The Problem: A $5,000 Quote for a “Non-Repairable” Scale
An airline operator in Central Florida was told by their regular calibration provider that one of their baggage scales was out of tolerance and needed to be replaced — not repaired.
The quote? Nearly $5,000, along with a plan to completely replace the existing steel scale base and digital instrumentation with a custom-sized unit that had an 8–12 week lead time.
The justification from the competitor’s service team was that the digital displays had damaged keypads, and the manufacturer of the Doran DS100 wouldn’t provide replacement cover plates. In their view, the entire device had to go.
Why We Disagreed
Replacing an entire scale base is only necessary when:
- The steel frame is cracked or deformed
- Weight application causes structural instability
In this case, the steel frame was in perfect condition. For a baggage scale rated for over 1,000 lbs — and typically weighing bags of only 50–100 lbs — replacing the whole base was unnecessary.
Why Scale Base Dimensions Matter
In airline ticketing counters, space is extremely tight. Scale bases are integrated into the workstations gate agents use to process luggage. Changing the base dimensions means:
- Reworking the sub-structure holding the scale base
- Modifying the platter assembly to maintain clearance
- Turning a simple repair into a multi-day fabrication project with uncertain results
- This will cause large amounts of downtime and operational losses as well
Most scale companies aren’t set up for that level of fabrication on a daily basis — and in this case, it wasn’t needed.
Our Cost-Saving Solution
We recommended replacing only the load sensor. This scale base used one of the most common industry-standard single point load cells available, making replacement simple and cost-effective.
The benefits:
- Avoided a $5,000 full replacement
- Short lead times - Loadsensor was in stock at our shop
- No workstation modifications
- Minimal downtime and interference with operations
- Repair could be done during normal hours saving overtime or afterhours service rates
The Repair Process
- Removed the plywood adapter piece for the integrated weighing platter.
- Lifted the scale base and placed the replacement load sensor nearby for installation.
- Cleaned the area and re-routed cables for easier future maintenance.
- Installed a single point 1250-style load cell onto the subframe.
- Adjusted the leveling feet for accurate readings.
The original steel substructure was in excellent condition — proof that the replacement recommendation from the competitor was based on either lack of technical knowledge or upselling.
Upgraded Digital Instrumentation
We also installed a Pennsylvania Scale 64 Series dual-display digital indicator:
- Master display with zero, unit, and print buttons
- Remote display for the adjacent counter
- Manufactured in the USA
- Fully serviceable with technical support available
View the Pennsylvania Scale 64 Series Baggage Scale
The Result
The customer avoided unnecessary costs, downtime, and workstation alterations — all while getting a better digital system than before.
At Peninsula Scale, we always prioritize your total cost of ownership over quick sales. Our approach ensures you get the most value, performance, and longevity from your equipment.