Accurate Weighing Systems Inc (AWS) has developed a low-cost, general purpose onboard scale and weighing system for forklifts.

The "Weigh-On The-Way" scale will be marketed by American Forklift Scales, a division of AWS, said president Robert Bushong.

"Electronic onboard vehicle scales for forklifts typically have been difficult to install or confusing for a driver to operate," he said. "The new system makes warehouse and loading weighing functions easy, reliable and inexpensive."

The scale uses solid-state load sensors to detect the weight on a forklift's forks. The weight information is converted and processed by a microcomputer for the operator to read or for transmission to the fleet manager.

Established in 1971, AWS has been providing electronic onboard vehicle scales and weighing systems since 1979.