TYPES OF VEHICLE WEIGHING

There are many different types of vehicle weighing systems, each with its own advantages from mobile solutions to permanent and integrated scales.

Weighbridge Truck Scales

The most common type of vehicle weighing system is a weighbridge-style truck scale. There are a handful of North American scale manufacturers who produce the majority of traditional weighbridge truck scales, and most are sold through a network of scale distributors across the country. Rice Lake’s weighbridge truck scale series is the SURVIVOR® Series.

Our design uses more steel within the infrastructure of the scale than most competitive models for a stronger weighbridge. Rice Lake’s G-FORCE™ self-checking mounting system assures accurate weightments without needing bumper bolts or check rods.

Many weighbridge truck scales offer Legal for Trade Certification—a necessity if you plan to sell goods using the scale’s weight readout.

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Onboard Weighing

Another popular variety of vehicle weighing is an onboard truck weighing system. Available in Legal for Trade or non-Legal for Trade options, this system is mounted to the truck chassis and measures the trailer load. Total and individual loads can also be calculated as it accumulates.

Axle Scales

Axle scales measure the weight of trucks one axle at a time, and are often portable or semi-permanent scales. These non-Legal for Trade scales are ideal for checkweighing individual axle weights and monitoring safe loading conditions.

Wheel Weighing Pads

Wheel weighing pads are an ideal solution for users who need to periodically check or verify the weight of an incoming or outgoing vehicle. Non-Legal for Trade wheel weighers are highly portable and easy to use.

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TRUCK SCALE ESSENTIALS

This truck scale overview will help you understand how to plan for installation and what features your truck scale may need.

If you've decided to invest in a truck scale to determine vehicle load weights at your facility, understanding the basics will help you know what questions to ask a truck scale dealer to ensure you choose the best system for your needs.

What Makes a Truck Scale, a Truck Scale

A truck scale, also called a weighbridge, is a weighing platform that measures the amount of vertical flexing that occurs when a truck drives onto a platform. This analog measurement is called deflection. The truck scale’s electronic components then convert the analog signal into the digital weight readout we are used to seeing.

TRUCK SCALE BENEFITS

Truck scales offer many benefits, including the ability to sell product over the scale and ensure over-the-road trucks are within safe legal load limits.

Inventory Tracking
Shipping and Logistics Compliance
Sell Goods by Weight (Legal for Trade)
Filling and Dumping Goods
Avoid Overload Fines
Weight Verification
Axle Load Safety

PARTS OF A TRUCK SCALE

Although each manufacturer has their own unique designs, most conventional weighbridge truck scales incorporate the same basic components, such as foundations, load cell mounting systems and a weighbridge, or the driving surface of the scale. Many manufacturers also offer a variety of accessories including traffic lights, guiderails, automated kiosks and more.

Foundations and Approaches

Most truck scales are installed with aboveground or concrete pit foundations. Depending on state or regional requirements, scales can also be installed in a shallow pit, as opposed to the deep pit required by older mechanical scales. All truck scale manufacturers should provide foundation drawings.

Load Cells and Mounting Systems

All load cells take an analog measurement, and then that signal is converted to a digital output either at the load cell, junction box or in the weight indicator. Load cells are typically constructed of steel and are integrated within the weighbridge usually at the corners of each module.

Weighbridge Structure

The truck scale’s body and driving surface is called the weighbridge. Its design and structural integrity will determine the reliability and longevity of the entire system. Composed of steel or concrete decks, they are typically manufactured in modular designs that are placed together during installation.

Automated Truck Scale Systems

These systems optimize the flow of trucks and materials while increasing efficiency and safety. Kiosks integrate with central office and accounting systems. With a powerful processor and high-quality indicator, kiosks are designed to automate scale terminals and unattended ticket printing.

Digital Weight Indicators

The indicator, also called a controller or terminal, can display basic weight functions, as well as serve as the command center for a weighing system with advanced truck in/out programs to control the entire truck scale system, including any remote displays and printers.

Guiderails

Guiderails offer drivers protection against accidental drive-offs. Open-ended rails can accumulate debris and moisture, and guiderails plugged with an end cap can corrode from the inside if moisture seeps past the cap. Caps with a welded seal offer the best protection, keeping debris and moisture build-up out of the rail.

Options and Accessories

Additional options and accessories for truck scales include remote displays, manholes, end clean-out, barrier gates, loop detectors, intercom systems, traffic lights, photo eyes and grain dumps. Many of these accessories not only increase efficiency, but they can also improve safety for drivers.

TRUCK SCALE SITE PLANNING

There are many facets of installing a truck scale you need to consider prior to purchasing a scale or finalizing your site design.

Site considerations when planning for the future:

Traffic flow entering and exiting the truck scale
Room for the truck driver to maneuver on and off the scale
Filling and dumping stations
Room for regular maintenance and inspections
Queue lines and parking space
Scale house and peripheral equipment such as traffic lights and kiosks
Soil conditions and drainage
Room for concrete approaches and foundation
Electrical and conduit requirements
Future throughput and capacity needs
Driver safety

Truck Scale Engineering Resources

TOTAL COST OF OWNING A TRUCK SCALE

There are many ways of looking at the cost of a truck scale, but the total cost of ownership can help you choose the best investment for your business. By dividing the total cost of the scale plus install and maintenance by the total lifetime of reliable weighments, then dividing by 365, you will find the true daily cost of ownership.

Before purchasing, consider:

Years of reliable weighing the scale will endure
Upfront initial cost of the scale and installation
Cost of regular annual maintenance

Use the formula to the right to determine your total cost per day to own one truck scale brand versus another.

Review this example to see how a truck scale with a lower initial cost could actually cost more to own over its lifetime.

Rice Lake SURVIVOR truck scales are designed to last a generation or more. Meaning, in ideal conditions, you’ll use your SURVIVOR for 25 years.

Use our Total Cost of Ownership calculator to determine your total cost per day to own one truck scale brand compared to another.

You can also look at the price per pound by dividing the cost of the scale by the shipping weight. More structural steel means a more durable weighbridge. The more the scale weighs, the more steel—and more strength—is incorporated.

CHOOSING A TRUCK SCALE

The most important decision you will make when purchasing a truck scale is choosing a truck scale distributor to help you select, install and maintain the scale. A truck scale is a large investment, and your truck scale dealer should be there every step of the way. When making this decision, ask your respected peers in the industry who they chose to partner with for a truck scale purchase.

Not all have the same qualifications. A Rice Lake authorized distributor can make all the difference. Our authorized distributors employ certified technicians that can troubleshoot, repair, maintain and certify (if needed) your truck scale. They also have ample experience with truck scales from every facet of your industry. You may also want to select a truck scale distributor who has partnered with local construction agencies if your application will require concrete work.

More than anything, you want a local truck scale distributor who will be there for you when you need them; someone who is only a phone call and car ride away. The importance of a qualified, Rice Lake scale distributor and the benefits they can offer you locally are invaluable.

Rice Lake SURVIVORs are not only the Toughest Truck Scales on Earth®, they are the only scale that will last you a generation or more.

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View the most comprehensive line of truck scales in the industry by visiting our truck scale product listing page. You will find product specifications, drawings, system accessories, videos, manuals and more.

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Need a little more guidance before you are ready to purchase? Request a personalized consultation with an industry expert or your local Rice Lake truck scale distributor.

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