Pallet scale or floor scale: which suits you?
Both weigh a pallet. The difference lies in what else needs to go on it, how the pallet gets onto it and whether the weight needs to travel to another place.
Four forms
- The U-shaped pallet scale: two beams on a connecting piece, into which a pallet truck simply drives. Low, mobile, usually up to 2,000 or 3,000 kg. See pallet scales.
- Separate weigh beams: two beams without a connection, which you position at the required distance yourself. They fit any pallet size and can be stored away.
- The pallet truck scale: a pallet truck with load cells in the forks; the weight travels with it to the racking. See pallet truck scales.
- The floor scale: a closed platform from 60x60 to 200x200 cm, up to 8 tonnes, fixed on the floor or sunk into a pit. See floor scales.
Choose a pallet scale if
you only weigh pallets, with a pallet truck; the scale occasionally needs to move; there is no socket nearby, because most run on a rechargeable battery; or you want to start simply. A U-shaped scale is installed in an afternoon and needs no access ramp. Watch the internal dimensions: a Euro pallet of 80x120 and a block pallet of 100x120 need a different width, and a pallet truck with wide forks does not fit every U.
Choose a floor scale if
crates, drums, roll containers, big bags or loose goods also need to go on it; it is driven onto with a forklift; the weight exceeds 3,000 kg; or the scale gets a fixed place in a line. A floor scale is heavier and more stable and can sit in a pit so the floor runs straight across. It does need an access ramp if it sits on top of the floor, and a fixed power connection or a battery-powered indicator. For wet areas there are stainless steel versions rated IP67 or IP68; see floor scales rated IP65 or higher.
Verified or not
Both can be supplied verified, in Class III. That is required as soon as you invoice on the weighed weight: freight per kilo, purchasing raw materials per kilo, selling scrap or waste. For checks at goods receipt or choosing a carrier it is not needed. See verified scales and verification or calibration.
Installation and maintenance
A floor scale is installed and commissioned by us; a pallet scale arrives ready to use. We calibrate both on site, because they do not come to a workshop; re-verification is arranged through the manufacturer. See calibration, repair and re-verification. More about choosing a floor scale in choosing the right floor scale, and about pallet truck scales in mobile weighing pallet trucks.
Frequently asked questions
Can a forklift drive over a pallet scale?
No. A U-shaped pallet scale is for a hand pallet truck; the forks of a forklift and the weight of the truck itself damage the beams. For a forklift, choose a floor scale.
What size floor scale for Euro pallets?
At least 100x120 cm, so that an 80x120 pallet fits on it in both directions; 125x125 or 150x150 gives room for overhang and for block pallets.
Can I build a pallet scale into the floor later?
No, a U-shaped scale stays on top of the floor. A floor scale can go into a pit; that is a choice at the time of purchase, not afterwards.
How accurate is a pallet scale?
A 2,000 kg version usually reads to 500 g or 1 kg; verified in Class III with e = 1 kg. For finer work you need a bench scale alongside it.