A Quick Guide To Understanding Truck Weight Scale

Truck weight scale, according to Wikipedia, is a large set of scales, usually mounted permanently on a concrete foundation, that is used to weigh entire rail or road vehicles and their contents. 

By weighing the vehicle both empty and when loaded, the load carried by the vehicle can be calculated.

In this article, I’m going to guide you through everything you need to know in order to understand about truck weight scale. Without much further ado, let’s get started.

System of the truck weight scale

A truck scale is broadly divided into 2 system

System 1: Digital system

The working of this system is much more superior to the analog system, in terms of speed, strength, and accuracy. But it is not widely used in the industry because it's much more expensive.

System 2: Analog system

As mentioned above, this system is far more inferior to the digital system. But because it’s much cheaper, it’s the most popular and preferred choice for many industries.

3 Types of truck scale

1. Floating platform type

It is the type of truck weight scale which is installed above the ground. There are two ways of going up and down the platform on the side.

Characteristics of the scale

• Can be both analog and digital system

• It contains an indicator, in analog or digital

• Equipped with Loadcell, an instrument to create an electrical signal whose magnitude is directly proportional to the force being measured.

• The base is made of heavy metal

• Installed above the ground

• 3 meters frontage, with 6,7,8,9,28,21,24 meters long

• Weight ranging from 20 to 120 tons

 2. Embedded pits type

It is the type of truck scale, which is installed on the same level as the ground. The instrument can be directly handled by going straight into the weight platform.

The advantage of this type over the floating platform is it’s much easier to set up and the weight platform can be easily accessed. 

The characteristics for this type is the same as the floating type, except the way it is being installed.

3. Half floating half embedded platform type

This is the hybrid type of truck weight scale, where the advantages of the above two types are being utilized. The installment of the platform is half floating, half embedded in the ground.

Besides explaining systems and types of the scale, this article would not be complete if I don’t mention about truck scale foundation.

What is a truck scale foundation

Just like the foundation of a house, the foundation of a truck scale is an extremely important element to the overall longevity of the scale. 

It is the lowest load-bearing part of the scale, and any imperfections can cause weighing errors and accelerated wear and tear.

Like the truck scale, there are broadly 3 types of equipment:

• Embedded truck scale foundation

• Floating truck scale foundation

• Half floating half embedded truck scale foundation

How to set up the truck scale for measurement

1. Choose the location for installing foundation pillars

2. Install the pillars into the soil, with required measurements, to open up the soil face

3. Adjust the ground and soil level

4. Prepare the location to install loadcell, cut the metal plate into 45x45x25 millimeter.

5. Cover the soil with concrete (grouting), under the plate where the loadcell was installed

6. Install the scale skeleton, by using dummy load, with concrete.

7. Cover the area with concrete again, to increase the strength of the foundation, and make sure that it is leveled.

8. Install the stairs for going up and down the platform

9. Leave the area for about 15-30 days, remove the initial model and install the rest of the equipment.

10. Test the scale and calibrate it.

Conclusion

And that’s all for the quick guide for you to understand the truck weight scale and everything you need to know to.

The equipment is one of the most important ones behind every truck and heavy machine industries which require vehicles for load transportation. 

Besides knowing the basics and how to set up, taking care and maintaining the truck weight scale is also very important. This is to ensure that the equipment functions well and can last for many years to come.

So, are truck weight scales part of your industry where you work in? Let me know in the comment section.