Load Cells for Chatillon & Lloyd Instruments
Direct drop-in replacement load cells engineered for Chatillon force gauges, CS/CS2Plus testing machines, and Lloyd materials testing equipment. No rewiring. Same fit, same output.
Quick Summary
- Eight product options covering Chatillon DFE3, DFS-R-ND, DFS II-R-ND, DFS3, DFX, DFX II, TCD Series, and Lloyd machines
- Direct drop-in compatibility—no rewiring or adapter boards required
- Stainless steel construction with standard 350Ω impedance and 10V excitation
- NIST-traceable calibration included with each load cell
- Prices from $200 to $1,550 depending on load range and instrument type
- Ships from Buffalo Grove, Illinois within 5-7 business days
General Specifications
Product Compatibility Matrix
Transcell load cells are engineered as drop-in replacements for the following instruments. Each product is designed to match the original load cell’s electrical and mechanical specifications, ensuring seamless integration into your test system.
| Instrument | Transcell Product | Load Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lloyd Instruments Materials Testing Machines | A1 Series Lloyd Instruments Load Cells | ±10 N to ±100 kN | From $1,550 |
| Chatillon CS and CS2Plus Force Testing Machines | A1 Series Chatillon CS Load Cells | ±2 lbf to ±1,000 lbf | $1,550 |
| Chatillon TCD Series Digital Force Testers | TC-TLC Series Chatillon TCD Load Cells | ±2 lbf to ±1,000 lbf | $1,250 |
| Chatillon DFS-R-ND and DFS II-R-ND Digital Force Gauges | TC-TLC/SLC Series DFS-R-ND / DFS II-R-ND Load Cells | ±2 lbf to ±10,000 lbf | From $1,250 |
| Chatillon DFS3 Force Gauges | TC-DFS3 Chatillon DFS3 Force Gauge Load Cells | ±2 lbf to ±500 lbf | $210 |
| Chatillon DFE3 Force Gauges | TC-DFS3 Chatillon DFE3 Force Gauge Load Cells | ±2 lbf to ±500 lbf | $210 |
| Chatillon DFX II Force Gauges | TS-DFX Chatillon DFX II Force Gauge Load Cells | ±10 lbf to ±200 lbf | $210 |
| Chatillon DFX Force Gauges | TS-DFX Chatillon DFX Force Gauge Load Cells | ±10 lbf to ±200 lbf | $210 |
How Drop-In Replacement Load Cells Work
Replacement load cells restore measurement accuracy to force gauges and testing machines without requiring recalibration of your instrument’s electronics. The load cell transduces mechanical force into an electrical signal proportional to applied load.
Direct Mechanical Fit
Each Transcell replacement load cell is engineered to mount directly into the fixture or housing of the original instrument using the same mounting geometry. No adapter plates or mechanical modification is necessary. The load cell connects to the test specimen or fixture in the same manner as the original.
Upgraded Electronics
Transcell replacement load cells improve on the original Chatillon and Lloyd designs with a new generation of internal electronics. The updated signal conditioning delivers a lower noise floor, reducing measurement scatter and improving resolution on light loads where the original electronics often introduced drift. Response time is faster, with higher sampling rates that capture dynamic force events more accurately during rapid loading or impact tests. Each load cell also includes enhanced safe overload protection, with overload thresholds significantly above the rated capacity to protect against accidental overloads during setup, specimen failure, or unexpected loading events. These improvements come without any change to the electrical interface: the output remains fully compatible with your existing Chatillon or Lloyd indicator, requiring no rewiring or reconfiguration.
Who Uses These Replacement Load Cells
Transcell serves three primary customer segments with specialized needs for instrument restoration and maintenance:
Chatillon Gauge Owners (Research & QA Labs)
Engineers and technicians who rely on Chatillon hand-held force gauges (DFE3, DFS3, DFX series) for point-load testing, component verification, and quality checks. When the original load cell experiences drift or failure, our drop-in replacements restore accuracy without downtime or inventory replacement.
Lloyd Materials Testing Machine Operators
Materials labs and manufacturing QA departments running Lloyd tensile, compression, or bend testing systems. Our replacements support compliance testing (ASTM, ISO) without interrupting calibration chains or requiring electronics modification.
