An apparatus is presented for weighing heavy loads, particularly those loads having to be laterally supported during the weighing operation. The weighing apparatus comprises a vertical column supported on its base by pressure cells and provided on its top surface with a support structure. This support structure retains the material to be weighed. A guide tube is provided coaxially around the column and a rotating sleeve with bearing elements is mounted between the column and the guide tube. A motor is mounted on the guide tube for rotating the sleeve during the weighing operation. The weighing apparatus is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with a casting ladle used in revolving turrets during continuous casting.