MNM Scales 20,000 lb x 2 lb S-Type Load Cell Crane Scale Guide
- pete8781
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
For specifications, availability or help choosing the correct capacity and indicator, call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
The MNM Scales 20,000 lb x 2 lb S-type load cell crane scale is a calibrated high-capacity tension/compression system built for industrial users who need a portable digital force readout without paying for finer resolution they may not need. MNM lists the MS720-20K system at 20,000 lb capacity with 2 lb displayed increments, Peak Hold, a rechargeable indicator, RS-232 output and two eye bolts, and sells it calibrated and ready to use.
What the MS720-20K System Includes
MNM’s listing specifies an alloy-steel NTEP S-type load cell, a digital indicator with rechargeable battery and power supply, and two eye bolts. The indicator family described on the listing includes zero, gross/net, accumulation, printing, counting, check-weighing and auto-hold functions, lb/kg units, RS-232 output, gravity adjustment and support for multiple 350-ohm load cells. The exact indicator supplied should be confirmed when ordering because MNM sells similar systems with different readout models.
Why 20,000 lb x 2 lb Is a Useful Range
A 2 lb display increment is often practical in heavy pulling, suspended-load and shop-force work where the measured forces are in the thousands or tens of thousands of pounds and the operator mainly needs repeatable gross-force information or a peak value. It also avoids implying laboratory-level uncertainty: display resolution is not the same as total system accuracy, and installation geometry, calibration quality, loading rate and fixture alignment all affect real-world results.
How the S-Type Load Cell Works
An S-beam uses bonded strain gauges to convert axial tension or compression into a small electrical signal. The related MNM MS-1-20K sensor family is published at roughly 3.00 mV/V rated output, ±0.02% FS nonlinearity, ±0.02% FS hysteresis and ±0.01% FS repeatability. Those numbers describe the transducer itself; the complete scale’s usable performance also depends on the indicator, calibration and mechanical setup.
Peak Hold and RS-232
Peak Hold is valuable when the maximum force occurs briefly, such as initial breakaway in a pull, a transient during hoist motion or the highest force in a component test. RS-232 is useful when a compatible computer, printer, remote display or logging workflow is needed. Before integrating RS-232, confirm the actual indicator model, baud rate and data format supplied with the system.
Setup Checklist
Inspect the load cell, cable, eye bolts and indicator before use. Install the S-beam so force travels through its primary axis. Avoid side load, twisting and bending. Use independently rated hardware and a fixture designed for the intended force. Power the indicator, let the system stabilize, confirm zero with no applied test force, then apply load gradually. For comparative testing, use the same geometry, loading direction and procedure each time.
Troubleshooting Common Reading Problems
If the zero drifts, check for fixture preload, cable damage, temperature change and unstable mounting before recalibrating. If repeated pulls disagree, inspect alignment and loading rate. If the display changes when the cable moves, inspect connectors and strain relief. If the value is consistently high or low across the range, verify calibration with a known load. A load cell that has experienced overload, impact or severe side loading should be checked before relying on it for critical measurements.
Manuals & Technical Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MS720-20K ready to use?
MNM lists it as calibrated and ready to use out of the box. Verification with a known load is still good practice before critical testing or after shipping, relocation or fixture changes.
Can it measure compression as well as tension?
The S-type sensor geometry is capable of tension and compression measurement when installed in a fixture designed to load the cell axially in the intended direction.
Is 2 lb resolution accurate enough?
For many high-capacity industrial checks it can be. If your process needs to distinguish smaller force changes, compare MNM’s 20,000 lb systems with 1 lb or finer displayed resolution.
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