Highlights
Crane scales are specialized weighing instruments used for measuring suspended loads directly from cranes or hoists eliminating the need for platform weighing.
- The working and importance of crane scales
- Capacity breakdowns from 1 ton to 50 tons
- Typical industrial use cases for each capacity
- Price ranges in India and key buying factors
- Why choosing the right capacity ensures safety and efficiency
- And finally, why Punit Instrument is India’s most trusted manufacturer for crane scales
If you’re short on time:
- 1–2 ton models are ideal for small and medium workshops,
- 5–10 ton scales suit heavy manufacturing and 20-ton models are best for large industrial or shipping applications.
Read on for detailed insights, price ranges, and expert advice on selecting the best crane scale for your needs.
Introduction: The Evolution of Crane Scales in Modern Industries
From warehouses to shipyards, factories to foundries one thing every heavy-duty industry needs is precise and reliable weight measurement.
And when it comes to lifting and measuring heavy loads without the need for platforms or pits, crane scales have become the backbone of industrial weighing systems.
A crane scale is essentially a hanging weighing device designed to measure suspended loads typically used in environments where materials are lifted using cranes, hoists, or overhead rigs.
Unlike regular platform or bench scales, crane scales are built to handle massive capacities from 1 ton to 20 tons or more while providing accurate digital readings, often wirelessly.
This guide will help you understand every aspect of crane scale capacities, from small 1-ton models to industrial 20-ton giants and how to choose the right capacity for your operation.
1. What is a Crane Scale?
A crane scale (also known as a crane weight scale or crane load scale) is a digital or analog device attached between a crane hook and the load.
It measures the tension on the lifting mechanism to display the weight of the object being lifted.
In simple terms you lift, it measures.
Key Components of a Crane Scale
- Load Cell: Converts force into electrical signals for weight calculation.
- Digital Display / Indicator: Shows the load reading, often remotely.
- Hook & Shackle: Designed for high-strength load bearing.
- Wireless Receiver (optional): Enables remote data viewing or printing.
Crane scales eliminate the need for extra weighing steps, improving operational speed, safety, and accuracy.
2. Why Do We Need Crane Scales?
a. Efficiency and Speed
Traditional weighing systems often require loading materials onto a platform, weighing, and unloading a process that consumes time.
Crane scales make weighing instantaneous by integrating it into the lifting operation itself.
b. Safety and Accuracy
For industries like steel, shipping, or logistics, knowing the exact load weight before movement prevents overloading and structural damage.
High-quality crane scales come with overload alerts and certified calibration for safety compliance.
c. Space Optimization
Factories with limited floor space can’t afford bulky weighing setups.
Crane scales free up valuable ground area since they weigh objects while suspended.
d. Cost Effectiveness
Fewer mechanical parts, no pits, and reduced maintenance = long-term savings.
Especially useful for industries operating multiple cranes or heavy-duty lifting stations.
e. Digital Data Integration
Modern digital crane scales can transmit data via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RS232 interfaces, making them ideal for integration with ERP or weighing software systems.
3. Understanding Crane Scale Capacities
Crane scales come in a wide range of capacities, from 1 ton for small fabrication units to 20-ton models for heavy industrial use.
Choosing the right capacity ensures accuracy, durability, and operator safety.
Let’s explore each category in detail.
1, 1 Ton Crane Scale – Compact, Precise, and Portable
The 1-ton crane scale is a small but powerful tool designed for lightweight operations such as small workshops, packaging units, or testing facilities.
Applications
- Fabrication units
- Small-scale production
- Logistics & courier hubs
Features
- Compact body
- High precision load cell
- Portable with rechargeable battery
- Optional wireless display
Despite its size, the 1-ton crane scale offers exceptional reliability in quality control and material testing.
2. 2 Ton Crane Scale – The Industrial Workshop
The 2-ton variant is widely used in manufacturing plants and warehouses.
It balances portability with higher load-bearing ability.
Applications
- Machinery workshops
- Warehouse lifting
- Moderate material handling
Key Highlights
- Strong aluminum or steel alloy construction
- Anti-shock and anti-vibration performance
- Optional remote indicator and Bluetooth connectivity
Price varies depending on features, accuracy class, and brand typically ₹35,000 to ₹55,000 for quality models in India.
3. 3 Ton & 5 Ton Crane Scales – The Industrial Standard
The 3-ton and 5-ton crane scales represent the most commonly used industrial capacities versatile enough for medium-to-heavy lifting.
