Rice Lake DeckHand Manual

DeckHand™
Portable Floor Scale
Installation and
Service Manual
PN 43978 Rev DFebruary 16, 2021

An ISO 9001 registered company
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All rights reserved.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems® is a registered trademark of
Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
All other brand or product names within this publication are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
All information contained within this publication is, to the best of our knowledge, complete and
accurate at the time of publication. Rice Lake Weighing Systems reserves the right to make
changes to the technology, features, specifications and design of the equipment without notice.
The most current version of this publication, software, firmware and all other product
updates can be found on our website:
www.ricelake.com

Contents
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved i
Contents
Technical training seminars are available through Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
Course descriptions and dates can be viewed at www.ricelake.com/training
or obtained by calling 715-234-9171 and asking for the training department.
1.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Operating Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.0 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Installing Optional Pivoting Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Mounting and Wiring the Mast and Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4.1 Assembling Mast to Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4.2 Attaching Indicator Bracket to Mast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4.3 Mounting the Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4.4 Wiring Load Cell Cable to Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.5 Configuring the Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.6 Calibrating with Test Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.6.1 Calibration Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.0 Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1 Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Periodic Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 Load Cell Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3.1 Disassembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3.2 Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3.3 Wiring Load Cells into J-Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.3.4 Replacing Deck Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3.5 Corner Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.4 Mounting Indicator Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.5 Ramps and Replacement Load Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.0 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.0 DeckHand Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.0 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

DeckHand Portable Floor Scale
ii Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
Rice Lake continually offers web-based video training on a growing selection
of product-related topics at no cost. Visit www.ricelake.com/webinars

Introduction
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 1
1.0 Introduction
DeckHand™ Portable Floor Scales are fully electronic, NTEP-certified scales. Available in painted steel or stainless steel
construction, these rugged scales come in 500 lb, 1000 lb, and 2000 lb capacities and allow for one-person portability on large
rubber wheels.
The heavy diamond-tread platform is 30-1/2 in x 24-1/4 in (77 cm x 62 cm) with an overall base height of only
4 1/2 in (11 cm). The addition of an optional low-angle ramp allows one person to easily roll on a barrel or wheel on a hand
truck. The free-floating ramp pivots back over the deck and rests on the mast for compact storage or balanced portability.
Figure 1-1. Optional Pivoting Ramp and Indicator
An efficient off-center arrangement of two high-capacity, single-point load cells yields Legal for Trade accuracy. Electronic
components are double-protected from rough use. A RoughDeck™ stainless steel NEMA 4X junction box is further protected
by mounting within the mast. The optional indicator mounts on a swivel bracket high enough on the 59 in (1.50 m) mast to clear
the tallest loads.
In addition to ramps, available options include indicator brackets for the 480/480 Plus, 482/482 Plus, 880/880Plus, and 680
Synergy series indicators. Other indicators can be readily mast-mounted with slight modifications.
Manuals and additional resources are available from the Rice Lake Weighing Systems website at www.ricelake.com
Warranty information can be found on the website at www.ricelake.com/warranties

DeckHand Portable Floor Scale
2Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
1.1 Safety
Safety Signal Definitions:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Includes
hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. Includes
hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could result in damage to equipment or corruption
to and loss of data.
General Safety
Do not operate or work on this equipment unless this manual has been read and all instructions are understood.
Failure to follow the instructions or heed the warnings could result in injury or death. Contact any Rice Lake
Weighing Systems dealer for replacement manuals.
Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death.
Before attempting to operate this unit, make sure every individual who operates or works with this unit has read and understands
the following safety information.
Failure to heed may result in serious injury of death.
DO NOT allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this unit.
DO NOT operate without all shields and guards in place.
DO NOT jump on the scale.
DO NOT use for purposes other then weight taking.
DO NOT place fingers into slots or possible pinch points.
DO NOT use any load bearing component that is worn beyond 5% of the original dimension.
DO NOT use this product if any of the components are cracked.
DO NOT exceed the rated load limit of the unit.
DO NOT make alterations or modifications to the unit.
DO NOT remove or obscure warning labels.
DO NOT use near water.
Before opening the unit, ensure the power cord is disconnected from the outlet.
Keep hands, feet and loose clothing away from moving parts.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
IMPORTANT
WARNING

Introduction
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 3
1.2 Operating Requirements
Electrical Grounding
Rolling or wheeling loads onto the scale can build up large static charges that may damage the attached indicator unless it is
properly grounded to prevent ESD. This is especially true in dry environments where charges drain off slowly, or if wheeling on
materials which already contain a static charge, like rolls of paper or plastic film material that have been recently spooled.
To prevent ESD damage, the indicator requires a three-prong 120 VAC outlet plug with continuous earth ground.
Do not attempt to use the scale with two-prong 120 VAC power without a ground.
Load Cell Excitation
Rated Excitation: 10 VDC
Maximum Excitation: 15 VDC
mV/V Signal Output: 2 mV/V
Grade Level Requirements
The bubble level built into the platform should indicate a level condition in use. On uneven floors, place temporary shims under
feet not contacting the floor.
Safe Static Overloading Capacity
Maximum: 150% of scale capacity
IMPORTANT

