A&D FG-60KBM Manual, Explained: Setup, Resolution, Counting and Calibration

By MNM Scales · Last updated November 1, 2026

The A&D FG-60KBM is a 150 lb (60 kg) bench scale with an 11.8 x 15 inch stainless steel pan and the display pod mounted on the base instead of a column. At 4.6 inches tall it slides under shelves and fits crowded packing benches, shipping stations and production lines. A&D’s manual covers all nine FG-K models at once, so the numbers you need (capacity, steps, sample weights, calibration weight) are spread across tables. Here they are for the FG-60KBM, with the display codes as the scale shows them and the factory settings marked.

FG-60KBM manual at a glance: specifications

Item	FG-60KBM
Capacity	150 lb / 60 kg / 2,400 oz
Readability (Normal / High / Higher)	lb: 0.05 / 0.02 / 0.01 · kg: 0.02 / 0.01 / 0.005 · oz: 1 / 0.5 / 0.2 (High is the factory setting)
Repeatability (standard deviation)	0.01 kg
Linearity	±0.02 kg
Sensitivity drift	±20 ppm per °C (10 to 30 °C)
Counting	Samples of 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 pieces; up to 96,000 pieces; minimum unit weight 0.625 g
Display	7-segment LCD, 26 mm characters, updates 10 times per second
Pan and size	300 x 380 mm (11.8 x 15.0 in) pan; 380 x 464 x 118 mm (15.0 x 18.3 x 4.6 in) overall; about 9.7 kg
Power	AC adapter, or 4 C-size batteries (not included) for about 150 hours with alkaline cells
Operating range	-10 to 40 °C (14 to 104 °F), under 85 percent relative humidity, no condensation
Calibration weight (factory setting)	150 lb / 60 kg; the value can be changed

Setting up the low-profile FG-60KBM

The FG-60KBM has no column to fit, so setup is quicker than on the FG-KAM and FG-KAL models.

1. Unpack it and check the contents against section 2 of the manual; our listing ships the scale with its pan, the AC adapter and the manual. The protective cover comes fitted. Keep the box and foam for shipping the scale later.
2. Seat the pan squarely on the base so it rests evenly and touches nothing around its edges.
3. Pick the spot: a solid, level bench or floor with steady temperature, away from drafts, direct sun, heater or air conditioner airflow and equipment that makes magnetic fields. Very dry air (under 45 percent relative humidity) charges plastic with static, which shows up as wandering readings.
4. Level the base with the four leveling feet until the bubble sits in the center of the spirit level.
5. Angle the display: press the two round side clamps on the display pod and tilt it to a comfortable reading angle.
6. Power it from the AC adapter in the jack on the rear of the display pod, or from 4 C batteries in the pod.
7. Calibrate on first setup and every time the scale is moved; the steps are in the FG-60KBM calibration section below.

At power-on the scale shows all segments, waits for a stable reading and zeroes itself if the load is within ±10 percent of capacity of the calibrated zero. If ------ stays on the display, something is touching the pan, the air is moving, or there is too much on the pan; clear it and turn the scale on again.

The five keys and the display

Key	When weighing	In settings
ON/OFF	Power on (with automatic zero) or off	Turning off before end keeps the old settings
MODE	Steps through lb, oz, kg and pcs; hold it to store a counting sample or open the comparator limits	Moves to the next item; stores everything at end
PRINT	Sends the reading to a printer or PC (FG-23 or FG-24 fitted)	Raises the blinking digit or changes the value
ZERO	Zeroes the display within ±2 percent of capacity and clears a tare	Hold while turning on to open the function settings; picks the digit to change
TARE	Subtracts a box, tote or container and lights NET	–

The display marks STABLE when the reading has settled, NET while a tare is active and ZERO at true zero, plus HI, OK and LO for the comparator. ZERO and TARE act only on a stable reading, so let the pan settle first. Avoid pressing keys with a pen or other sharp tool.

Display resolution: 0.05, 0.02 or 0.01 lb (F2)

F2 setting	lb	kg	oz
F2-0 Normal (1/3,000)	150 x 0.05 lb	60 x 0.02 kg	2,400 x 1 oz
F2-1 High (factory setting)	150 x 0.02 lb	60 x 0.01 kg	2,400 x 0.5 oz
F2-2 Higher	150 x 0.01 lb	60 x 0.005 kg	2,400 x 0.2 oz

Our listing describes the FG-60KBM as 150 lb x 0.01 lb; that is the Higher setting. Out of the box the scale runs at High (0.02 lb steps), so if you want 0.01 lb, set F2 to 2 in the function settings. Counting always runs at the Higher resolution whatever F2 says. A&D lists High and Higher as non-NTEP settings; legal-for-trade use runs at Normal.

