In the market for a crane scale, but need more info? In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about them, including types of crane scales and their benefits.
A crane scale is a specialized piece of industrial weighing equipment designed for use with cranes and other overhead lifting equipment. They’re capable of weighing large and heavy objects with precision and accuracy.
Crane scales typically have an upper shackle and lower hook, attached to a central load cell that measures the weight or force being applied. The weight is then displayed via a readout, which can either be remote or integrated into the scale itself.
Crane scales play an important role in on-site safety and help prevent crane-related accidents (statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What are crane scales used for?
Crane scales are used to lift and weigh objects, usually in an industrial setting.
The type of object being weighed depends on the application. And since crane scales are so versatile, they’re commonly found in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications where accurate weight measurements are needed.
For instance, crane scales are commonly used in:
- Warehouses: for weighing palletized goods and inventory
- Construction sites: to measure materials like steel beams and concrete blocks
- Shipping yards: for determining the weight of cargo containers
- Manufacturing facilities: to weigh raw materials and finished products
- Recycling centers: for measuring scrap metal and recyclable materials
- Agriculture: to weigh bulk commodities like grain and livestock
In all of these applications, crane scales contribute to a safe working environment, helping companies comply with industry regulations by providing real-time measurements that help prevent accidents.
But not all crane scales are created equal. In fact, there’s more variety than you might think in the types of crane scales available in today’s market.
How does a crane scale work?
To measure the weight of an object, crane scales make use of a type of sensor known as a strain gauge, which is attached to the body of the scale’s load cell. This sensor detects the slight deformation or “strain” to the load cell body when weight is applied, changing the gauge’s electrical resistance.
This change in resistance is converted into a digital signal, which is then processed by the load cell's electronics to determine the applied load’s weight, which is displayed on a digital readout.
Where are crane scales commonly used?
Crane scales can be found in almost any industrial setting where heavy loads need to be lifted, weighed, and monitored: from manufacturing floors to offshore platforms.
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Crane scale uses across industries |
|
|
Industry/Environment |
Common applications |
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Oil & Gas/Offshore |
Crane proof load testing, load monitoring |
|
Aerospace & manufacturing |
Shipment weighing, parts handling |
|
Foundries |
Measuring molten ladle content |
|
Ports & shipping |
Cargo weighing, overload prevention |
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Utilities & wind energy |
Equipment installation and maintenance |
What are the benefits of a crane scale?
Crane scales combine precise weight measurements with portability and safety, making them an invaluable piece of industrial equipment.
Crane scale benefits:
- Safety: overload prevention and reduced risk of accidents.
- Space saving: more portable and space-saving compared to floor scales.
- Efficiency: Allows for quick weighing during lifting operations.
- Versatility: Adaptable to a wide range of uses and applications.
- Portability: lightweight and can easily be transported between job sites
- Data & reporting: accurate weight records for tracking, reporting, and quality control.
What features should I look for?
When choosing a crane scale, look for features that will best suit your particular lifting applications and operational needs.
- Size and lifting capacity: make sure the scale’s maximum lifting capacity is appropriate for your job and that it can handle the maximum load safely.
- Wireless transmission: provides the convenience of remote monitoring while eliminating the need for cables.
- Battery life: long-lasting battery power keeps operations running without frequent interruptions.
- Data logging: Record and store historic weight information for tracking, reporting, and quality control.
What types of crane scales are available?
The type of crane scale you need depends on your requirements. But generally, we can break crane scales into two main categories: digital/electronic and analog/mechanical.
What’s the difference between analog and digital crane scales?
While analog scales rely on mechanical technology like springs and dials, digital crane scales take advantage of electronic gauges and digital readouts.
Though they may be cheaper to manufacture, mechanical crane scales are generally inferior to their digital counterparts. For example, their accuracy doesn’t match that of a quality digital scale.
Further, their lifespan is shorter than that of an electronic scale because their mechanical components tend to wear out faster over time.
Digital scales tend to be more reliable, with easy-to-read displays that can be seen from a distance.
