Choosing the right vibratory weigh filler comes down to three questions: What is your target fill weight? Does your product flow freely? How much throughput do you need? This guide compares the CE-S4, CE-S5, CE-S6, and CE-S7 so you can narrow the choice quickly.
Quick answer
- CE-S4: Best for small packages of free-flowing products, approximately 0.5 oz to 5 lb.
- CE-S5: Best for heavier bulk bags and cartons, approximately 10 to 75 lb.
- CE-S6: Best for difficult non-free-flowing products, approximately 0.5 oz to 10 lb.
- CE-S7: Best for higher throughput, two-product blending, or combined fills up to approximately 20 lb.
All four models are semi-automatic dry bulk filling machines with stainless steel product-contact surfaces, programmable fill control, tare and calibration functions, and a 1-year limited parts warranty with technical support.
CE-S4 vs. CE-S5 vs. CE-S6 vs. CE-S7
| Model | Best for | Fill range | Typical output | How it feeds and weighs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE-S4 | Small retail packs of free-flowing products | Approx. 0.5 oz-5 lb | 600-800 fills/hour | Single vibrating feed pan into a weigh hopper, then discharge |
| CE-S5 | Heavy bulk bags and cartons | Approx. 10-75 lb | Up to 300-400 fills/hour | Fills directly into a container positioned on an adjustable scale table |
| CE-S6 | Chips, crackers, treats, and other difficult-flow products | Approx. 0.5 oz-10 lb | 600-800 fills/hour | Two cascading feed pans regulate product before the weigh hopper |
| CE-S7 | High output, two-product blends, or combined fills | Approx. 0.5 oz-20 lb | Up to 600-1,500 fills/hour | Two independent lanes with separate weigh hoppers and synchronous or asynchronous dumping |
Fill ranges and speeds are approximate. Actual performance depends on product flow, density, target weight, container, and machine setup.
Which model fits your product?
Choose the CE-S4 for free-flowing products in smaller packages
The CE-S4 is a strong starting point for coffee beans, rice, beans, seeds, nuts, beads, soap powder, and similar products that move consistently across a single vibrating feed pan. It weighs product in a weigh hopper, then discharges the completed fill into the bag or container. Automatic mode can learn product flow, while User mode lets an operator set bulk and dribble parameters directly.
Choose the CE-S5 for heavy bulk filling
The CE-S5 is designed for larger bags, cartons, and containers. Instead of filling a separate weigh hopper and dumping into the package, it fills directly into a container sitting on its adjustable scale table. This makes it a practical choice for approximately 10-75 lb fills of pet food, grains, nuts, seeds, and other bulk materials.
Choose the CE-S6 for products that do not flow freely
The CE-S6 adds a cascading feed path for products that surge, bridge, clump, or move inconsistently on a single pan. Its upper and lower vibrating pans, product-level sensing brush, and adjustable upper-vibrator power help control product depth before weighing. It is designed for products such as chips, crackers, pretzels, dog treats, snack pieces, and similar irregular materials.
Choose the CE-S7 for throughput or two-product blending
The CE-S7 uses two independent weighing lanes. In Synchronous Dump mode, both lanes discharge together for combined weights or two-product blends. In Asynchronous Dump mode, each lane discharges independently for higher throughput or separate lane operation. Choose it when a single-lane filler cannot keep up, when you need to combine two products in one container, or when you need different target weights from the same machine.
What is a vibratory weigh filler?
A vibratory weigh filler is a packaging machine that fills a container by net weight. Dry product moves from a supply hopper onto a vibrating feed surface, which meters the material into a weigh hopper or directly into a container on a scale. The controller runs a faster bulk stage for most of the fill, then slows to a dribble stage near the target weight. A settle or check delay allows product in transition to reach the weigh area before the final weight is accepted.
Key differences buyers should compare
- Fill weight: Match the machine to your normal package size, not only the maximum advertised range.
- Product flow: Free-flowing products may work well on a single-pan system, while irregular or difficult-flow products may benefit from the CE-S6 cascading design.
- Throughput: Compare expected fills per hour after accounting for target weight, product behavior, bag handling, and operator workflow.
- Weighing method: The S4, S6, and S7 weigh product in hopper buckets before discharge. The S5 fills directly into a container on its scale.
- Blending: The S7 is the model to consider when two products must be combined into one container or when lanes need to run independently.
- Packaging format: Funnel, chute, bag, pouch, carton, and container geometry can affect the final configuration.
- Automation: All four models can connect with compatible bagging or conveyor equipment, subject to the specific configuration.
Frequently asked questions
Which vibratory weigh filler should I buy?
Choose the CE-S4 for smaller free-flowing fills, the CE-S5 for heavy 10-75 lb bulk containers, the CE-S6 for difficult non-free-flowing products, and the CE-S7 for high throughput, two-product blending, or dual-lane operation.
What is the difference between the CE-S4 and CE-S5?
The CE-S4 fills a weigh hopper and then dumps the product into the container. The CE-S5 fills directly into a container sitting on its scale table. The S4 is aimed at smaller packages, while the S5 is aimed at heavier bulk fills.
What is the difference between the CE-S4 and CE-S6?
Both models cover smaller dry-product fills, but the S4 uses a single vibrating feed path and is best suited to products that flow consistently. The S6 uses cascading upper and lower feed pans plus product-level control for products that are harder to run.
When should I choose the dual-lane CE-S7?
Choose the CE-S7 when you need higher output than a single lane can provide, want to blend two products into one container, or need separate lanes to run independently. Synchronous dumping combines both lanes, while asynchronous dumping lets each lane discharge separately.
How accurate are these weigh fillers?
The CE-S4 through CE-S7 product pages list weighing resolution to approximately 1 gram or 0.001 lb, depending on model and configuration. Accuracy also depends on calibration, product flow, target weight, container handling, and the amount of product still in transition when the feeder stops.
How do I choose the right machine for my product?
Share your product type, whether it flows freely or bridges, target fill weights, package format, desired fills per hour, and whether you need blending or bagger integration. The equipment team can use those details to recommend a practical configuration. Call 866-888-6327 or email sales@clevelandequipment.com.
Warranty and support
Every machine comes with a 1-year limited parts warranty and technical support. For help choosing a model, provide your product, package size, target weight, and production goal so the recommendation is based on the application rather than the model number alone.