Finer steps do not make every reading more accurate. Repeatability is 0.01 kg and linearity ±0.02 kg, so for heavy cartons the High setting gives a steadier display that is easier to read, while Higher suits light parts, small packs and fill checks.

Counting parts on the FG-60KBM

1. Press MODE until pcs shows.
2. Hold MODE until the sample size appears, then press PRINT to pick 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 pieces.
3. If you count in a tote, place it and press TARE so the right side of the display reads zero.
4. Put exactly that many pieces on the pan and press MODE. The scale stores the unit weight; remove the sample.
5. Load the parts to count and read the piece count.

On the FG-60KBM the sample must weigh at least 62.5 g in total, whatever the number of pieces. Lighter samples bring up lo ut; choose a bigger sample size and try again. The unit weight stays in memory after power-off, and the scale counts up to 96,000 pieces. For bins of tiny fasteners, see our counting scale buying guide.

HI/OK/LO comparator for checkweighing

Function F6 decides when the scale compares: 0 off (factory setting), 1 all data, 2 data above +4 or below -4 divisions, 3 all stable data, 4 stable data above +4 or below -4 divisions. To set limits, choose lb, oz or kg and hold MODE until the upper limit appears. ZERO picks the digit and PRINT raises it (it also toggles a minus sign). MODE stores the upper limit and moves to the lower limit; MODE again stores it and returns to weighing.

Limits are entered without the decimal point and apply in weighing and counting, so a value of 001000 reads 10.00 lb in Normal and 1,000 pcs in counting; check the display after you switch units. Results show as HI, OK or LO, and with the FG-24 option they drive a relay for a stack light or reject gate. More ideas in our checkweigher scale guide.

Function settings (F1 to F8)

Turn the scale off, hold ZERO and press ON/OFF. PRINT changes the value, MODE moves to the next item, and at end one more press of MODE stores everything and restarts the scale. Turn it off before that and nothing changes.

Function	Settings (factory setting in bold)
F1 Auto power-off	0 off · 1 on battery only · 2 on battery and AC adapter
F2 Display resolution	0 Normal (1/3,000) · 1 High · 2 Higher
F3 Unit at power-on	0 lb · 1 oz · 2 kg
F4 Baud rate	0 2400 bps · 1 4800 bps · 2 9600 bps
F5 Data output	0 stream · 1 command · 2 PRINT key · 3 auto-print +/- data · 4 auto-print + data
F6 Comparator	0 off · 1 to 4 as described above
F7 Filter	0 fast · 1 normal · 2 slow (for vibration or drafts)
F8 Command reply	0 reply sent · 1 no reply except Q

RS-232C, relay and display options

A&D option (not included)	What it adds
FG-23 (OP-23)	RS-232C interface for a printer or PC
FG-24 (OP-24)	RS-232C plus a solid-state HI/OK/LO relay output (50 V DC, 100 mA)
FG-25	Display wall-mount bracket
FG-26	Carrying handle
AD-8121B	Compact dot-matrix printer
AD-8951	Comparator light; needs the FG-24 and cable AX-KO1557-W200

The interface board fits the option slot under the display pod and brings out a DIN 8-pin connector. A&D’s 2 m cables run to a 9-pin D-Sub (AX-KO1786-200) or a 25-pin D-Sub (AX-KO577A-200). Data goes out at the F4 baud rate, 7 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit, in ASCII ending in CR LF, with headers ST (stable), QT (stable count), US (unstable) and OL (over range). In command mode the scale answers Q (send the reading), Z (zero) and T (tare). For USB-only computers, see how to connect a scale to a computer.

Batteries and power

Slide off the battery cover, push the battery case into the display pod to release it, fit four new C cells with the polarity shown in the case and push it back. Replace all four together when lb0 appears, never mix old and new cells or battery types, and take them out if the scale will sit unused. lb1 means the AC supply is low; check that the adapter matches your outlet. With F1 at 1 the scale switches itself off after about five minutes at zero on batteries.

FG-60KBM error codes

Display	Meaning	What to do
E	Overload	Take the load off; it is over 150 lb
-E	Strong upward force on the weight sensor	Check that the pan is not touching anything and nothing is lodged in the base
------	Unstable, or load outside the power-on zero range	Clear the pan, stop drafts or vibration and turn on again
lo ut	Counting sample too light	Use a bigger sample (62.5 g or more)
lb0	Batteries low	Fit four new C cells or plug in the AC adapter
lb1	AC power low	Check the adapter and outlet
err13	Memory write error	Turn the power off, then repeat the setting; if it returns, the scale needs service

If an error will not clear, our repair bench can help. Codes for other brands are in our scale error codes guide, and drifting readings are covered in scale will not zero or keeps drifting.

