Abstract: A method for determining the weight of a load using a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator of a lifting mechanism by increasing actuator pressure to an initial value, maintaining an actuator motion pressure until the load is lifted to a desired suspended position, adjusting the actuator pressure to a first threshold pressure, determining a first threshold pressure value for the first threshold pressure, adjusting the actuator pressure to a second threshold pressure, determining a second threshold pressure value for the second threshold pressure, and calculating based on the first and second threshold pressure values the weight of the load. The threshold pressures are determined when the static friction of the lifting mechanism is no longer able to maintain the position of the load.