Abstract: An electronic scale is provided having a frame to which a load cell is secured. The scale further includes a weight receiving means, a first transmission linkage affixed to the cell and a second weight transmission linkage affixed to the weight receiving means. A preloaded coil spring extends between the linkages. The coil spring is preloaded by a force slightly less than the maximum force to which the load cell can safely be subjected so that when subjected to a force, no change in the overall length of the spring occurs until the preloaded force is exceeded. A stop member is affixed to one of the linkages to engage portions of the frame which extend in the path of movement of that linkage when the spring extends.