Arlyn builds floor and pallet scales in standard and stainless steel construction, with corrosion-resistant configurations for outdoor and wet docks and ArlynGuard routes for hazardous classified areas.
Pallet scales weigh palletized goods at receiving, shipping, and freight checks, and they confirm inventory without breaking down the load. Arlyn has designed and manufactured industrial weighing equipment in the United States since 1978 and sells its pallet scales factory direct. For other warehouse weighing, see warehouse and logistics scales.
Choose a Pallet Scale by Work Area
Start with where the scale will sit. A dry indoor dock, a washdown area, an outdoor yard, and a classified location each need different construction, even when the pallets are the same.
| Situation | Selection focus | Starting route |
|---|---|---|
| Standard pallets at a dry dock | Pallet footprint, pallet jack access, and total loaded capacity | Floor and pallet scales |
| Wet docks and washdown areas | Moisture, cleaning chemicals, and stainless construction | Stainless steel floor and pallet scales |
| Outdoor docks and yards | Weather exposure, drainage, and corrosion protection | Corrosion-resistant scales |
| Hazardous classified areas | Area classification and approval documentation | ArlynGuard scales |
| Scale moved between stations | Portability and a level, firm floor at each location | Portable pallet scales |
| Pallet loads needing finer readings | Readability at pallet capacity | Ultra Precision pallet scales |
Size the Platform and Capacity
The platform must be larger than the biggest pallet you weigh. Standard North American pallets measure 48 x 40 inches, so a 4 x 4 ft platform suits most of them, while oversized or double pallets need a larger deck. Leave room for the pallet jack or forklift to set the load down without touching the frame.
Capacity must cover the complete loaded weight: the pallet, everything on it, and the pallet jack if loads are weighed on the jack, plus a working margin. Taring removes the pallet or jack from the reading but does not restore the capacity they use. For an example of a common size, see the 10,000 lb 4 x 4 ft pallet scale, and check the product page for current sizes and capacities.
Loading Method and Readability
Pallet jacks need a low-profile platform with a ramp, while forklifts can set loads directly on the deck. Choose the required readability, or smallest displayed increment, from the lightest difference you need to detect: freight checks and inventory weighing need different increments than formulation or high-value goods. Where pallet loads need finer readings than standard construction provides, Ultra Precision pallet scales use Arlyn Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology.
Wet, Outdoor, and Hazardous Areas
Construction should match the moisture, chemicals, and weather at the dock. Stainless steel floor and pallet scales suit wet and washdown areas, and corrosion-resistant configurations add protection for outdoor docks and yards. These features belong to the applicable configuration and should not be assumed for every configuration. Our guide to scales for harsh environments covers outdoor installation in more detail.
The material on the pallet does not determine whether an area is hazardous. Use the facility’s documented electrical area classification, and for classified locations, see ArlynGuard scales, which include platform and floor routes.
Freight Billing, Records, and Calibration
Weighing pallets before they ship catches short loads and reduces carrier reweigh charges. Billing customers or setting freight charges by weight is generally a legal-for-trade use, so confirm that the scale and configuration are approved for trade in your state before charging by weight.
Depending on the indicator and options selected, Arlyn scales can send weights to a printer, PC, database, or warehouse management system through communication options such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, RS-232, RS-485, and 4-20 mA analog. For pallet labels, an UpScale indicator with the Barcode & QR Print Function can send weight and shipment fields to the Arlyn PR-A90. To keep readings dependable, see our guide to pallet scale calibration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pallet scale do I need?
How much capacity should a pallet scale have?
Can a pallet scale be used outdoors?
Is there an intrinsically safe pallet scale?
How often should a pallet scale be calibrated?
Discuss Your Pallet Weighing Application
Tell us the largest pallet footprint, the heaviest loaded weight, whether loads arrive by pallet jack or forklift, the work area, whether you bill by weight, and where the reading needs to go. Arlyn can recommend a standard pallet scale or build one to fit your dock.
Contact Arlyn ScalesCall 800-645-4301
