Industrial vehicle and truck scales are essential for various applications, enabling accurate weight measurement of loads used in multiple industries. These include mining, transportation, agriculture, waste management, and other related sectors. The scales are often used to maintain safety, maximize productivity, and increase profitability by delivering precise weight data.
Carolina Scales offers a seamless user experience by combining our in-depth industry knowledge with outstanding customer service. Our wide selection of industrial weighing equipment includes standard models designed to meet the diverse needs of various projects and applications.
How Truck Scales Work
Truck scales assess the weight of a truck and its cargo by utilizing load cells serving as sensors. These load cells are fixed beneath the platform and record the vehicle’s weight when it drives onto the scale. Then, they provide signals to a junction box that converts the data into a weight reading. The reading can be displayed on a digital indicator or delivered to a system after recording the weight.
The weight reading is typically displayed in pounds or kilograms and can serve different purposes, such as billing, inventory management, and safety compliance. The scales may also incorporate other features — such as traffic lights, barriers, and cameras — which can aid in managing traffic and ensuring safety.
Types of Industrial Vehicle and Truck Scales
Various scale options are available based on the industry’s requirements and intended use. Here are five of the most frequently utilized types:
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Weighbridge Truck Scales
Weighbridge scales are widely used due to their capacity to precisely measure the weight of heavy loads on large vehicles, such as trucks and trailers. These scales are frequently employed in industries like agriculture, mining, and waste management, where accurate weighing is crucial. They can also help minimize overloading risk and the associated safety hazards.
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Onboard Weighing Systems
Onboard weighing systems are scales incorporated into a vehicle’s suspension system and can deliver instant weight data while the vehicle moves. They are extensively utilized in transportation and logistics to augment load efficiency and comply with weight restriction regulations. These scales can also streamline operations and optimize productivity by measuring the load while in transit.
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Portable Truck Scales
Portable scales are ideal for industries needing to move their weighing equipment frequently, as they are lightweight and easily relocated. They are engineered to provide a reliable and precise weighing solution for heavy-duty applications. Furthermore, they can easily weigh vehicles both on- and off-site.
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Axle Truck Scales
Axle scales are specialized scales that weigh a vehicle’s axles, identifying any overloading or weight distribution issues. They are widely employed in the mining and construction industries, where precise weight distribution and managing high loads are vital. With the aid of these scales, it is possible to ensure that vehicles conform to legal weight restrictions.
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Load Volume Scanner Systems
The load volume scanner systems are cutting-edge technologies that use 3D scanning to estimate the volume and weight of materials within a truck or trailer. They are utilized in the waste management and mining industries to improve material handling and maintain regulatory compliance. In addition, these scales can help reduce operational costs associated with overloading or underloading.
Standard Components of Industrial Truck Scales
Industrial vehicle scales are composed of parts and components necessary to provide accurate and reliable weight readings. Among the typical features are the following:
Load Cells
Load cells are the primary sensing devices used in weighing systems to measure weight or force. They work by converting mechanical pressure or the weight applied to them into an electrical signal that a computer can read.
Indicators and Displays
Indicators and displays are utilized to show weight information in a readable manner. Indicators are devices that exhibit weight measurements on a screen or different presentations. They can include additional features like data storage, communication abilities, and adjustable settings.
Displays are another essential component of weighing systems that can be a part of the indicator or a separate device. They are available in different sizes and types, like LED, LCD, or plasma screens. Some displays offer real-time weight data presentation, while others can retain and retrieve data for future analysis.
Software and Data Management Systems
Modern scales incorporate software and data management systems that permit weight data to be stored centrally, making it easily accessible and analyzable. Some programs can retrieve data from weighing instruments without manual entry. Meanwhile, others offer tools for data visualization, making it possible to easily create graphs, charts, and other visual aids.
Peripheral Devices
Peripheral devices are additional components of weighing systems that provide auxiliary functions and enhance the system’s overall performance. These devices can include printers, barcode scanners, and remote displays.
Factors To Consider in Choosing the Best Industrial Scale
Selecting the right industrial vehicle and truck scale is crucial for ensuring precise and dependable weight measurements. To help with this process, here are some essential factors to consider:
Capacity and Size
Accurate weight measurements require selecting a scale with the appropriate capacity. The scale must handle the maximum weight of the vehicle and its load. Moreover, the capacity determines the number and type of load cells needed to provide accurate measurements.
Likewise, the scale’s size must match the dimensions of the vehicles and the loads to be weighed. The platform should be sufficiently large to accommodate the entire automobile, ensuring that the weight measurements are not affected by the vehicle’s position. The platform’s length and width should also be considered since they can affect the vehicle’s stability.
Accuracy
A scale’s required accuracy level is often determined by its intended application. For example, in industries such as mining, where materials are weighed for billing purposes, a high degree of accuracy is necessary to prevent financial losses. Similarly, accurate measurements in the transportation industry are crucial to avoid overloaded vehicles, which can threaten the safety and legal compliance.
Environment
Scale performance and accuracy can be influenced by temperature, humidity, and dust, dirt, or water exposure. In rugged outdoor environments like mining or construction sites, scales require durable and robust components to withstand harsh conditions. Meanwhile, scales used in environments with extreme temperatures or high moisture levels may require special coatings.
Integration
To guarantee optimal efficiency, it is necessary that the scale can be integrated seamlessly with any existing software or hardware systems. Some scales include software simplifying data management and analysis, while others can be incorporated with current data management systems. Including printers or remote monitors can also shorten weighing procedures and enhance overall productivity.
Cost
It is crucial to consider the initial cost of purchase and the total cost of ownership of a scale, including installation, maintenance, and repair fees. These expenses may differ based on the intricacy of the scale and the environment in which it will be used. In addition, displays and software should be considered when calculating the total price.
Maintenance and Support
To ensure the reliable and long-term operation of the chosen scale, it is crucial to have access to maintenance and support services. This includes considering the cost and availability of replacement parts and the quality of technical support. A warranty or service contract may also be necessary to ensure the scale operates efficiently over an extended period.
