Use the table below to compare the scales. Once you have formed your opinion vote for each one!
| Brand | A&D | Arlyn | Arlyn | CAS | Doran | Mettler/Tol | Ohaus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | FG-200KALN | 320D | 320D-36 | BW-150 | MVP-4500-16 | WW250VR | D31XW300VX |
| Capacity | 400 lb | 500 lb | 500 lb | 300 lb | 500 lb | 500 lb | 600 lb |
| Readability | 0.1 lb | 0.1 lb | 0.1 lb | 0.1 lb | 0.1 lb | 0.2 lb | 0.1 lb |
| Operating Temp | -10 -> 40 | -10 -> 40 | -10 -> 40 | -10 -> 40 | -10 -> 40 | -10 -> 40 | -10 -> 40 |
| Pan Size | 15.4″ x 20.9″ | 20″ x 27″ | 36″ x 36″ | 15.5″ x 20.5″ | 18″ x 24″ | 20″ x 28″ | 16.5″ x 21.6″ |
| Platform Height | 5″ | 1.8″ | 1.8″ | 5.7″ | 5.2″ | 7.8″ | 5.2″ |
| Load Cell Material | Aluminum | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | No spec | No spec | No spec | No spec |
| Price | $880 | $599 | $899 | $795 | $950 | $1,485 | $1,556 |
| Purchase | Purchase | Purchase | Purchase | Purchase | Purchase | Purchase | |
Platform scales are probably the most popular type of industrial scales available. They are used for determining the weights of packages for shipping and receiving, for filling liquids and powders into containers, for monitoring the amount of material left in a drum, and thousands of other purposes.
There are a number of important features to consider when choosing a Platform Scale. Perhaps the most important is the readability specification. Nearly all of Scale Compare choices have equivalent sensitivity of 0.1 lb. The next issue is the ruggedness of construction of the load cell. Aluminum is an industrial standard, although stainless steel, used by Arlyn Scales, is a preferred choice because it is both stronger, and more resistant to corrosion.
For these smaller capacity platform scales, most brands use a single load cell mounted in the center of the platform. This may somewhat limit the size of the platform. Arlyn Scales has chosen a different path by employing a separate load cell in each corner of the platform. This allows larger platform sizes with the additional benefit of a much lower platform height. Anyone who has to lift packages onto or off of the platform will quickly learn to appreciate this benefit.
All of these choices offer a wide variety of useful options, including battery packs for completely portable operation, and RS-232 computer interfaces. Some unique connection options, such as Ethernet and USB, are offered by Arlyn, who also offers a USB data logging option. All of the platform scales have similar temperature specifications, allowing them to be used in virtually all industrial environments, including outdoors, if protected from water.
Mettler/Toledo is the largest scale manufacturer in the world. A&D is based in Japan and CAS has their headquarters in Korea. Doran and Arlyn manufacture their scales in the United States.