FG-60KBM calibration: 150 lb span, step by step

The FG-60KBM calibrates with an external weight through a CAL switch on the board inside the display pod. Loosen the lock screws on the rear of the pod and remove the CAL switch cover. A&D notes that on the low-profile FG-KB models you can lift off the weighing pan first to reach the lock screws more easily. Press the switch with a fingertip; A&D warns a ballpoint pen can short the board.

1. Warm up for at least 30 minutes with nothing on the pan. Set F1 to 0, or leave something on the pan during warm-up, so auto power-off does not interrupt.
2. Select lb or kg. Calibration will not start in oz or pcs.
3. Enter calibration: hold the CAL switch until Cal 0 appears, then release it.
4. Zero: with the pan empty and STABLE lit, press MODE. The scale stores zero and shows 5pn 1 with the span value: 150.00 in lb or 60.00 in kg.
5. Change the value if needed: ZERO picks the blinking digit and PRINT raises it until the display matches the weight you have.
6. Span: center the weight on the pan, wait for STABLE and press MODE. end appears.
7. Finish: remove the weight, turn the scale off, refit the CAL switch cover and tighten the lock screws.

To zero-calibrate only, turn the power off at 5pn 1. A value changed in step 5 is cleared at power-off, so the next calibration starts again at 150 lb or 60 kg. Our technicians calibrate at or near capacity so the whole range is checked; our calibration weight classes guide explains which weight class suits a 150 lb bench scale, and we stock calibration weights.

After calibrating, check a load near half capacity and one at the low end of your range, then move the weight to each corner of the pan; readings should agree. Our scale tolerance calculator shows acceptable error for your division size. If you cannot use a weight after a move, the FG-K series lets you enter the local gravity value from the map at the back of the manual instead; that procedure and the weight choices are covered in our FG-K calibration guide for the FG-150KAL, which uses the same keys.

FG-60KBM vs FG-30KBM, FG-150KBM and FG-60KAM

All four share the 11.8 x 15 inch pan, the manual and the keys. Capacity sets the steps, the counting minimums and the calibration weight:

Model (our listing)	Capacity	Steps in lb (Normal / High / Higher)	Min. counting sample	Calibration weight	Display
FG-30KBM	60 lb / 30 kg	0.02 / 0.01 / 0.005	25 g	60 lb / 30 kg	On the base
FG-60KBM	150 lb / 60 kg	0.05 / 0.02 / 0.01	62.5 g	150 lb / 60 kg	On the base
FG-150KBM	300 lb / 150 kg	0.1 / 0.05 / 0.02	125 g	300 lb / 150 kg	On the base
FG-60KAM	150 lb / 60 kg	0.05 / 0.02 / 0.01	62.5 g	150 lb / 60 kg	On a column

• FG-60KBM vs FG-30KBM: the FG-30KBM reads finer (0.005 lb in Higher) and counts lighter parts (25 g sample, 0.25 g unit weight), but stops at 60 lb. Pick the FG-60KBM when cartons or totes go over 60 lb.
• FG-60KBM vs FG-150KBM: the FG-150KBM doubles capacity to 300 lb at coarser steps. Stay with the FG-60KBM if your loads stay under 150 lb and you want 0.01 lb steps.
• FG-60KBM vs FG-60KAM: same scale and numbers; the FG-60KAM lifts the display onto a column so it stays readable under a large box.

FG-60KBM vs FG-60KBMN for selling by weight

The FG-60KBM is the high-resolution model for weighing your own shipments, inventory and production. A&D’s FG series holds NTEP Certificate of Conformance 05-101A1, Accuracy Class III, listed as Active on NCWM’s certificate search on November 1, 2026. The certificate lists the 60 kg low-profile model at 150 lb x 0.05 lb (60 kg x 0.02 kg, nmax 3,000), with a wire security seal through two thumb screws on the rear of the display that blocks access to the calibration switch. For charging by weight, choose the A&D FG-60KBMN, the NTEP version on the same low-profile base. Our what is NTEP guide explains the approval.

Texas note: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.

Not sure your use counts as trade? Try our free legal-for-trade scale checker, or ask about our legal-for-trade calibration for commercial scales in Texas.

