Among the tools used in modern lifting and weighing applications, the digital crane scale has become the backbone of the industry. Portable, dependable, and accurate, they give operators the critical weight measurements necessary to make informed decisions about onsite operations.
A digital crane scale is a specialized type of weighing device used with cranes and other overhead lifting machinery, such as hoists or winches. They’re used to accurately and precisely measure the weight of large and heavy objects in various industrial applications.
For the past five decades, Eilon Engineering has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing digital cranes of the highest caliber. Our commitment to safety, dependability, accuracy, and innovation has earned us a global reputation for excellence in the field of lifting during weighing.
What is a digital crane scale and how does it work?
In simple terms, a crane scale is a device used to measure the weight of a load that’s being lifted or suspended.
There are three main components:
- Load cells body — the weight-bearing element
- Strain gauge sensor — measures the force or weight
- Readout/display — to show the measured weight
Crane scales usually feature an upper shackle and a lower hook connected to a central load cell that measures the weight of the suspended load. Attached to the load cell is a sensor called a strain gauge, which detects slight deformations to the load cell's body, changing the gauge’s electrical resistance.
That change in resistance is then converted into a weight in a readable unit of measurement, which is displayed on a digital readout. The readout is either integrated into the load cell body itself or connected to it remotely via a cable or wireless connection.
Eilon Engineering pioneered the development of wireless communications in digital crane scales more than 30 years ago, using radio frequency technology that allows data to be transmitted without the need for physical wiring.
A more recent innovation was incorporating a wireless Bluetooth receiver in digital load measurement, allowing operators to see multiple weight measurements on a tablet or smartphone.
Advantages of using a digital crane scale
Digital crane scales afford numerous benefits to industrial operations, both large and small. They allow for quick and accurate weight reading directly during lifting—no need to move heavy equipment to a platform scale.
Add to that improved safety, efficiency, and the ease of record keeping, and the advantages of a crane scale become clear.
Precision and reliability
A key feature of a digital crane scale is precision. If industrial operations can’t rely on the accuracy of their measurements, errors could lead to financial loss and even safety concerns. That’s why all Eilon systems are accurate to 0.1% of their full scale.
Our systems are calibrated in our lab, which is certified to the ISO 9001 quality-management standard, and ship with an NIST-traceable calibration certificate. Add to this aerospace-grade steel, fatigue-rated load cell bodies, and you get a digital weighing system that’s built to last.
Wireless monitoring and control
Another major advantage of the modern digital crane scale is wireless connectivity and data transmission. This increases safety in several ways. For instance, it allows for real-time remote monitoring from a considerable distance, but also eliminates the tripping hazard inherent in running wires.
Safety and efficiency
The real-time load monitoring that digital crane scales afford allows operators to instantly detect imbalances and overloads and take corrective measures before they become dangerous. And the incorporation of alerts and alarms into the system adds to the safety.
Scalability: from single point to multi-point systems
Today’s technology allows for scaling and coordination of information that wasn’t possible before the digital age. This is achieved by a multi-point system where several lifting points transmit data to a single central receiver, which then displays all measurements on a single load cell map.
Eilon Engineering’s digital crane scales
Eilon Engineering’s innovative load cell design featuring offset shackle holes greatly increases stability during lifts, which in turn increases accuracy and safety. Our systems are used by companies around the globe, including major defence and aerospace institutions.
Our diverse line of digital crane scales offers a solution for virtually any application.
Ron 2501H: Wireless Crane Scale
Our flagship crane scale model, featuring advanced RF technology for full wireless connectivity. Lightweight and portable with up to 2000 hours of continuous use battery life (extendable up to 4000 hours).
Ron 3050: Crane Scale with 2"/50mm display
Our classic load cell body with an integrated 2” display. The optional shock absorbing-cage adds extra protection for the most demanding environments.
Ron CraneMaster & StageMaster Multi-Point System
Our industry-leading multi-point systems allow for up to 200 weighing points to be displayed on a single load cell map, while our Bluetooth receiver allows for tablet and smartphone integration. Available with both dual-shackle style load cells, or with lower hook crane scales models.
