KERN HFC 5T-3 5 t Crane Scale with Radio Hand-Held Display

Compact 5 tonne crane scale with a wireless hand-held readout

The KERN HFC 5T-3 is a strain-gauge crane scale (tensile force gauge) with a weighing capacity of 5000 kg and a readability of 2 kg. The load unit hangs between a top loop and a bottom hook, while the result is shown on a separate hand-held display device with an integrated radio module. According to the KERN brochure the operator can read the weight at a distance of up to 20 m, which keeps people out from under a suspended load and helps when the load unit sits in poor lighting or behind a structure.

Typical jobs are goods-in checks at freight centres and ports, load verification on building sites, weighing pipe bundles or spools before a lift, and installing the scale in systems where space is limited. The brochure describes the housing as compact and the load cell as stainless steel, silicone-coated, for harsh environmental conditions. The unit carries the TÜV certification mark and, per KERN, meets EN 13155 (non-fixed load lifting attachments, breakage resistance) and EN 61010-1 (electrical safety).

Key features from the KERN datasheet and brochure

• Hand-held display device with radio module, 8 keys, backlit LCD (60 x 40 mm screen, 23 mm digits) and a hand strap supplied as standard.
• Peak load display (peak hold) captures the highest force reached during a lift.
• Hold function freezes the result for easy reading; tare resets the display to zero with a load on the scale so later additions or removals are shown directly.
• Sum memory function (Sum A) and tolerance weighing with acoustic and visual signals.
• Weighing units kg, lb and N; internal measuring frequency 10 Hz; stabilization time 2 s.
• Mains power supply and NiMH rechargeable operation; battery operating time 40 h, rechargeable pack 24 h with backlight on and 30 h with backlight off.

Technical specification

Selection and ordering guide

The HFC series covers five capacities, so the first step is to pick the nearest Max above the heaviest expected load. Values below are from the KERN model overview; choose the readability that suits the tolerance of the job.

Optional services listed on the datasheet are adjustment at the place of installation (961-252), a DAkkS calibration certificate (963-132H) and a certificate of conformity (969-517, in combination with DAkkS calibration).

Installation and operation notes

Mount the load unit with suitable shackles or hooks through the 30 mm loop and hook holes and let the load hang freely; the scale measures along the line between loop and hook. Allow the 10 min warm-up before critical readings, adjust with an external 3000 kg reference (M3) when accuracy must be demonstrated, and keep the display device within radio range of 20 m. The datasheet limits operation to 5-35 degrees C and 80 % humidity, so in Gulf summer conditions keep the unit and its display in shade between lifts; this is a general site precaution derived from the printed temperature limit, not a KERN statement.

Applications in industrial and GCC settings

Where offshore supply bases, yards and port laydown areas need quick load checks, a 5 t crane scale with a wireless readout lets the rigger confirm a package weight before the crane takes it. Other uses are checking cable drums on construction projects, verifying skid or pallet weights in freight centres and confirming counterweights on temporary structures. The scale is not marked for hazardous areas in the documents we reviewed, so it should not be taken into Zone areas without a separate assessment.

Accessories and related items

KERN lists a bottom-side hook YHA-03, a shackle YSC-01 and two rechargeable battery packs, HFA-A01 (NiMH 3.6 V, 1,800 mAh) and HFC-A01 (NiMH 7.2 V, 2,000 mAh). For other weighing tasks browse our portable test and measurement instruments.

Calibration note

Check the scale regularly with a known test load, and arrange calibration where the readings are used for trade or quality records.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum load and resolution of the KERN HFC 5T-3?
The weighing capacity is 5000 kg with a readability of 2 kg and 2,500 resolution steps, according to the KERN technical data.

How far away can the display be read?
The hand-held display has an integrated radio module with a range of 20 m per the brochure, which lets the operator stand clear of the load.

Which units and functions does it offer?
It weighs in kg, lb and N and offers hold, peak load display, tare, sum memory and tolerance weighing with acoustic and visual signals.

What temperature range is permitted?
The datasheet lists 5 to 35 degrees C ambient, humidity up to 80 % and storage from -20 to 60 degrees C.

Is it approved for explosive atmospheres?
No such approval is printed in the datasheet or brochure we reviewed, so verify any hazardous-area need with the manufacturer before ordering.