Choosing a used lab balance means deciding where to compromise. Do you need high capacity for everyday bulk weighing, or sub-milligram readability for delicate analytical work? These four balances land at different points on that trade-off, and their prices differ by hundreds of dollars.
Quick take
If your main priority is capacity and low cost, the Mettler Toledo PM4600 DeltaRange is the clear pick. If you need semi-micro resolution and can handle a repair project, the Mettler Toledo MS105 is the precision specialist. For general analytical weighing, the Acculab ALC-210.4 is a strong middle candidate. The Ohaus Adventurer AR1530 gives you an analytical step up from a top loader.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Mettler Toledo PM4600 DeltaRange Precision Balance | USD 185.00 | |
| Acculab ALC-210.4 Analytical Balance | USD 300.00 | |
| Ohaus Adventurer AR1530 Analytical Balance | USD 363.95 | |
| Mettler Toledo MS105 Semi-Micro Analytical Balance | USD 789.00 |
Decision matrix
Use this quick matrix to narrow the choice:
- Want the lowest price and a 4100 g capacity? The Mettler Toledo PM4600 is the only top-loading balance here, with 0.01 g readability.
- Need 0.1 mg resolution with a 210 g ceiling? The Acculab ALC-210.4 delivers it at a mid-level price.
- Need 1 mg resolution in an Ohaus? The Ohaus Adventurer AR1530 fits that spot.
- Need semi-micro 0.01 mg resolution and are prepared for a repair project? The Mettler Toledo MS105 is the one to consider.
Product notes
Mettler Toledo PM4600 DeltaRange Precision Balance
The PM4600 is the least expensive balance of the four at $185, and it is the only top-loading model in the group. Its 4100 g capacity and 0.01 g readability make it a practical companion for routine lab, research, chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical weighing tasks where you need to work with larger sample sizes. The DeltaRange feature gives you a high-resolution weighing window within the overall capacity, and the unit includes an AC power cord. The limitation is readability: at 0.01 g, it cannot resolve the milligram-level or finer differences that the analytical balances in this set can, so it is not a substitute for fine analytical work.
Mettler Toledo MS105 Semi-Micro Analytical Balance
The MS105 is the precision standout at $789, with semi-micro analytical performance and 0.01 mg readability on a 120 g capacity. That is a meaningful step beyond the Acculab and Ohaus models. The caveat is condition: it is sold as-is for parts or repair, and the draft shield housing has physical damage. The electronics and internal mechanics function, but the damaged draft shield prevents the balance from being ready for normal use without service. Choose it only if you have the ability to repair or can use it as a parts source. For a plug-and-play instrument, budget for servicing before relying on it.
Acculab ALC-210.4 Analytical Balance
Priced at $300, the Acculab ALC-210.4 offers 210 g capacity and 0.1 mg readability, giving it a strong balance of precision and range for an analytical balance. This makes it useful for standard lab measurements such as weighing samples that need sub-milligram resolution without going to a semi-micro instrument. The ALC-210.4 uses an analytical balance design rather than a top-loading platform. The main limitation is capacity: 210 g is well below the capacity of the PM4600, so you cannot use it for bulk weighing. If your routine stays under that limit, it provides a practical middle step between the PM4600 and the MS105.
Ohaus Adventurer AR1530 Analytical Balance
The Ohaus Adventurer AR1530 costs $363.95 and offers 0.001 g readability, which translates to 1 mg. It is classified as an analytical balance and carries the Adventurer name. The limitation is that its 1 mg readability is coarser than the Acculab's resolution, while the price is higher than the Acculab's. For someone who wants an Ohaus and only needs 1 mg precision, it is a reasonable pick, but it is not the most affordable way to get finer analytical resolution.
Final recommendation by use case
Choose the Mettler Toledo PM4600 for high capacity and the lowest price. Choose the Acculab ALC-210.4 when you need mid-range analytical precision on smaller samples. Choose the Ohaus Adventurer AR1530 if you want an Ohaus for everyday analytical weighing. And choose the Mettler Toledo MS105 only if you have a clear plan to repair the damaged draft shield and need the finest readability here.
