Scale Kit Guide: How to Build or Rebuild a Floor Scale with a Load Cell Kit
Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 2, 2026 · Prices checked November 2, 2026
Short answer: a scale kit has the parts that turn your own platform into a floor scale: four load cells, a junction box, an indicator, cable, feet and mounting hardware. You supply the platform, which is not included. The MNM Scales 5,000 lb floor scale kit is $189, the 10,000 lb kit is $239, and the MNM Scales MS-20k builds a 20,000 lb scale on four 10,000 lb load cells with an LP7515 indicator, at $399. Call (832) 290-3120 and tell us what you weigh and the size of your platform.
This guide is for shops, farms, warehouses and maintenance teams that want to build a floor scale to a custom size, put a scale under an existing deck or frame, or rebuild a worn floor scale. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas. If you would rather buy a finished pallet scale, start with our floor scale buying guide.
What comes in a floor scale kit
- Four load cells: one under each corner of the platform. The MNM Scales kits use shear beam load cells, and the 5,000 and 10,000 lb kits list a 3.0 mV/V rated output, as do the Brecknell kits.
- Junction box: joins the four load cell cables into one and has a trim adjustment for each cell, so every corner reads the same. See our load cell junction box guide.
- Indicator: the display and keypad that powers the load cells and shows the weight, with RS-232 output on every kit below.
- Cable, feet and hardware: the cable from the junction box to the indicator, four leveling feet and the hardware to mount the cells.
- Platform (not included): you build or supply the steel deck or frame that sits on the load cells.
How to choose a scale kit
- Decide what you weigh. Pallets, drums, carts, equipment or animals each set the platform size and the capacity.
- Pick the capacity. Choose a kit rated above your heaviest load plus the weight of the platform itself, and leave room for loads that land off center.
- Size the platform. The deck has to be stiff enough not to flex under the load and large enough for the item to sit fully on it.
- Choose the indicator. The MNM Scales 5,000 and 10,000 lb kits use an LCD indicator with battery and AC adapter, the MS-20k uses an LP7515 indicator, and the Brecknell kits use a bright red LED display with counting, totaling and check weighing. See our scale indicator buying guide.
- Measure the cable runs. The MNM Scales 5,000 and 10,000 lb kits ship with a 15 ft cable and the Brecknell kits with an 18 ft cable; plan where the indicator mounts.
- Plan calibration. A new kit scale is calibrated with test weights after it is installed on its platform.
Capacity: 5,000, 10,000 or 20,000 lb
The capacity of a four-cell scale comes from its load cells. The 5,000 lb kit and Brecknell 5,000 lb kit suit carts, drums, small pallets and animal platforms. The 10,000 lb kit and Brecknell 10,000 lb kit cover most pallet and warehouse loads. The MNM Scales MS-20k uses four 10,000 lb shear beam load cells for a 20,000 lb system, for heavy equipment, large crates and strong frames. In every case the platform sets how evenly the load reaches the cells, so a stiff, flat deck matters as much as the rating.
Building the platform
- Stiff frame: build a welded steel frame and deck that does not bend under the full load.
- Flat mounting points: mount each load cell on a flat, square pad at the corners so all four carry the load.
- Level, solid floor: set the scale on level concrete and adjust the four feet so each one bears weight.
- Clearance: leave a gap around the deck so it never rubs a wall, ramp or pit edge.
- Protect the cables: route the load cell and indicator cables where wheels and forks cannot crush them.
Rebuilding a worn floor scale with a kit
A kit can bring an older floor scale back into service on its existing deck. Replacing all four load cells, the junction box and the indicator at once gives the scale matched new parts. If only one part has failed, you can replace a single cell from our load cells; our load cell buying guide explains ratings and mounting. Kits with the LP7515 indicator are covered in our LP7515 calibration guide. Not sure what has failed? Our technicians repair the brands we sell and can test the cells and indicator first.
Scale kits for animals and loaders
Barn and ranch platforms use the same parts. For horses, see our horse scale guide; for load bars and cells under a chute, see our cattle chute scale guide; and for goats, sheep and pigs, see our small livestock scale guide. The MNM Scales livestock scale kit ships with four 5,000 lb shear beam load cells at $238. Weighing on a forklift or loader uses a different system; see our loader and forklift scale guide.
