Ever since I decided to get more into scrap metal, I always wanted to
add a weight scale to my 15k forklift, so that I would instantly know
how much am I lifting.

That way I could learn estimating a lot quicker, and also avoid those
overweight truck fines. We almost got his with one, with cops weighing
the rear axles at 33,100 lbs, so close to the 34,000 lbs limit.

The problem was that the scales are expensive, starting from $730 and
up. And all they do is measure the cylinder pressure and convert that
into lbs, according to a linear formula.

So, instead, I took advantage of an opportunity, since the main
cylinder hose on my forklift was leaking a bit and needed to be
replaced. I took a "precision temperature compensated 3,000 PSI
pressure gague", that I had laying around. When replacing the main
hose, I added a tee and hooked up the scale into that.

So, now I always know the main cylinder pressure. I am going to weigh
a few things of known weight (I do have a 10k floor scale, so it not
hard to come up with known weights). Then I would write up a table of
weight/pressure values and run a linear regression, then I would print
out a table with these values. That way we'll know for sure what
weighs how much.

I did hook all of that up yesterday, but did not yet play with this
due to lack of time, but I plan on doing so shortly.

i