Floor scales are the backbone of industrial weighing. They handle the heavy lifting—literally—by providing accurate, stable measurements for pallets, drums, crates, raw materials, and outgoing freight. Whether you’re running a warehouse, production line, recycling yard, or shipping department, the right floor scale keeps operations efficient, compliant, and safe.
This guide helps you understand the differences between floor scale types, how to size them correctly, and which features matter most for your environment and workflow based on Hogentogler’s wide selection of heavy-duty models.
Match capacity to your heaviest load: Floor scales on Hogentogler range from 2,500 lb up to 20,000 lb depending on the model.
Platform size matters: Choose dimensions that comfortably fit your pallets, drums, or equipment.
Durability is key: Look for steel decks, welded frames, and industrial load cells.
Environmental protection: Washdown, sealed junction boxes, and NEMA-rated indicators matter in wet or harsh areas.
Workflow features: Ramps, pits, indicators, and data outputs can dramatically improve efficiency.
Floor scales from Hogentogler’s lineup are built for demanding industrial applications. They’re engineered for stability, accuracy, and safety when weighing large or bulky items. Because every facility has different load types, handling methods, and environmental challenges, choosing the right model starts with understanding your actual weighing conditions.
Hogentogler’s Floor Scales include rugged carbon-steel platforms, stainless-steel washdown models, NTEP-certified options, heavy-capacity units up to 20,000 lb, and low-profile platforms designed for pallet jacks and forklifts.
The first step is determining what you need the scale to survive—and measure. Hogentogler’s floor scale capacities include:
2,500 lb – light-medium industrial use
5,000 lb – the most common capacity for pallet and warehouse work
10,000 lb and 20,000 lb – for heavy materials, drums, bulk totes, metal parts, and industrial loads
Readability varies by model and indicator pairing, with typical resolutions such as:
1 lb or 0.5 lb readability for general shipping, receiving, and pallet weighing
0.02 lb readability for finer control on lighter loads
Higher capacities generally come with coarser readability, which is normal—accuracy scales with load.
Always select a capacity at least 25–50% above your heaviest expected load to ensure safety and prevent load cell fatigue over time.
Platform size determines what you can place on the scale efficiently and safely. Standard industrial dimensions include:
4' × 4' – fits most pallets and is the most common footprint
5' × 5' – ideal for oversized pallets or wide loads
Custom or extended sizes – for long, odd-shaped, or machinery components
Construction details matter:
Steel decks provide strength for daily forklift traffic.
Two-way or four-way ramps improve access for pallet jacks.
Reinforced welded frames prevent deck deflection under heavy loads.
Anti-slip tread plates help in wet or high-traffic areas.
Choose a deck that fits the working environment: smooth surfaces for cleanrooms, diamond tread for warehouse floors, or stainless steel for wet or corrosive areas.
The indicator is the “control hub” of your floor scale. Models vary depending on your data and workflow needs. Features to consider include:
Large backlit displays for easy reading across a warehouse
Basic weighing modes for simple load checks
Counting and checkweighing for verifying shipments or production batches
RS-232 or USB ports for label printing or data capture
Ethernet or Wi-Fi for integration with ERP, MES, or WMS systems
NEMA-rated housings for dusty or wet environments
Some floor scale packages include basic indicators, while others can be upgraded to advanced models for automation or QC workflows.
Heavy industrial environments demand robust construction, and Hogentogler’s floor scales are designed accordingly. Key features include:
IP65 or better sealing to protect load cells in wet or washdown spaces
Stainless-steel models for food, chemical, or pharmaceutical facilities
Hermetically sealed load cells for corrosive or humid environments
Alloy steel frames to withstand forklift impact or vibration
NEMA 4X junction boxes that resist moisture and dust
For cleanrooms or sanitation-heavy environments, stainless-steel washdown scales eliminate corrosion and simplify cleaning.
Floor scales can be installed three main ways:
Floor-mounted: Standard above-floor installation with optional ramps
Pit-mounted: Flush with the floor for smooth loading—ideal when carts or pallet jacks must roll across freely
Portable frames: Allow temporary setups and quick repositioning for multi-station use
Consider your traffic flow: pit-mounted systems are seamless but require construction; portable models work best when flexibility is needed.
To improve efficiency, consider add-ons such as:
Ramps for pallet jacks or carts
Bump guards for forklift-heavy areas
Printer kits for labeling and documentation
Guard rails or backstops for tall or unstable loads
Wireless indicator connections for remote readouts or forklift-mounted displays
These options often pay for themselves quickly in reduced cycle time and fewer errors.
Floor scales support a wide spectrum of industrial tasks, including:
Warehouse shipping and receiving: Verifying pallet and freight weights
Manufacturing: Measuring batches, components, or production totes
Food processing: Weighing bulk ingredients or finished product containers
Agriculture: Weighing feed, fertilizer, and produce bins
Recycling and scrap: Verifying metal or material weights
Pharma / chemical: Drum and bulk material measurement
Their reliability, strength, and versatility make them indispensable across industrial sectors.
Proper care keeps floor scales accurate and safe:
Calibrate at routine intervals or when moved
Keep platforms clean to prevent debris under load cells
Avoid shock loading from dropping heavy objects
Protect cables from forklifts or pallet jacks
Regularly verify zero and level
Check ramps and mounting hardware for wear
Hogentogler’s floor scales are built to last, but consistent maintenance ensures years of trouble-free service.
Capacity: 2,500–20,000 lb
Readability: typically 0.02–1 lb
Platform size: 4'×4', 5'×5', or custom
Construction: steel or stainless steel
IP rating: standard, washdown, or high-corrosion resistance
Indicator functions: basic weight, advanced modes, or data capture
Connectivity: USB, RS-232, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Installation: floor, pit, or portable
Accessories: ramps, printers, bump guards
Load cell type: alloy or stainless steel, sealed or hermetic
Are floor scales NTEP certified?
Many models are available with NTEP certification for legal-for-trade applications. Check your regulatory needs and choose accordingly.
Do I need a ramp for my floor scale?
If you use pallet jacks or carts, a ramp is essential. Forklift-only operations may not require one.
What’s the best platform size for pallets?
A 4'×4' deck fits standard pallets, but oversized loads benefit from 5'×5' or custom dimensions.
How often should floor scales be calibrated?
At least quarterly in most warehouses—more frequently in high-traffic or regulated environments.
Can floor scales integrate with inventory or ERP software?
Yes. Many indicators support RS-232, USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi for seamless data transfer.
Floor Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/industrial-scales/floor-scales.asp
Bench Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/industrial-scales/bench-scales.asp
Pallet Truck Scales — https://www.hogentogler.com/industrial-scales/pallet-truck-scales.asp