A load cell comprising: a beam comprising a fixed section , a load section , first and second deflection sections extending in parallel spaced relation from the fixed section to the load section and configured to move under a load, and a central beam section extending from the fixed section to the load section in parallel spaced relation between the first deflection section and the second deflection section and spaced from the first deflection section by a first channel , spaced from the second deflection section by a second channel , and spaced from the load section by a third channel ; at least one strain gauge coupled to the beam for detecting a load on the beam ; a first stop element including a bearing surface positioned in the first channel and configured such that the bearing surface does not engage the beam in a first position and engages the beam in a second position based on the load on the beam ; and a second stop element including a bearing surface positioned in the second channel and configured such that the bearing surface does not engage the beam in the first position and engages the beam in a third position based on the load on the beam ; and characterised by a third stop element secured within the central beam section and extending through the third channel into the load section , the third stop element including a bearing surface , wherein in the first position a gap is formed between the bearing surface of the third stop element and the load section , in the second position the bearing surface of the third stop element engages the load section ; and in the third position the bearing surface of the third stop element engages the load section . a beam comprising a fixed section , a load section , first and second deflection sections extending in parallel spaced relation from the fixed section to the load section and configured to move under a load, and a central beam section extending from the fixed section to the load section in parallel spaced relation between the first deflection section and the second deflection section and spaced from the first deflection section by a first channel , spaced from the second deflection section by a second channel , and spaced from the load section by a third channel ; at least one strain gauge coupled to the beam for detecting a load on the beam ; a first stop element including a bearing surface positioned in the first channel and configured such that the bearing surface does not engage the beam in a first position and engages the beam in a second position based on the load on the beam ; and a second stop element including a bearing surface positioned in the second channel and configured such that the bearing surface does not engage the beam in the first position and engages the beam in a third position based on the load on the beam ; and characterised by a third stop element secured within the central beam section and extending through the third channel into the load section , the third stop element including a bearing surface , wherein in the first position a gap is formed between the bearing surface of the third stop element and the load section , in the second position the bearing surface of the third stop element engages the load section ; and in the third position the bearing surface of the third stop element engages the load section . <EOS>