Test Lab Managers & Service Technicians
Facilities that maintain mixed-vendor equipment fleets and need rapid, low-cost solutions for load cell replacement. The plug-and-play nature of our products reduces service time and eliminates adapter engineering.
Selecting the Right Load Cell for Your Instrument
Load cell selection depends on three factors: instrument type, required load range, and existing calibration framework.
Step 1: Identify Your Instrument
Locate the make and model name on your force gauge or testing machine. Common Chatillon models include DFE3, DFS-R-ND, DFS II-R-ND, DFS3, DFX, DFX II, CS, CS2Plus, and TCD Series. Lloyd machines are typically labeled with model and serial numbers on the frame. Verify the instrument type against the compatibility matrix above.
Step 2: Check Load Cell Mounting
The existing load cell will have a threaded or bolted connection to the test frame. Note the mounting diameter and thread size. Transcell replacements match these dimensions exactly. Do not attempt to force a load cell with incorrect mounting geometry—contact our engineering team if you are uncertain.
Step 3: Determine Load Range
Review your test specifications or calibration certificate. The load range (e.g., 0–500 lbf, 0–2000 N) determines which capacity load cell you require. Higher capacity load cells introduce lower resolution for light loads. Consult our engineering support if your application spans multiple load ranges.
Step 4: Verify Electrical Compatibility
Confirm your indicator or data acquisition system accepts 10V excitation with a 350Ω load cell impedance. This is standard across nearly all Chatillon and Lloyd instruments manufactured in the past two decades. If you operate older or custom-modified equipment, contact us before ordering.
Installation & Mounting
Installation of a replacement load cell is straightforward and requires minimal tools. The process typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on equipment accessibility.
Before You Begin
Power down your testing machine or gauge and disconnect the electrical connector from the existing load cell. If your system uses a cable connector, label it to ensure correct reconnection. For hardwired systems, photograph or document the wiring before disconnection.
Mechanical Removal
Remove the mounting bolts or threaded connectors securing the old load cell to the test frame. Gently withdraw the load cell straight out of its mounting bore. Do not apply lateral force that could damage threads or mounting surfaces. Inspect the bore for dirt, scale, or damage. Clean with a soft brush or cloth if necessary.
New Load Cell Installation
Align the replacement load cell with the mounting bore. Insert it straight in, ensuring threads or mounting features engage smoothly. Do not force the load cell—if resistance is encountered, realign and try again. Once fully seated, tighten mounting bolts or fasteners to a firm tension (typically 15–25 ft-lbf, depending on mounting style). Do not over-tighten.
Electrical Connection
Reconnect the electrical cable or harness to the new load cell. If your system uses a keyed connector, it will only fit in the correct orientation. If wired directly, match your documented wire labels or contact our support team if uncertain. Tighten any connector set-screws with a small wrench to prevent vibration-induced loosening.
Initial Checkout
Power on your instrument and allow it to stabilize for 2–3 minutes. Zero the display or indicator. Apply a known reference load and verify that the indicator reading matches your calibration curve. Small variations (±1–2%) are normal; larger deviations may indicate incorrect wiring or an incompatible load cell. Contact us if issues persist.
Pricing Overview
Transcell load cells are priced competitively based on load capacity and instrument complexity. All prices include NIST-traceable calibration, stainless steel construction, and U.S. fulfillment from our Buffalo Grove facility.
| Product Category | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-Held Gauge Load Cells (DFE3, DFS3, DFX, DFX II) | $200 | Transducer, calibration, documentation |
| DFS-R-ND / DFS II-R-ND Load Cells | $1,250 | Transducer, calibration, documentation |
| TCD Series Load Cells | $1,250 | Transducer, calibration, documentation |
| CS / CS2Plus Testing Machine Load Cells | $1,550 | Transducer, calibration, documentation |
| Lloyd Materials Testing Machine Load Cells | $1,550 | Transducer, calibration, documentation |
Volume pricing available. Contact us for a custom quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Restore Your Instrument?
Get a replacement load cell matched to your exact Chatillon or Lloyd equipment. Fast shipping from Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Engineering Support
Questions about compatibility, installation, or specifications?
Our applications engineers are ready to help.
sales@transcell.com