canada, all commercial companies selling products by weight must use weighing equipment certified as legal for trade. The good news is that Measurement Canada has created a list of accredited and registered scale service providers, and the scope of their inspection services. When you use this resource, you can rest assured you’re choosing a scale retailer you can trust. The Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. difference Here are some benefits of buying your commercial scale from an authorized dealer like Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd.

  • We offer custom solutions. We have scales for nearly all industrial and commercial applications configured to meet your needs. For example, we supply everything from large scales for weighing trucks and livestock to specialty scales that attach to forklifts, cranes, hoppers and conveyor belts.

  • We calibrate and certify our scales. We employ authorized scale inspectors who can certify legal for trade weighing devices on behalf of Measurement Canada under the Weights and Measures Act. It means the scales we well, our installation and repairs are all certified, so you don’t have to call another inspector to approve our work.

  • We complete installations, restorations and conversions. We have a complete machine shop for restorations. Our service staff can complete on-site scale installations and convert old-style mechanical scales into state-of-the-art digital weighing systems.

  • We provide repair services. We have an extensive inventory of scale parts and guarantee all our repair work. Our service vehicle fleet is also available 24/7 to fix scales of all makes and models.

  • We offer comprehensive maintenance. We offer pre-scheduled maintenance contracts to ensure your scale equipment is kept in proper working condition and complies with all Measurement Canada regulatory requirements.

Certified commercial weigh scales in Alberta At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we sell and rent a variety of legal for trade scales, including counting, hanging, livestock and truck scales. We also provide accessories such as printers, load cells and mounts. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

How to connect your digital computing scale to your computer?

Scales do more than weigh an object. Retail computing scales like the Kilotech KRS-3000 price computing scale also collect and store data so you can easily track sales, monitor inventory, and access records. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for connecting your scale to your computer, so here’s an overview of standard methods.

RS-232

A cable compatible with an RS-232 port is one of the most common ways to connect a scale with a computer. The cable, with nine pins on one end and nine holes on the other, is secured with two screws on either side of the connector. However, this method is outdated and is being replaced by modes that move data more quickly. Your computer may not have the correct port to connect this way.

USB

Computer manufacturers are replacing RS-232 ports with USB ports, which transfer data more quickly and are easier to use. USB cables are inexpensive and readily available. Using a USB cable allows you to see the scale indicator on your computer screen and control its functions. You can also extract the scale’s data, download it to your computer and analyze it using various software.

Computers can monitor and control several scales at once. However, most PCs are equipped with just two USB ports. If you want to connect with more than two scales, you’ll need a USB hub.

Flash drive

If your computer is too far from your scale to connect it with a cable, you can always transfer data using a USB flash drive or thumb drive. 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.

Ethernet

Ethernet, or LAN, is a wired local network of devices, including computers, printers and scales. The cables look like larger versions of phone cables and snap into place. The cables run to a central hub, allowing all the devices connected to the hub to communicate with each other.

Wireless network

Wireless technology has exploded in recent years, replacing cables and drives. Scales equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology require only Wi-Fi to connect with a computer. This method means your units don’t have to be in the same room to connect. In fact, you can connect with your scale from anywhere in the world at any time.

Digital computing scale sales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. in Calgary, we offer retail computing scales with various features to help streamline your operations. We are accredited by Measurement Canada, and we can certify devices as legal for trade. Contact us today to request a quote.

What you need to know about commercial scale certification

Scales do more than weigh an object. Retail computing scales like the Kilotech KRS-3000 price computing scale also collect and store data so you can easily track sales, monitor inventory, and access records. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for connecting your scale to your computer, so here’s an overview of standard methods.

RS-232

A cable compatible with an RS-232 port is one of the most common ways to connect a scale with a computer. The cable, with nine pins on one end and nine holes on the other, is secured with two screws on either side of the connector. However, this method is outdated and is being replaced by modes that move data more quickly. Your computer may not have the correct port to connect this way.

USB

Computer manufacturers are replacing RS-232 ports with USB ports, which transfer data more quickly and are easier to use. USB cables are inexpensive and readily available. Using a USB cable allows you to see the scale indicator on your computer screen and control its functions. You can also extract the scale’s data, download it to your computer and analyze it using various software.

Computers can monitor and control several scales at once. However, most PCs are equipped with just two USB ports. If you want to connect with more than two scales, you’ll need a USB hub.

Flash drive

If your computer is too far from your scale to connect it with a cable, you can always transfer data using a USB flash drive or thumb drive. 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.

Ethernet

Ethernet, or LAN, is a wired local network of devices, including computers, printers and scales. The cables look like larger versions of phone cables and snap into place. The cables run to a central hub, allowing all the devices connected to the hub to communicate with each other.

