Balance crossheads are used to balance a blank throw, when standard crossheads and balance nuts are not of sufficient weight; this generally happens when the blank throw is opposite from a larger cylinder.

When a balancing crosshead is used a special balance crosshead guide is also required due to the extra length of a balance crosshead. The balance crosshead guide cannot accommodate mounting a cylinder. Conversion to blank a throw or add a cylinder to an already blank throw will require a new crosshead guide when balancing guides are involved.