How to Choose the Right Pallet Scale

Whether you’re managing a warehouse, a manufacturing facility, or a distribution centre, having the right pallet scale can help to streamline your processes. In this blog post, we’ll have a look at some things to consider when choosing a pallet scale.

The different types of pallet scales

Here are some common types of pallet scales and what they are used for:

• Floor pallet scales: these are large scales designed to be installed in the floor, so you can easily roll pallets onto them using a forklift or pallet jack. Floor scales are great for high-capacity weighing and are often found in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
• Pallet jack scales: pallet jack scales are integrated with a pallet jack. This type of scale is useful for operations that require moving pallets around, helping you to both move the pallets and weigh them at the same time.
• Forklift scales: forklift scales are mounted directly onto forklifts. Similar to pallet jack scales, they are great for moving items around and weighing them, thus eliminating extra steps.
• Portable pallet scales: portable pallet scales can be easily moved to different locations within your building. They are commonly used in any situation where mobility is essential, like goods receiving areas or temporary weighing stations. These scales typically come with handles and wheels to aid the movement.
• Pallet beam scales: pallet beam scales can be adjusted to various distances to weigh objects, perfect for weighing anything with an abnormal shape or size.

What to look for when buying a pallet scale

Weight Capacity: determine the maximum weight you’ll need to weigh on the scale. It’s important to choose a scale that can handle your heaviest loads easily.

Accuracy: look for pallet scales with a high level of accuracy, typically measured in terms of divisions or readability. The lower the division, the more precise the scale.

Platform size and design: check that you have the correct platform size for the pallets or items you’ll be weighing. A larger platform can accommodate oversized loads, while a smaller platform may be more suitable for standard-sized pallets. The design should also be easy to load an unload pallets on.

Portability: if you often move pallets around your building or have multiple weighing points, a portable scale with built-in wheels can be a incredibly useful.

Power source: pallet scales usually come in two power options: battery-powered and electric. Battery-powered scales offer greater flexibility and can be used in areas without access to electrical outlets. Electric scales may provide more consistent power but require access to electricity.

Connectivity and data: some modern scales offer connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB ports, allowing you to easily transfer weight data to a computer or inventory management system, helping you keep accurate data records.

Environmental considerations: if there is moisture, dust, or corrosive materials in your factory, choose a scale with the relevant protection, such as IP65 or IP67 ratings.

Compliance and Certification: depending on your industry and location, there may be legal requirements for scales to meet certain standards and certifications. Check that the scale you choose complies with regulations to avoid fines or legal issues.

How much does a pallet scale cost?

The cost of a pallet scale varies depending on several different things, including its capacity, features, and brand. In the UK, you can typically find pallet scales ranging from £500 to upwards of £8,000. Basic, non-digital pallet scales with lower weight capacities will be on the lower end of this range, while more advanced digital scales with higher weight capacities and additional features will be more expensive. Keep in mind that the actual cost can also be influenced by the supplier, location, and any custom requirements you may need to make. To get an accurate quote for a pallet scale, we recommend speaking to a weighing equipment provider, like Micro Weighing Solutions, which is based in Leicester and specialises in manufacturing high-quality weighing equipment for all industries.

Where to buy a pallet scale in the UK

MWS has a range of pallet weighing solutions to suit a wide range of industries and operations. If you are unsure which scale is right for you, get in touch with us online or call us on 0845 260 2602 and our experts will be more than happy to assist you.