Weight scale for a hydraulic loader and related method

Abstract

A weight scale for a loader operated by a hydraulic system incorporated in equipment and a related method are provided. The scale includes a pressure gauge installed in a hydraulic line of the hydraulic system. The gauge may either be located at a loader boom or the tractor instrument panel. The gauge includes an adjustable pointer to correspond the gauge to the tare weight of the particular loaded it is applied to; a calibration factor which allows the operator to convert from the pressure reading on the gauge to a weight value in pounds or kilograms; and a safety line for warning the operator when the safe load limit of the loader is being surpassed. The method includes the steps of: lifting an object on the loader; sensing the pressure exerted in the system by the gauge when the object is lifted by the loader; displaying the pressure; and converting the pressure displayed to a weight value based on the predetermined calibration factor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.