Scale kits in stock
| Kit | Capacity | Load cells | Indicator and parts | Platform | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MNM Scales 5,000 lb floor scale kit | 5,000 lb | Four shear beam, 3.0 mV/V, 15 ft cables | LCD indicator with RS-232, battery, AC adapter and wall stand; four-channel trim junction box; four leveling feet; 15 ft quick-disconnect cable | Not included | $189 |
| MNM Scales 10,000 lb floor scale kit | 10,000 lb | Four shear beam, 3.0 mV/V, 15 ft cables | LCD indicator with RS-232, battery, AC adapter and wall stand; four-channel trim junction box; four leveling feet; 15 ft quick-disconnect cable | Not included | $239 |
| MNM Scales MS-20k | 20,000 lb | Four 10,000 lb shear beam | LP7515 indicator with RS-232C, junction box, four feet, hardware and cable | Not included | $399 |
| Brecknell 5,000 lb floor scale kit | 5,000 lb (2,500 kg) | Four nickel-plated alloy steel, 3.0 mV/V, 19 ft cables | SBI-505 six-digit red LED indicator with RS-232 and wall stand; stainless junction box and feet; 18 ft braided cable | Not included | $599 |
| Brecknell 10,000 lb floor scale kit | 10,000 lb (5,000 kg) | Four nickel-plated alloy steel, 3.0 mV/V, 19 ft cables | SBI-505 six-digit red LED indicator with RS-232 and wall stand; stainless junction box and feet; 18 ft braided cable | Not included | $499 |
| MNM Scales livestock scale kit | Depends on the platform | Four 5,000 lb shear beam | LCD indicator with RS-232C | Not included | $238 |
Setup tips and common mistakes
- Mount the cells the right way up: follow the load direction marked on each load cell.
- Check every corner: after wiring, place the same weight on each corner in turn and trim the junction box until the readings match.
- Tighten and seal: close the junction box cover fully and keep the cable glands tight against dust and water.
- Keep it clear underneath: debris or ice under the frame binds the scale and causes errors.
- Zero before use: zero the empty platform before the first weighing of the day.
- Calibrate after installation: calibrate the finished scale with test weights on its platform; our floor scale calibration guide walks through the corner test.
Rules: scale kits and legal-for-trade use
A scale built from a kit suits in-house weighing such as inventory, batching, shipping estimates and animal records. 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. Any scale used to buy or sell by weight has to be legal for trade, and we recommend NTEP models for that use, so choose a complete NTEP floor scale for trade weighing. Our TDA-registered technicians can check your use; see our NTEP guide and our TDA scale certification guide.
Calibration and rental
- Floor scales built from a kit (over 150 kg capacity): order in-house calibration with a certificate or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate; call us for current calibration pricing.
- On-site service: a scale built on your own platform is calibrated where it sits. On-site service is $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, with calibration charged per scale; see on-site calibration in Houston and our scale calibration service in Houston.
- Certificates: see NIST vs in-house certificates and how to calibrate a floor scale.
- Mail-in, repairs and rentals: send an indicator for mail-in calibration, have us repair the brands we sell, and rent all types of scales while yours is being built or rebuilt.
Building or rebuilding a scale? Tell us the platform size, the heaviest load and whether you are starting fresh or replacing worn parts. We will match the kit and quote calibration. Shop: 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, visits by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a scale kit?
A scale kit is the set of parts that turns your own platform into a scale: four load cells, a junction box, an indicator, cable, leveling feet and mounting hardware. The platform is not included.
What capacity scale kit do I need?
Choose a kit rated above your heaviest load plus the weight of the platform. We stock 5,000 lb, 10,000 lb and 20,000 lb floor scale kits.
Can I use a kit to rebuild my old floor scale?
Yes. A kit replaces the load cells, junction box and indicator on an existing deck. If only one part has failed, we can test the scale and replace just that part.
Does a scale built from a kit need calibration?
Yes. Calibrate the finished scale with test weights on its platform after installation. We offer in-house, mail-in and on-site calibration.
Can a kit scale be used to sell by weight?
Any scale used to buy or sell by weight has to be legal for trade, and we recommend NTEP models for that use. For trade weighing, choose a complete NTEP floor scale; call us and we will match one.
Do you calibrate floor scales in Houston?
Yes. We calibrate floor scales on-site across Greater Houston for $295 + $2 per mile per visit, with calibration charged per scale. Call (832) 290-3120.