Legal For Trade Forklift Scales?
Specializing in on-board forklift scales for over 30 years, we often meet with customers who at first are confused about 'Legal for Trade' and its lasting application on a forklift. The biggest problem that we see in the material handling industry is that the R.O.I. does not properly reflect the true nature of most applications.
'Legal for Trade' systems utilize load cells which are effectively plated steel on the carriage with calibrated sensors to accept and transmit the pressure of the load to an indicator. The system at time of install requires precise calibration in order to bring the system within +/- .01%. Introduce the lift truck into Low B applications or greater and each impact and force upon the truck specifically the carriage and the variance to the aforementioned 'Legal for Trade' rating is effected. Which is why these systems require on-going service plans by a certified technician. Issues arise when the momentum of start / stop shuttling, hitting dock plates, and constant load forces on the carriage effect the variance within days after calibration. The challenge remains in coordinating calibration so the system is rated to spec and therefore dependable.
At the forefront of every R.O.I. is the initial equipment investment with the average sell price for a 'Legal for Trade' system running the end user between $8,000.00 and $12,500.00 respectively.
In addition, installations usually run between 6 to 8 hours based on the familiarity of the scope of work or in some cases must be done at the manufacturers factory, plus cost of freight. The additional plate of steel on the carriage increases the lost load of the forklift along with the additional weight will reduce the capacity rating of the lift truck and require a certified OEM plate to be reissued.
In addition, installations usually run between 6 to 8 hours based on the familiarity of the scope of work or in some cases must be done at the manufacturers factory, plus cost of freight. The additional plate of steel on the carriage increases the lost load of the forklift along with the additional weight will reduce the capacity rating of the lift truck and require a certified OEM plate to be reissued.
These three considerations along with a guarantee required service/calibration plan add up to a significant investment. The difficulty that we have experienced in the past is that although the R.O.I. makes sense in an analysis against modeled productivity, the sensitivity of the technology and the variables in the applications make it unreliable for predictable periods of time. Issues arise when re-billed customers challenge or dispute claims.
The above two issues are what has ultimately contributed to a high abandonment rate for 'Legal for Trade' systems. While we do sell such systems we insist on Mid A or lower applications and the usage of the system is directed more towards mixing, component identification and or parting. For all other applications we recommend that our customers begin their R.O.I. with the ED series hydraulic lift truck scales.
The advantage of the technology and the success rate of the technology has to do with utilizing the hydraulic system of the lift truck. The integrity of the hydraulic system is engineered for the applications that the truck work in Low A to High C and therefore provide a stable and consistent measurement base. This means that the unit once calibrated, which takes 5 minutes or less and can be done by the end user at no additional cost remains calibrated as long as the hydraulic system of the truck remains unaffected. The hydraulic technology utilized by the ED series lift truck scale does not require additional material on the carriage and therefore does not change the capacity of the lift truck.
Designed for the material handling industry the ED series lift truck scales fit onto to all lift trucks and electric pallet jacks including rough terrain vehicles and are RUGGED, RELIABLE, and ACCURATE. Proven in the most demanding applications the ED series forklift scales deliver on an industry leading 2 year warranty, remain +/- 1% of vehicle lifting capacity accurate or better and do not require recalibration or interfere with the capacity of the lift truck.
