OEM Construction Solutions
Custom OEM Weighing Solutions for Heavy Machinery Construction
Construction equipment operates in unforgiving environments where safety is paramount. Overloading, instability, and tip-over incidents can endanger workers, halt projects, and result in costly equipment damage. VPG Force Sensors delivers tailored OEM load cell and force transducer solutions engineered specifically for heavy machinery manufacturers who demand precision, reliability, and compliance. With decades of proven experience partnering with industry leaders like Volvo Construction Equipment, we design and manufacture custom weighing systems that integrate seamlessly into forklifts, telehandlers, aerial work platforms, loaders, and cranes — ensuring operators work within safe load limits while maximizing productivity and meeting stringent global safety standards.
Why Leading Construction OEMs Choose VPG Force Sensors
Custom Engineering Excellence
Every machine has unique sensing requirements. Our expert engineering team specializes in designing fully customized force measurement solutions tailored to your exact specifications — from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and volume production.
Overload Prevention & Safety Compliance
Built-in safety features with real-time load monitoring prevent dangerous overload conditions and tip-over incidents. Our solutions meet EN 15000, EN 280, EN 474-3, ANSI/SAIA A92, ANSI B56, and other critical international standards.
Unmatched Accuracy & Stability
Strain gage-based sensors deliver precise measurements that remain stable under extreme vibration, shock, temperature fluctuations, and harsh environmental conditions — ensuring consistent performance throughout the equipment lifecycle.
Seamless Integration
Compact designs with multiple output options (CAN J1939, CANopen, analog mV/V, 4-20mA) integrate effortlessly into your existing control systems. Embedded electronics save space while embedded amplifiers reduce wiring complexity.
Complete In-House Capabilities
From strain gage design and manufacturing to sensor production, electronics development, and ongoing technical support — everything is handled under one roof at our ISO 9001 certified facilities for consistent quality and faster time-to-market.
Proven Durability
IP68 environmental sealing, EDOC protective coatings, and rugged construction ensure long-term reliability in mud, dust, moisture, and temperature extremes — reducing maintenance costs and warranty claims while maximizing uptime.
Tailored Solutions Through Collaborative Engineering
At VPG Force Sensors, customization is our standard approach. We don't offer one-size-fits-all products — we partner with you to develop precision sensing solutions that match your equipment's exact performance, space, and integration requirements. Our structured development process transforms your sensing challenges into production-ready solutions optimized for your specific machines.
Our 6-Step Development Process
Step 1:
Requirements Analysis Define goals, forces, accuracy, space, outputs, and environment
Step 2:
Custom Design Material selection, geometry, electronics, and firmware development
Step 3:
Prototyping & Testing Lab verification, environmental testing, field validation
Step 4:
Production Engineering Tooling, assembly processes, calibration, quality control
Step 5:
Volume Manufacturing Serial production and delivery to your facility
Step 6:
Lifecycle Support Ongoing technical assistance and optimization
Industry-Specific Applications for Heavy Construction Equipment
VPG Force Sensors solutions are proven across the full spectrum of construction and material handling equipment:
Forklifts & Material Handlers - Onboard Weighing & Load Optimization
Application: Integrated load cells measure fork loads in real-time, preventing overload conditions and ensuring stable operation during lifting and transport.
Key Benefits:
- Prevent tip-over incidents from excessive loads
- Optimize material handling efficiency
- Track payload data for fleet management
- Meet ANSI B56 safety requirements
Telehandlers - Longitudinal Load Moment Limiters
Real-World Solution: Our EN 15000-compliant extensometer-based system with Model 182 sensors continuously monitors rear axle strain to prevent instability during telescopic boom operation.
Key Benefits:
- Automatic shutdown when load limits exceeded
- Dual-channel redundancy for continuous monitoring
- Integrated cab display for operator awareness
- CAN bus integration with machine ECU
Aerial Work Platforms - Platform Load & Mast Monitoring
Innovation Highlight: Our two-in-one force sensor solution — featuring dual outputs from a single sensor body — enables boom lifts and scissor lifts to meet EN 280/EN 13849 PLd safety standards cost-effectively.
Key Benefits:
- Monitor platform load and mast lift simultaneously
- Prevent instability from weight distribution issues
- Compact design fits space-constrained installations
- CAN bus output for advanced diagnostics
Wheel Loaders & Excavators - Bucket & Attachment Load Sensing
Application: Force sensors in hydraulic cylinders and structural joints provide accurate bucket load measurements for productivity tracking and overload prevention.
Key Benefits:
- Real-time load feedback to operators
- Prevent structural damage from overloading
- Optimize loading cycles and fuel efficiency
- Support automated weighing functions
Mobile Cranes - Load Moment Indicators & Safety Systems
Application: Multi-point load sensing with our LMI plates and load pins monitor boom angle, extension, and load weight to prevent dangerous operating conditions.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive load moment calculation
- Visual and audible overload warnings
- Automatic function lockout at limits
- Regulatory compliance documentation
Case study: Aerial Work Platform Safety: Cost-Effective Compliance Solution
The Challenge: When EU safety standards (EN280/EN13849) were updated, aerial work platform (AWP) manufacturers faced stricter requirements for monitoring platform loads and mast lift forces.
A leading AWP manufacturer's existing analog pressure sensor was no longer sufficient. Their initial solution—a double shaft with four strain gauge sensors and CAN bus output—was too expensive for their market. Alternative designs with pressure sensors under the mast created problematic cabling issues.
The Solution: Innovative Two-in-One Force Sensor
VPG Force Sensors developed a breakthrough design combining two sensors into one unit:
- Single sensor body with two Wheatstone bridges
- One CAN bus board with two separated output channels
- One cable exit
- Based on proven double-ended shear beam load cell technology
Benefits:
✓ Compliance: Meets highest safety level (PLd/EN13849)
✓ Cost-effective: Significantly reduces hardware costs versus four-sensor design
✓ Accurate: Improved force measurement at platform-mast junction
✓ Simplified installation: Eliminates complex cabling
This solution enables AWP manufacturers to meet updated safety standards while staying within budget.
Get Expert Guidance for Your Application
Finding the right load cell for your system requires careful consideration of capacity, accuracy, environment, and installation factors. Our experienced engineers are ready to help you choose the optimal solution.
