Hydraulic Weighing Pressure Sensor | Forklift & Excavator Scales | PF400
The PF400 Series (PF401 / PF402) is a compact, high-precision weighing pressure sensor engineered specifically for hydraulic loading equipment such as forklifts, excavators, and wheel loaders. Featuring a metal-based sensing chip welded in an all-stainless steel body, it offers high accuracy up to 0.2% FS for both static and dynamic weight measurement.
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Primary Applications: Forklifts, excavator buckets, wheel loaders, dynamic truck weighing.
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Accuracy & Stability: High precision up to 0.2% FS with 0.2% FS/year long-term stability.
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Outputs Available: 4-20 mA current loop or raw mV signal.
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Connector Options: M12x1, Packard, Hirschmann, AMP, or direct cable outlet.
Description
High-Precision Hydraulic Load Monitoring for Construction & Mobile Machinery
Accurate payload monitoring on active hydraulic machinery demands a sensor that withstands continuous vibration, sudden pressure spikes, and harsh weather. The PF400 Series converts hydraulic cylinder pressure into precise weight data, making it ideal for determining fork loads, excavator bucket weights, and trade-related mobile weighing tasks.
Built with a solid, all-welded stainless steel enclosure rated to IP65/IP67, the PF400 operates reliably under heavy vibration (up to 20g random vibration) and thermal extremes from -40°C to +105°C. With a burst pressure tolerance up to 2000% and safe overload margin up to 200%, it prevents mechanical failure caused by hydraulic shock loads.
Typical Applications
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Forklifts & Material Handling: Real-time load weight measurement directly on forklift hydraulic forks to prevent tipping and optimize warehouse loading.
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Excavators & Wheel Loaders: Dynamic payload calculation in bucket lifting cylinders for mining, earthmoving, and construction volume tracking.
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On-Board Truck Weighing: Hydraulic lift and tipper truck payload monitoring to ensure compliance with legal road axle limits.
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Agricultural & Municipal Machinery: Load monitoring on tractor front-loaders, garbage compactors, and automated hydraulic lifts.
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Trade & Industrial Scales: High-accuracy static and dynamic weight determination for specialized hydraulic weighing instruments.
Features
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High Measurement Accuracy: Up to 0.2% FS accuracy class suitable for dynamic and static weighing tasks.
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Built for Mobile Hydraulics: Specifically designed for dynamic pressure changes in excavators, forklifts, and loaders.
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Extreme Shock & Vibration Resistance: Tested up to 50g shock (11 ms) and 20g random vibration.
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Rugged All-Welded Housing: IP65/IP67 rated 17-4PH stainless steel body with no organic seals.
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High Overload Capacity: 200% safe overload rating and burst pressure resistance up to 2000% (<= 400 MPa).
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Fast Dynamic Response: Response time under 1 ms for real-time onboard weight calculations.
Specification
| Feature | Technical Specification |
| Model Types |
PF401 (mV output) / PF402 (amplified output) |
| Measuring Ranges |
1.6 MPa to 10.0 MPa (16 bar to 100 bar) / 16 MPa to 60 MPa (160 bar to 600 bar) |
| Accuracy Class |
+/- 0.2% FS / +/- 0.3% FS |
| Overload Pressure |
200% FS (150% FS for 100 MPa range) |
| Burst Pressure |
1000% to 2000% FS (<= 400 MPa) |
| Response Time |
< 1 ms |
| Output Signals |
4-20 mA, mV raw signal |
| Power Supply |
8-32 VDC (4-20 mA) / 5 VDC (mV signal) |
| Long-Term Stability |
+/- 0.2% FS / year |
| Operating / Medium Temp. |
-40°C to +105°C |
| IP Rating |
IP65, IP67 |
| Sensing Material |
17-4PH Stainless Steel |
| Vibration / Shock Rating |
Vibration: 20g (GB/T2423.56) / Shock: 50g, 11 ms |
| Pressure Connections |
G1/4″, G1/8″, G1/2″, M14x1.5, M12x1.5, M10x1, M8x1.25 female |
| Electrical Connections |
M12x1, Direct Cable, Packard, Hirschmann, AMP |
FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between the PF401 and PF402 models? A: The PF401 delivers a raw millivolt (mV) output signal, ideal for integration with specialized weighing indicators or custom telemetry systems. The PF402 includes internal signal conditioning providing an amplified 4-20 mA output with adjustment capabilities.
Q: How is the PF400 sensor installed on a forklift or excavator? A: The sensor threads directly into the hydraulic line or cylinder port of the lifting mechanism. As the hydraulic fluid pressure changes based on the load lifted, the PF400 measures the pressure and sends the signal to an onboard display unit to compute the payload weight.
Q: Can this sensor handle sudden hydraulic hammer or heavy mechanical shocks? A: Yes. The PF400 features a solid internal design tested to 50g shock and 20g vibration, along with a 200% safe overload margin and up to 2000% burst pressure rating.
Q: What thread and connector options are available? A: Standard pressure ports include G1/4″, G1/2″, G1/8″, M14x1.5, M12x1.5, M10x1, and M8x1.25 female threads. Electrical connections include M12x1, Packard, Hirschmann, AMP connectors, or direct cable outlets.
