Retrofitting a pallet truck with a scale

Loaded high lift truck with scale

Pallet trucks with scales are usually already manufactured and ready-to-use constructions that can be operated like classic pallet trucks . They also have a weighing function, the use of which requires instruction. Pallet trucks, but also scissor lift trucks or high lift trucks can, however, be retrofitted with a scale.

Table of contents

retrofitting
effort and profitability
Cost

retrofitting

The retrofitting can be done using so-called load cells . They have a compact design and are attached to the forks of the pallet truck so that the weight of the load can be shown on a display. They are fixed to the forks at precisely defined intervals and connected to a cable box via data cables. The cable box establishes the connection to the display.

For a classic pallet truck with a fork length of approximately 115 cm, the following components are required.

Four load cells
Four load feet or load introductions
A cable box
data cable
An ad

There are two options:

purchase of a finished kit

Usually costs around 600 €
Load cells are already calibrated
Alignment with the display by means of appropriate selection already specified
Ready for use
individual purchase of the respective components

expertise required
Components must be coordinated and compatible
Calibration of load cells required
labor-intensive
Individual parts are usually cheaper to purchase than the entire kit

Purchasing the parts individually has the advantage of being more cost-effective. However, care must be taken as the parts must fit together.

Depending on the desired equipment, additional functions such as tare , accumulation or counting can be set up. Interfaces to computers and printers are possible, as is the use of WLAN and/or Bluetooth for data transmission.

effort and profitability

In order to convert the pallet truck, a certain level of knowledge and expertise is required. Drilling, cutting threads, correct screwing and, above all, specialist knowledge of electronics and electrical engineering are basic requirements. Since most pallet trucks with scales are splash-proof - according to IP65 - some components would have to be at least partially encapsulated.

Important : Appropriate certification by the responsible calibration office is a prerequisite for retrofitting a pallet truck with a calibrated scale.

Calibration office : Calibration offices are responsible for legal metrology. They monitor the calibration, use and market of measuring instruments that are subject to calibration law due to their measurement size and intended use. Calibration means testing measuring instruments in terms of calibration regulations. The focus is on the calibration error limit. This represents the maximum permissible error of measuring instruments subject to calibration during calibration.

Since the range of pallet trucks with scales is enormous these days, retrofitting is less sensible. In addition, prices are falling due to the large range and increased demand. Factors such as calibration capability or display functions increase the price of the upgrade even further. Guarantee or warranty claims are also lost as soon as the pallet truck is retrofitted independently. Having a pallet truck upgraded by a specialist company is so expensive that, in comparison, a new investment is more worthwhile.