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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.
TYPES OF VEHICLE WEIGHING
Weighbridge Truck Scales
There are many different types of vehicle weighing systems, each with its own advantages from mobile solutions to permanent and integrated scales.
Onboard Weighing
From digital scales to industrial floor scales, we offer a wide range of products that meet the needs of our customers. Our products are designed to be efficient, reliable, and easy to use.
Wheel Weighing Pad
Wheel weighing pads are vehicle weighing scales ideal for mobile and temporary applications. Load Ranger wireless wheel pads offer an adaptable solution for vehicle weighing.
Axle Scales
Axle scales are an economical, adaptable and portable solution for vehicle and truck weighing. As with any other Rice Lake vehicle scales, durable construction sets these products apart from the competition.
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.
Although each manufacturer has their own unique designs, most conventional weighbridge truck scales incorporate the same basic components.
- 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
Foundations and Approaches
Our industrial scales are perfect for warehouses, factories, and production lines. We offer a wide range of capacity and precision options to meet your needs.
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.
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.
Hydrostatic Systems
Hydrostatic™ technology, exclusively from Emery Winslow, merges cutting-edge electronic instruments with the nearly unbreakable Hydrostatic load cell for weight measurement. This design ensures that there are no electronic components in the most vulnerable area - the scale platform, enhancing durability and reliability.
Guiderails
Guiderails offer drivers protection against accidental drive-o!s. 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 o!er the best protection, keeping debris and moisture build-up out of the rail.
Options and Accessories
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
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.
Steel Deck Truck Scales
Choose the SURVIVOR OTR Steel Deck truck scale for applications where steel is preferred or downtime is critical.
Concrete Deck Truck Scales
The SURVIVOR OTR Concrete Deck truck scale is well suited for resisting corrosion and rust and yields better traction in wet and icy conditions.
Extreme Duty Truck Scale
Ideal for ultra-high capacity vehicle weighing applications up to 400,000 pounds, Rice Lake’s OTR-XV extreme duty vehicle scales are the toughest in the industry.
Axle Truck Scale
Rice Lake’s reputable SURVIVOR OTR Axle truck scale is designed for in-ground, shallow-pit truck axle weighing for applications where above ground ramps aren’t practical.
Hydrostatic Truck Scale
Hydrostatic Truck Scale
Emery Winslow's heavy-duty truck scales excel in demanding environments, handling heavy truckloads and harsh weather effortlessly. Our Hydrostatic load cells are resistant to water, ice, snow, extreme temperatures, lightning strikes, heavy vibrations, and more.
Mechanical Truck Scale
Hydrostatic Truck Scale
ASCO® Mechanical Truck Scales are a specific product line offered by American Scale Co Inc.™, known for their robust design and accurate weighing capabilities. These truck scales utilize mechanical components to measure the weight of vehicles and their loads.
Portable Truck Scale
Multi-Platform Truck Scale
Multi-Platform Truck Scale
The SURVIVOR® ATV, manufactured by Rice Lake Weighing Systems, is indeed a robust truck scale system designed to offer heavy-capacity weighing capabilities in non-permanent sites.
Multi-Platform Truck Scale
Multi-Platform Truck Scale
Multi-Platform Truck Scale
The Rice Lake SURVIVOR multi-platform truck scale weighs all axles at once with a single stop of the truck. Its custom-module design fits specific axle alignments for various truck lengths, making it ideal for obtaining both individual axle and gross weights in Legal for Trade applications.
CHOOSING A TRUCK SCALE
Rice Lake SURVIVORs are not only the Toughest Truck Scales on Earth®
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.
Rice Lake authorized distributors can make all the difference. We 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. We work with many contractors and we also handle out own construction if needed.
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.
Want More Information?
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.