DeckHand Portable Floor Scale
4Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
2.0 Installation
2.1 Overview
Assembly of the scale consists of the following steps:
1. Unpacking (Section 2.2)
2. Installing optional pivoting ramp (Section 2.3)
3. Mounting and wiring the mast and indicator (Section 2.4 on page 5)
4. Configuring the indicator (Section 2.5 on page 6)
5. Calibrating the unit with test weights. (Section 2.6 on page 6)
2.2 Unpacking
The standard scale, with no added options, is shipped with load cells and indicator cable pre-wired into the junction box on the
mast. The indicator can be mounted and wired after the mast is in place.
Remove all packing material and inspect base and mast components for visible damage caused during shipment.
2.3 Installing Optional Pivoting Ramp
If the optional ramp is to be installed, set it flat on the floor in position in front of the scale so the holes in the base align with the
holes in the ramp pivot arms.
Figure 2-1. Pivoting Ramp
Insert a shoulder bolt with a single washer through an arm pivot hole. Slide three plastic pivot washers onto the bolt for
clearance between the arm and the base (See Figure 3-5 on page 11). After the bolt engages the threads in the base, tighten
the shoulder bolt snugly. Repeat for the other side.
Shoulder Bolts,
Pivot Washers

Installation
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 5
2.4 Mounting and Wiring the Mast and Indicator
Reference Figure 4-1 on page 12 for graphic of DeckHand parts.
2.4.1 Assembling Mast to Base
Remove back plate from mast. Carefully insert mast into window in base. Align holes and secure with fasteners. Wrap excess
cable around hooks in mast. Re-assemble back plate to mast.
2.4.2 Attaching Indicator Bracket to Mast
The DeckHand is supplied with a swivel bracket for a variety of RLWS indicators. If using a different bracket, bolt it onto the
mounting plate on the mast with the bolts, washers, and nuts provided.
Set the two large plastic pivot washers provided near the thumbscrew bolts used to hold the indicator in the bracket. Put the
bolts and washers within close reach of the bracket—they are needed for the next step.
2.4.3 Mounting the Indicator
Spread the bracket arms enough to slide the indicator between the bracket arms. Line up the bracket holes with the threaded
enclosure holes as in Figure 2-2. Slide a plastic pivot washer between each arm and the indicator enclosure at the holes.
Figure 2-2. Top View of Indicator and Bracket
Insert the thumbscrew bolts through the bracket arms, through the washers, and into the threaded holes of the indicator
enclosure. Tighten bolts snugly so the indicator remains at the desired viewing angle.
2.4.4 Wiring Load Cell Cable to Indicator
The load cell cable from the J-box is pre-wired to the indicator terminal inside the j-box. Attach the loose end of this cable to the
indicator’s load cell input terminal according to the corresponding pin functions on the j-box indicator terminal. When completed,
tighten the cord grip around the cable where it passes through the indicator case.
Plastic Pivot Washer
Swivel Bracket
Threaded Enclosure Hole
Thumbscrew Bolt
Bracket Hole
Load Cell Cable
AC Power
Indicator Enclosure
Mounting Plate

DeckHand Portable Floor Scale
6Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
2.5 Configuring the Indicator
Refer to the indicator manual for information on configuring the indicator for your application.
If using the DeckHand for a Legal for Trade application, do not configure the indicator for more divisions than the NTEP Class III
maximums below:
The following sample configuration parameters will yield those maximum divisions:
2.6 Calibrating with Test Weights
Refer to the indicator operating manual to determine correct calibration procedure. Before beginning calibration, put the scale in
the same temperature environment where it will be used. Power up the indicator so it can warm up for at least 20 minutes
before starting calibration. The scale should be “exercised” before calibration to be certain that everything is seated. Load the
scale to near capacity two or three times.
The following test weights are recommended for the most accurate calibration of the various models:
2.6.1 Calibration Procedure
1. Place scale on level surface and remove all load from scale.
2. Place the indicator in calibration mode and do a zero calibration according to the indicator manual.
3. Place test weights on the platform equal to the value shown in Table 2-3 (75% of the scale’s capacity).
4. Do a span calibration according to the indicator manual.
5. Remove the test weights and check the zero reading.
6. Repeat the calibration process if necessary.
The calibrated DeckHand scale is now ready for operation.
Scale Capacity NTEP Maximum Divisions
500 lb 2500 divisions
1000/2000 lb 2000 divisions
Table 2-1. NTEP Class III Maximum Divisions
Scale Capacity 500 lb 1000 lb 2000 lb
Grads 25,000 20,000 20,000
Decimal Point 0.00 0.00 0.0
Display Divisions 2 5 1
Units Pounds (lb) Pounds (lb) Pounds (lb)
Table 2-2. Sample Configuration
Scale Capacity 500 lb 1000 lb 2000 lb
Test Weights (75%) 375 lb 750 lb 1500 lb
Table 2-3. Sample Configuration