Wireless network

Wireless technology has exploded in recent years, replacing cables and drives. Scales equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology require only Wi-Fi to connect with a computer. This method means your units don’t have to be in the same room to connect. In fact, you can connect with your scale from anywhere in the world at any time.

Digital computing scale sales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. in Calgary, we offer retail computing scales with various features to help streamline your operations. We are accredited by Measurement Canada, and we can certify devices as legal for trade. Contact us today to request a quote.

4 features to look for in a truck scale

Truck scales, also known as weighbridges, provide cargo weight readings by comparing the axle and gross weight of the empty truck against that of the loaded truck. These measures are essential to ensure safety, keep the trucks in good condition, and comply with transportation infrastructure regulations. To help you decide on a truck scale for your operation, here are four features to consider.

1. Permanent versus portable. If you wish to install a permanent truck scale, you’ll need to allow space for trucks to approach the weighing platform. You must also provide enough additional real estate to enable trucks to manoeuvre. Where space doesn’t allow permanent installation, portable truck scales provide an efficient alternative. Versatility is among the portable truck scale’s many advantages. You can use multiple scales simultaneously to deliver a full truck weight reading.

2. Platform mounting.

If you choose a permanent truck scale, you can select either surface-mounted or pit-mounted models. The pit-mounted version is installed by placing the weighing platform over a pit to sit flush with the ground. The surface-mounted scale requires less labour to install, but you’ll need to provide ramp access. When planning to install a truck scale platform, be sure to check with your local authorities to find out what permits you’ll need.

3. Platform material.

Your truck scale platform may be constructed of steel or concrete. The steel platform typically costs less and allows for faster installation. Because it’s lighter in weight, you can move it more easily. However, the steel surface will become slippery in wet conditions and can corrode over time. Concrete is also subject to deterioration with age and weather, but it tends to be more durable under high-traffic conditions.

4. Platform size.

When deciding on platform size, consider both your current capacity needs and any future vehicles you may need to weigh. Platform widths are typically three to five metres, but it’s possible to get wider ones. The length can be as short as six metres or as long as 60 metres.

Industrial scales in Calgary, Alberta

For your truck weighing needs, talk to the team at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. We offer a wide selection of portable and permanent truck scales in Calgary and are available to serve clients throughout Alberta. We have decades of experience in the industry and are accredited by Measurement Canada to provide authoritative scale inspection and certification. Contact us to request a free quote.

3 advantages of weighing scales in the mining industry

There are several advantages to using accurate and durable weighing scales in the mining industry. Scales help businesses comply with government and industry regulations and increase efficiency and profitability. Here are three ways weighing scales can give your mining company an advantage.

1. Prolong the life of your trucks

You should follow the 10-10-20 rule for loading your trucks: no more than 10 per cent of your loads should exceed 10 per cent of your target payload. You should also never exceed 20 per cent of your allowable payload. When you overload a truck, it puts undue stress on the vehicle’s tires, suspension and engine. Moreover, it burns more fuel. You can also incur fines and penalties for breaking transportation laws and industry regulations. If you overload your trucks, you’ll likely end up spending more time and money on repairs. Furthermore, your fuel bills will skyrocket. Additionally, your employees may be stuck troubleshooting and changing blown tires when they could be attending to other matters. Industrial truck scales help prevent overloading and prolong the lifespan of your valuable fleet. They also prevent you from under-loading your trucks, which can increase your business’ efficiency and bottom line.

2. Protect your commercial infrastructure

Besides being hard on your fleet, overloaded trucks also cause roadways to crack and deteriorate under the excess weight. Consequently, you’ll spend time and money repairing road surfaces to ensure steady traffic flow on your job site. Fortunately, an onboard truck scale can help you meet your payload targets with even greater efficiency than a truck scale. The scale is attached to the vehicle’s chassis. Therefore, you don’t have to waste time moving the truck onto a separate scale.

3. Increase your business’s efficiency

Modern scales can streamline your operations. For example, conveyor belt scales allow you to measure quantities in real-time during extraction, relocation, processing and storage. This means that you don’t have to remove the materials from the conveyor belt to weigh them. Additionally, front-end loader scales attach directly to your heavy equipment, providing accurate measurements while loading and moving materials.

Industrial scales in Calgary, Red Deer and Swift Current

Since 1992, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. has provided high-quality, industrial-strength weight scales to Alberta’s mining industry and other commercial clients. Our team is accredited by Measurement Canada to certify scales as legal for trade. Moreover, we provide certified inspections. If you need a quote for a weight scale, contact us today at our Calgary location.