Explore our full range of digital crane scales, or contact us to find the perfect system for your application.
Digital vs. mechanical crane scales
While both mechanical and digital crane scales are reliable pieces of industrial equipment, digital models have many advantages.
|
Digital vs. mechanical crane scales |
||
|
Feature |
Digital crane scales |
Analog crane scales |
|
Display |
Digital remote |
Analog dial |
|
Flexible units of measurement |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Tare, Max, Zero, options |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Data logging & storage |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Safety alerts |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Max lifting capacity |
300 tons |
25 tons |
|
Accuracy level |
±0.1% |
±1–2% |
Choosing the right digital crane scale
Choosing the right digital crane scale can be tricky, but this quick guide will help you find the perfect fit.
- Determine the maximum load capacity — remember that overloads can be dangerous, so be sure to choose a capacity that's high enough for all your applications.
- Decide on wired, wireless, or built-in display — this will depend on how far from the lifting point your operators need to be, among other factors.
- Consider display options — you may need larger or additional displays, depending on the applications.
- Consider environmental factors — these include weighing in high heat environments, such as a foundry, marine applications where exposure to water is possible, and others.
- Note any additional requirements — you may need to add optional features such as data logging, measurement stabilization, and others.
Consult with our expert team to help find the right fix for you.
Applications of digital crane scales
Being such a versatile tool, digital crane scales are used in a wide range of industries and applications.
- Manufacturing & logistics — weighing loads during manufacturing, inventory management, and shipment.
- Construction & infrastructure —for safe lifting and overload prevention on job sites.
- Energy & utilities — weighing and maintenance operations in power plants, wind turbines, and more.
- Marine applications — bollard pull tests, cargo handling, and offshore rigs.
- Aerospace & defense — precise and stable load measurements during critical lifting operations.
Why Choose Eilon Engineering?
For five decades, Eilon Engineering has been leading the field of lifting during weighing, overload prevention, and industrial load monitoring.
It all started in 1976, when we introduced our unique and patented load cell design to the world. Featuring 90-degree offset shackle holes, this design was critical in reducing external moments on the lifted load, resulting in more stable and controlled lifts with more accurate readings.
The innovation continued when we released our first radio frequency wireless load cells in 1993, capable of transmitting data at a distance of up to 150 meters.
Today, we offer multi-point systems with Bluetooth capabilities and up to 200 load cells displayed on a single screen: be it on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Add to this SMS alerts and automated E-stop technology, and you can see how ongoing commitment to innovation keeps Eilon systems at the forefront of weighing technology.
Our global reputation for quality and safety can be seen in our exhaustive customer list, which includes NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, Siemens, the US Air Force, Marines, and Navy, and countless others.
Our weighing systems are trusted in mission-critical lifting operations around the globe, and we pride ourselves on prompt, professional customer service and support.
As we celebrate 50 years of innovation and excellence, we continue to look toward the future and push the boundaries of what’s possible in load cell technology.
Digital crane scales FAQs
Q: How accurate are Eilon’s digital crane scales?
A: They are accurate to within ±0.1% of the system’s maximum capacity
Q: Can I monitor multiple crane scales simultaneously?
A: Yes, without multi-point systems, you can see up to 200 lifting points on a single screen
Q: Do you provide calibration certificates?
A: Yes, all our systems are calibrated in our lab and ship with an NIST-traceable calibration certificate.
Q: Are your scales suitable for outdoor use or extreme environments?
A: Yes, we offer up to IP68 level of environmental protection, and offer options to adapt the scale to extreme heat environments as well. Our standard load cell temperature range is -15°F to 175°F (-25°C to 80°C).
Q: What types of loads can the crane scales measure?
A: Eilon crane scales can measure a wide range of loads, including uneven, dynamic, or multi-point lifted loads.
Q: How quickly can the scales provide readings?
A: Digital crane scales deliver precise, real-time weight measurements with no noticeable delay.
Contact us for a custom digital crane scale solution
If you’re looking for the right digital crane scale for your next project, get in touch today.
Our expert team will help you find the lifting and weighing solution that’s right for you.
Phone:
US/Canada/Int'l: 1-888-778-8064
UK: 0800 8620354
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