TRUCK SCALES INFO AND FAQ
Welcome to Truckscales.info, your one source for answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about purchasing a heavy-duty truck scale. Scroll down the page and learn more about truckscales and what you should know in order to make an educated purchase. If you have any additional questions, give us a call at (919) 776-7737, visit our site www.centralcarolinascale.com or email us info@centralcarolinascale.com
Truck Scales ranging in size from 20' X 11' up to 120' X 11' ARE AVAILABLE with capacities ranging from 30 Tons to 135 Ton --Call today....(919) 776-7737
What kind of Truck Scale do I need?
How to buy a Truck Scale -- Comparison Chart
How big of a heavy duty truck scale do I need?
What's NTEP and How Does it Relate to My Truck Scale?
What Do I Need to do After I've Selected My Scale?
I'm ready to buy a truck scale, now what?
How to Buy a Truck Scale
You've decided to buy a truck scale. Good. The purchase of a truck scale is a wise investment but, like any investment, it requires some research and thought to ensure that you get the most for your investment dollar. But where do you start? The information that follows will help you decide what type of scale is best for your needs, explain some of the jargon associated with truck scales and make you aware of potential pitfalls in purchasing and installing your new scale.
What Kind of Scale Do I Need?
You don't have to look at too many truck scale brochures to become thoroughly confused about what's available and what is and isn't important to you. Generally, there are two basic types of scales used to weigh trucks; axle load scales which are used to weigh one or two axles at a time and full-length truck scales which weigh the entire truck at one time. While axle load scales are less expensive they are also subject to error. The approaches to the axle load scale must be perfectly level and at the same elevation to minimize the error. Unless you simply don't have room for a full-length scale or your budget won't allow for one, the axle load scale is not a good choice for accurate truck weights. For that reason, we will limit our discussion to full-length truck scales.
Full-length truck scales may be of either portable or permanent installation. Portable truck scales include a lower framework that is placed on a prepared surface (either a concrete slab, wooden beams, or even dirt) and ramps are placed at either end for access. Portable scales are generally more expensive because of the lower framework but are much easier to move from site to site and are ideal for contractors or road builders. Scales that are permanently mounted may be mounted either in a pit (like the basement of a home) or of an above-ground low profile design where the scale is mounted on a concrete slab with ramps at either end. The advantages of a pit type scale include easier access to the bottom of the scale, the capability of adding a dump chute in the middle of the scale for unloading of bulk commodities like grain, no requirement for entry and exit ramps and no problems with snow accumulation beneath the platform. Generally, the cost of a pit type scale is greater because of the increased cost of excavation and pit construction. Low profile truck scale designs are less expensive yet require construction of access ramps at either end of the scale.
Both pit type and low profile scales offer a choice in platform material. Platforms may be constructed from concrete or steel plate or, in some cases, wood. The material you choose will depend somewhat on personal preference as well as the way you use your scale. The initial price of a concrete scale will be a little less than an equivalent scale with a steel platform yet when you add in the cost of the concrete and finishing labor, it will exceed the cost of its steel decked cousin. Concrete also requires a curing time which will delay the use of the scale but concrete is less slippery in wet weather, is not affected by most chemicals, doesn't rust, requires little or no maintenance and provides years of service. Steel decks are usually constructed from checkered plate which gives extra traction in wet weather. In general, if your application calls for heavy loads and lots of them, concrete is the preferred material for the scale deck.
Scales are available in either full electronic or electromechanical models as well. Full electronic scales are directly supported by multiple load cells typically numbering 6 to 12 cells or more depending on the length of the scale. Electromechanical scales are supported by a series of bearings attached to ends of levers mechanically summing the forces applied to the scale platform. A summed force is applied to a single load cell. Most truck scales today are of the full electronic type simply because they are easier and less expensive to construct. Electromechanical scales are still available from some manufacturers (including Cardinal) and offer some unique advantages. The use of a single load cell makes the scale less susceptible to damage from lightning and they require less power to operate which means a simple battery operated weight indicator can be used when power is not available. Disadvantages of the electromechanical scale include the need for periodic maintenance or repair due to the wear in the bearings of the mechanical lever structure and higher initial cost. The full electronic truck scale has a lower initial price and is easier to work on since there is no complex lever system. The individual load cell signals of a full electronic truck scale must be summed to provide the total weight signal to the weight indicator. Summing of the load cell signals normally takes place within one or more junction boxes typically located at or near the scale. Because the outputs normally differ from load cell to load cell, it is necessary to make compensating adjustments which may become lengthy depending on the method used.
Finally, when choosing a truck scale, consideration should be given to the method of weighbridge restraint used. The weighbridge or scale platform must be constrained so that it does not slide off the supporting structure as a truck enters of leaves the scale. Although there are a number of ways of accomplishing this, the two most common are check rods and bumper bolts. Bumper bolt systems consist of an adjustable rod or bolt or similar device attached to the weighbridge and positioned such that it strikes the adjacent foundation or lower structure preventing further movement of the scale weighbridge. This is an effective and simple means of restraining the weighbridge but, to work properly, it must be periodically adjusted to maintain the proper clearance between the adjacent lower structure or scale foundation and bolt head. As the scale is used, this gap changes and must be adjusted to keep the restraint system operating properly. The check rod type of restraint system is a long thin rod that attaches the weighbridge to the surrounding structure preventing lateral movement of the weighbridge. The ratio between the length of the rod and its diameter is quite large allowing the rod to flex without affecting the accuracy of the scale. Unlike bumper bolts, check rods do not wear and therefore require little or no maintenance.