Applications
- Steel fabrication
- Foundries
- Machinery manufacturing
- Construction material weighing
Features
- Heavy-duty body
- Bright LED display for outdoor visibility
- Wireless remote control
- Rechargeable battery system
The 5-ton crane scale is particularly popular in Indian industries balancing cost, performance, and accuracy.
Depending on model and features, 5 ton crane scale prices in India range between ₹45,000 and ₹70,000.
4. 10 to 15 Ton Crane Scale – Built for Heavy Industries
Once you move beyond 5 tons, durability and stability become critical.
The 10-ton crane scale is engineered for steel mills, heavy logistics, and construction equipment lifting.
Applications
- Metal processing
- Cement plants
- Heavy machinery manufacturing
- Mining and logistics
Highlights
- IP-rated housing (water & dust proof)
- High-precision sensors
- Remote weight display systems
- Built-in memory for weight records
10-ton crane scales usually come with certified calibration and can integrate with industrial ERP or label printing software for automated reporting.
5. 20, 30, 50 Ton Crane Scale – The Heavy Lifter
For large-scale operations such as shipyards, cargo handling, and steel industries, a 20-ton crane scale is the ultimate solution.
Features
- Reinforced heavy-duty steel structure
- Overload protection up to 400%
- Wireless long-range remote display (up to 100m)
- Optional cloud integration
Applications
- Shipping yards
- Steel coil weighing
- Industrial fabrication
- Container terminals
Punit Instrument, a leading crane scale manufacturer in Ahmedabad, offers customizable 15-ton and 20-ton crane scales for such use cases.
How to Choose the Right Crane Scale Capacity
Choosing the correct capacity ensures operational safety and accuracy. Here’s a checklist:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Maximum Load | The scale should support at least 125% of your heaviest expected weight. |
| Usage Frequency | For daily heavy use, choose a high-grade industrial crane scale. |
| Environment | Waterproof models for outdoor, IP-rated for dust. |
| Mounting Type | Hook, shackle, or overhead depends on crane setup. |
| Display Type | Bright LED or wireless remote indicators for long-distance visibility. |
| Integration Needs | If you use ERP or label software, opt for digital models with connectivity. |
Pro Tip
If your load range varies, choose a slightly higher capacity to prevent strain and maintain accuracy over time.
Crane Scale Price Range in India (2025)
| Capacity | Punit Instrument Private Limited’s Crane Scale Price (INR) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ton | ₹11,000 | Small industries |
| 2 Ton | ₹13,500 | Medium workshops |
| 3 Ton | ₹17,900 | Manufacturing plants |
| 5 Ton | ₹19,900 | Steel & logistics |
| 10 Ton | ₹42,500 | Heavy industries |
| 15 Ton | ₹61,900 | Shipyards, large plants |
| 20 Ton | ₹82,900 | Heavy Duty Usecase |
| 50 Ton | ₹2,90,000 | Heavy Duty Use case |
Prices depend on brand, build quality, and included features like wireless display, overload protection, and waterproof housing.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Crane Scale Capacity
1. Enhanced Safety
Right capacity prevents crane overload, reducing accidents.
2. Longer Equipment Life
Properly matched capacity reduces wear on both scale and crane.
3. Operational Accuracy
Avoids under or over-reading errors from strain.
4. Reduced Maintenance Costs
Lower mechanical stress means longer calibration intervals.
5. Better Data Integration
Modern digital scales help in real-time data syncing with weighing software enabling traceability, dispatch accuracy, and ERP reporting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Selecting a Crane Scale
- Ignoring environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, dust).
- Buying a low-quality unbranded scale that lacks calibration certification.
- Choosing a model without overload protection.
- Selecting capacity too close to your actual load weight.
- Forgetting software/data integration requirements.
Why Should You Crane Scales Manufactured By Punit Instrument Private Limited
Choosing the right crane scale manufacturer makes all the difference.
A manufacturer like Punit Instrument, based in Ahmedabad, combines 30+ years of weighing expertise with modern software integration ensuring every crane scale is both technically precise and industrial-grade durable.
Why Punit Instrument?
- 12,000+ clients across India
- Expertise in both hardware and weighing software
- Custom 1T–20T crane scale models
- Cloud and ERP integration ready
- After-sales support and service calibration
Final Thoughts: The Future of Industrial Weighing
As industries move toward automation, digital and wireless crane scales will dominate the future of weighing.
Whether it’s a 1-ton model for workshops or a 20-ton system for steel industries, investing in the right capacity crane scale ensures safety, speed, and precision in every lift.
And when accuracy meets durability your operations move faster, safer, and smarter.