And while analog scales can only show one unit of measurement, digital crane scales allow operators to switch between various units, along with functions that aren’t possible with an analog model, such as:
- TARE
- ZERO
- MAX
- Data logging
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Digital vs. analog crane scales |
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Feature |
Digital crane scales |
Analog crane scales |
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Easily portable weighing device |
✅ |
✅ |
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Easy/remote readability |
✅ |
❌ |
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Flexible units of measurement |
✅ |
❌ |
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Tare, Max, Zero, options |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Digital measurement storage |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Max lifting capacity |
32 tons |
25 tons |
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Accuracy level |
High |
Medium |
What’s the difference between wired and wireless crane scales?
Wired weighing systems rely on a cable to transmit data from the scale to a remote display, while wireless systems use R.F. technology to send the data wirelessly.
Wired
In wired overhead weighing solutions, the crane scale’s load cell is connected to a display via cable. The display can be hand-held or attached to the load cell body, depending on the model.
Wired crane scale advantages:
- Lower cost compared to a wireless system
- Needs fewer batteries to operate
- Isn’t dependent on radio signals or susceptible to interference
Wired crane scale disadvantages:
- Less mobility and flexibility for the operator
- Danger from tripping or entanglement hazards
- The cable can be damaged by wear and tear or harsh environments
- Longer and more complex installations and teardowns
Wireless
Wireless crane scales represent the pinnacle of modern scale technology. They use radio frequency (R.F.) or Bluetooth to wirelessly transmit measurement data from the load cell to a remote indicator. A wireless system is usually advantageous over a wired system for several reasons.
Wireless crane scale advantages:
- Affords maximum flexibility and ease of use to operators
- No risk of cable damage or tripping accidents
- Allows for additional readouts to be connected to the same system
- Quick and easy installation and teardowns—no cables to deal with
Wireless crane scale disadvantages:
- Slightly more expensive than a wired systems
- Requires more batteries and more frequent charging
- Potential for signal loss or interference under certain conditions
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Wired vs. wireless crane scales |
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|---|---|---|
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Feature |
Wireless crane scales |
Wired crane scales |
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Easily portable weighing device |
✅ |
✅ |
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Zero tripping hazard |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Maximum mobility |
✅ |
❌ |
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Multiple remote readouts |
✅ |
❌ |
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Quick and easy installation |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Susceptible to interference |
❌ |
✅ |
From the table above we see that a wireless crane scale is the best choice in a majority of applications.
Where can I buy a crane scale?
If you’re ready to buy a crane scale, you can easily find suppliers online. But don’t just choose any manufacturer.
Remember, we’re talking about lifting heavy equipment in environments where personnel are present. That means there’s no room to compromise on safety.
Eilon Engineering has a proven reputation for manufacturing high quality crane scales that are built to last. Our Ron Crane Scales line of weighing systems has been used regularly by high-profile clients including NASA, Boeing, SpaceX, and countless others.
Our commitment to quality, safety, and customer service means you’re guaranteed to get a crane scale you can rely on for years to come.
Learn more about our company and products:
- Multi-point weighing systems
Frequently asked questions about crane scales (FAQs)
Question: Can crane scales be used outdoors?
Answer: Yes! All crane scales can be used outdoors, and many are equipped with high levels of environmental protection to guard against dust, dirt, and even splashes of water.
Question: What is the maximum capacity of crane scales?
Answer: It depends on the model and size of the scale, but in general, the bigger the crane scale, the higher the maximum capacity.
Eilon crane scales run from 0.5 tons up to 30 tons lifting capacity.
Question: How accurate are crane scales?
Answer: Accuracy varies by model and manufacturer. Choosing a supplier with a proven track record helps ensure that the scale’s stated precision reflects its actual performance.
Eilon systems have a standard accuracy of 0.1% of the system's full capacity.
Question: Do crane scales require regular calibration?
Answer: In general, a crane scale’s calibration should be checked once per year, or more frequently depending on how much the scale is being used.
Question: Are crane scales compatible with all types of cranes?
Answer: Compatibility depends on the crane type, capacity, and setup. Always choose a scale designed for your specific crane and application to ensure safety and accuracy.
Discover the Eilon Engineering advantage
For five decades, Eilon Engineering has been a globally recognized leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality load cells, crane scales, and other digital weighing systems. Get in touch today to learn about how our systems can benefit your business.
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UK: 0800 8620354
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