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1.
What types of scales are there and what are their advantages and disadvantages
(download 'Brief
Guide to Mobile Weighing' pdf document or read below)?
A)
BEAM, PALLET & PLATFORM SCALES These form the
most basic and cost effective form of weighing pallets, containers,
boxes and drums. These are portable systems.
Advantages • Specially prepared site unnecessary
• Portable and saves space • Low cost solution •
Trade approved versions available • Minimal training required
Disadvantages • Relatively limited weight
capacity • Non mobile • Requires alternative means of
handling for the items to be lifted and placed
B)
PALLET TRUCK SCALES A basic and entry level mobile weighing
system, suitable for use in lower weight applications.
Advantages • Low cost mobile solution •
Trade approved versions available • Minimal training required
• Manoeuvrable and space saving equipment
Disadvantages • Limited weight capacity •
Can be prone to abuse • Manual effort required
C)
POWERED PALLET TRUCK SCALES Providing load indication
on more sophisticated powered pallet trucks which have potentially
higher weight carrying capability than manual versions. Both load
cell and hydraulic systems are available and this is explained later
in this document.
Advantages • Increased capability over manual
versions • Trade approved versions available • Less
manual effort required • Various weighing options available
Disadvantages • Less manoeuvrable on increased
weights • Higher cost than a standard pallet truck
D)
FORK LIFT TRUCK SYSTEMS Different systems are available
for varying applications and accuracy requirements as follows:
a) Hydraulic Load Indicators
b) Hydraulic On-board Weighing Systems
c) Fork Scale & Integrated Fork Scale
d) Carriage Scale System
e) Hazardous Zone Weighing
a)
Hydraulic Load Indicator
Fitted as a basic and cost effective system, with a transducer fitted
integrally into the hydraulics of the truck, the indicator enables
simple overloading checks to be performed, often by means of green,
amber and red LED indication of load weight. These systems are particularly
suitable for applications where the load centre remains constant.
Advantages • Very cost effective to purchase
and maintain • Simple visual and audible functions •
Universal fitting applications • Can be easily moved to different
trucks • Enhances operator safety
Disadvantages • Limited functionality •
Less accurate than more sophisticated systems • Not trade
approved • Limited options available • No moving parts
• Does not monitor forward/lateral moment of load
b)
Hydraulic On-Board Weighing Systems
Offers the most cost effective means of on-board mobile weighing
which provides detailed weight information and is one the most popular
products.
Advantages • Cost effective to purchase and maintain
• Good value for money solution • Universal fitting
applications • Enhanced features available • Accuracy
unaffected by a change of lifting attachment or load centre •
Can be easily moved to different trucks • Can incorporate
truck overload alarm • Can be fitted when attachment precludes
load cell systems in forks • No moving parts • Saves
time-consuming trips to and from fixed scales • Saves time
through stocktaking by weight • Check weighs incoming supplies
and outgoing products • Can help to avoid overloading of forklifts/vehicles/racking
• Helps to reduce truck wear and tear • Does not affect
driver visibility or truck lifting capacity • Promotes safer
use of lift truck • Depending on system manufacturer, can
be fitted to most Counterbalance and Reach Trucks, Powered Pedestrian,
Narrow Aisle Trucks, Side Loaders and Container Handlers as well
as Loading Shovels, Wheeled Loaders, Skid Steers, Excavators, and
Tractor Loaders • Depending on system manufacturer, can incorporate
truck overload alarm • Can be used with attachments •
Hazardous zone configurations
Disadvantages • Less accurate than load cell
based systems • Not Trade Approved
c)
Fork Scale & Integrated Fork Scale
These systems are based on load cells, which are built into new
replacement forks of the lift truck. They operate completely independently
of the lift truck, and on many suppliers’ equipment, the indicator
is on top of one of the forks with the battery built into the other.
Advantages • Fast, accurate (0.1%) &
reliable • Easy to install (no cabling necessary on integrated
systems) • Radio Frequency options are available • Minimal
changes to be made to the fork lift truck • Systems are easy
to change from one lift truck to another • Can be trade approved
• Stainless steel forks available for use in hazardous areas
• Enhanced options & software available • Reliable,
robust, dust and water resistant to IP65 • No deration •
Weight reading as soon as load lifted off the ground
Disadvantages • Can be more costly than hydraulic
systems • More servicing required to maintain accuracy •
Potential loss of visibility on integrated systems • Replacement
forks more expensive • Cannot be fitted when attachment used
• Load cells in forks more susceptible to damage • Forks
are wider and deeper than standard which may limit the pallets and
stillages that can be weighed
d)
Carriage Scale
This system is fitted to the fork carriage, which runs within the
mast of the truck. Can be used on trucks, which carry handling attachments,
such as rotators, grabs, clamps, etc.
Advantages • The original forks remain in
place without modification • Fast, accurate (0.1%) & reliable
• The actual weighing system is less likely to get damaged
• Can be used on trucks where attachments other than forks
are required • Trade approved scales are available •
A range of options are available
Disadvantages • More expensive than other
options • Because of the weight of the system itself and where
it is fitted, it reduces the lifting capacity of the truck •
May suffer greater variations on readings • Loss of driver
visibility
e)
Hazardous Zone Weighing
For use in Zone I and II hazardous areas, special systems are available
to meet current regulations. Systems for lift trucks are available
which operate both on hydraulic and load cell systems, in addition
to the hand pallet truck. The advantages and disadvantages are comparable
to the standard systems.
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