Who uses the FG-60KBM

• Shipping and receiving: parcels and totes up to 150 lb on a bench where a column would get in the way.
• Warehouses and kitting: cycle counts and kit checks with counting mode and the comparator.
• Food plants and production lines: in-house portion and pack checks with HI/OK/LO limits.
• Plastics, chemicals and oil and gas suppliers: weighing drums of small parts, resin bags and sample containers for internal records.

Setup tips from our technicians

• Our TDA-registered technicians see the steadiest readings when the base sits on the floor or a heavy bench, not a rolling cart that flexes.
• Keep the display pod clear of the box; on the low-profile base an oversized carton can hide the display, so consider the FG-25 wall bracket (not included) or the column model.
• Raise the filter to F7-2 beside conveyors, forklifts or fans.
• Check under the pan edge for packing peanuts, tape and debris; anything pushing on the pan shows as -E or a zero that wanders.
• Clean with a soft cloth dampened with mild detergent; skip organic solvents.
• Recalibrate after every move; our how often should a scale be calibrated guide sets a schedule for busy shipping benches.

Common mistakes we see

• Expecting 0.01 lb steps with the factory High setting; set F2 to 2.
• Storing a counting sample under 62.5 g, which brings up lo ut.
• Trying to calibrate in oz or pcs; switch to lb or kg first.
• Pressing MODE before STABLE lights at zero or span.
• Changing settings and switching off before end, which keeps the old settings.
• Ordering both the FG-23 and FG-24; only one fits at a time.

Browse all A&D bench scales and shipping bench scales, or compare models in our best shipping scale for small business guide.

Calibration, repair and rentals from MNM Scales

• Book calibration: our scale calibration service in Houston lists every tier. The FG-60KBM (60 kg) is in the 35 to 150 kg tier: in-house calibration with a certificate or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate; see the current rate on each listing. See NIST vs in-house certificates.
• Mail-in calibration: pack the scale in its original packing, as A&D recommends, and ship it with the mail-in calibration service.
• Cypress pickup by appointment: drop off or pick up at our Cypress, TX shop (21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433).
• On-site service: on-site calibration is $295 plus $2 per mile, round trip, once per visit, plus the calibration fee for each scale. Our TDA-registered technicians bring certified test weights to shipping docks, warehouses, food plants and production lines across the Houston area.
• Repair: load cell, cable, display and keypad problems go to our scale repair bench.
• Rentals: we rent all types of scales; ask about a scale rental while yours is in for service.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the A&D FG-60KBM manual?

A&D publishes one instruction manual for the FG-K series (WM+PD4000966), which covers the FG-60KBM, as a PDF, with specifications on its FG-K series page. This guide collects the FG-60KBM numbers from it.

Why does my FG-60KBM read in 0.02 lb steps instead of 0.01 lb?

The factory setting is High resolution (150 x 0.02 lb). Turn the scale off, hold ZERO and press ON/OFF, press MODE to reach F2, press PRINT until it reads 2 (Higher, 150 x 0.01 lb), then press MODE through to end and once more to store.

How do I calibrate the A&D FG-60KBM?

Warm it up for 30 minutes in lb or kg, open the CAL switch cover on the rear of the display pod and hold the CAL switch until Cal 0 shows. With the pan empty press MODE, place 150 lb (60 kg) or the value you set, and press MODE again. When end shows, remove the weight and turn the scale off.

What weight do I need to calibrate the FG-60KBM?

The factory value is 150 lb or 60 kg, full capacity. You can enter another value at the 5pn 1 step with ZERO and PRINT and place a weight that matches it.

What is the difference between the FG-60KBM and FG-30KBM?

The FG-30KBM weighs up to 60 lb in steps down to 0.005 lb and counts from a 25 g sample; the FG-60KBM weighs up to 150 lb in steps down to 0.01 lb and needs a 62.5 g sample. Both use the same 11.8 x 15 inch pan, keys and manual.

How do I count parts on the FG-60KBM?

Select pcs with MODE, hold MODE, choose 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 pieces with PRINT, place that many pieces and press MODE. The sample must weigh at least 62.5 g; the scale counts up to 96,000 pieces.

Can the FG-60KBM connect to a computer or printer?

Yes, with the A&D FG-23 RS-232C interface or the FG-24 RS-232C and relay interface (not included) in the option slot. The factory setting is 2400 bps, 7 bits, even parity, and the scale accepts the Q, Z and T commands.

Is the FG-60KBM legal for trade?

The FG-60KBM is the high-resolution model for in-house weighing. For charging by weight, choose the FG-60KBMN, the NTEP version on the same base, which reads 150 x 0.05 lb under NTEP CC 05-101A1.