BCD Elektronik logo Forklift Scale Systems Hydraulic On-Board Weighing

How It Works

How a hydraulic forklift scale works

Every hydraulic forklift lifts its load with oil pressure in the mast cylinder — and that pressure rises and falls with the weight on the forks. Forklift Scale Systems reads that pressure with a sensor and turns it into a calibrated weight on the display. No load cells, no special forks.

Pressure sensor connected to a forklift hydraulic line

The principle

Pressure in, weight out.

The lift cylinder needs more oil pressure to hold a heavier load. Forklift Scale Systems measures that pressure and, once calibrated against a known weight, converts every reading into kilograms.

Pressure sensor fitted to the lift cylinder oil inlet with a T-fitting
1

The sensor taps the hydraulic line

A pressure sensor is installed on the lift cylinder's oil inlet via a T-fitting. The forks and mast are untouched, so the forklift keeps its full capacity.

Height markers showing the reference weighing position
2

The operator lifts to a marked height

Simple markers show the same reference height each time. Weighing at a consistent height is what keeps repeat readings reliable.

Forklift Scale Systems indicator showing the calculated weight
3

The display shows the weight

The calibrated indicator converts the pressure signal into a weight and shows it instantly — no walk to a floor scale.

Install video

See it installed and weighing on site.

A short field video of the system mounted on a forklift and weighing a real load.

Setup steps

A one-time setup, then you just weigh.

1

Mount the display in the cab

2

Fit the pressure sensor to the hydraulic line

3

Mark the reference weighing height

4

Wire power and signal

5

Tare to set the zero reference

6

Calibrate with a known weight

Not legal for trade. Accuracy depends on a clean install and consistent weighing height. The system is intended for in-process weighing and overload prevention.

Request a Quote

Ready to add on-board weighing?

Send your forklift make, model and rated capacity and we will confirm hydraulic compatibility and recommend the right model.