The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different types of truck scales offered. Remember that each selection of a truck scale requires that you evaluate the various alternatives and choose those which offer the greatest advantages in your specific application. Perhaps the best way of accomplishing this is to contact one of our Central Carolina Scale sales associates for an evaluation of your needs and a site survey.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How Big of a Scale Do I Need?
Truck scales are available
in a wide range of sizes. Platform widths from 8 feet up are available
while lengths often exceed 100 feet. You should select a platform
size that is not only sufficient to weigh the trucks you currently
have but large enough to weigh the trucks you may use in the future.
Generally, widths of 11 to 12 feet are preferred for trucks used on
the highway. Not only are scales of this width easier to ship, but
they are approximately the lane width of many of our nation's highways.
Scales of greater width are available but are more expensive both
in initial cost and in the costs associated with testing. Choose a
length that is long enough to weigh the largest truck you anticipate
weighing in the future. Remember, adding an extra 5 feet or so to
the length seven years from now will be much more expensive than purchasing
that extra length initially. Also, keep in mind that the scale must
fit within the area you have allocated for the scale remembering to
allow for a straight approach and departure from the scale preferably
equal in length to the scale platform itself. It's better to be a
little large than too small.
Like platform size, weighing capacity should be selected based on your current and anticipated needs. There are two capacities associated with truck scales. The first, nominal capacity, is the total measurable load that can be distributed over the scale platform. Most truck scales have nominal capacities of 200,000 pounds which is more than sufficient to weigh highway trucks. Selection of the nominal capacity is normally not of concern since it is typically great enough to handle all but the most extreme loads.
The second capacity associated with truck scales is concentrated load capacity and is used as a measure of the ability of the scale to measure a load concentrated in a relatively small area. Concentrated load capacity, or CLC, is defined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44 as the maximum load that can be placed in an area four feet in length by the width of the scale platform and is recorded on the scale's identification plate. This area is designed to approximate the area required for the dual tandem axles found on most highway trucks. If you know the spacing and number of axles on your trucks and the CLC of the scale in question, you can easily calculate the maximum load that can be applied to the scale by the truck in question. Refer to Table U.R.3.2.1. in Handbook 44 (Handbook 44 may be ordered directly from the National Conference on Weights and Measures website at www.ncwm.net/pubs.html) By selecting the number of axles and spacing between the two extreme axles you can obtain the ratio of CLC to maximum load or "R" factor. Multiply this "R" factor from the table by the CLC to determine the maximum weight for this configuration of axles.
Using this method, you may calculate the maximum load the scale under consideration is capable of handling for any configuration of axles that will fit on the platform. Remember not to exceed the nominal capacity of the scale. CLC ratings are normally listed in units of tons (2,000 pounds) and vary from 20 tons up to 50 tons depending on the scale model in question. Higher CLC ratings translate to longer life for a given load since the scale structure undergoes less stress each time it is loaded.
There are about as many options available for truck scales as there are cousins at a family reunion. Some valuable options to consider for the scale itself include stainless steel sheathed load cell cable to prevent damage from hungry rodents, digital junction boxes that convert the analog load cell signal to a digital value at the scale then transmit it via fiber optic cables to the weight indicator, guard rails to prevent the truck from driving off a low profile scale, special finishes like galvanizing and other custom features.
When it comes to choosing a weight indicator for use with your truck scale, the sky's the limit. Indicators range from simple, weight-only models up to programmable full featured versions with everything in between. Refer to our document on how to select a weight indicator for assistance in making this decision. Other options like remote displays for driver viewing, printers and software for managing your truck fleet and interfacing to your accounting system are readily available. Just contact your Cardinal representative for a recommended instrumentation package for your scale.
What's NTEP and How Does it Relate to My Truck Scale?
Many truck scales are used in commercial transactions where the weight obtained from the scale is used in the determination of the price of the commodity being weighed. In these instances, the scale must be approved for commercial use by your state's weights and measures department. In most cases, this means that it must have an NTEP Certificate of Conformance and be inspected and approved by a state weights and measures inspector. NTEP, which is short for the National Type Evaluation Program, is a program managed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) which is a organization consisting of both public and private members and dedicated to maintaining equity in the marketplace. Scales and scale components are formally evaluated in one of several metrology laboratories under the NTEP program to ensure that the device performs within published tolerances and over the range of environmental characteristics (temperature, voltage, etc.) which have an influence over the measurement process.
You should make certain that the components making up your truck scale system each have their own NTEP Certificate of Conformance. This means that the truck scale should have a NTEP CC as should the load cell(s) used with it and the weight indicator itself. An easy way to independently verify that these components each have a NTEP Certificate of Conformance is to check the NCWM website listing of certificates at http://asphost.isproductions.net/ncwm/certsearch.asp where you may search for certificates by number, manufacturer or type.
What Do I Need to do After I've Selected My Scale?
You've decided on a scale model and are ready to go, but before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few more things to investigate. First, check with your county and / or city zoning office to make certain that you can place a truck scale at the desired site. Often a building permit along with the necessary fees and drawings is required for installation of a truck scale. This will differ from location to location so it's best to check with your local authorities before you turn that first spade full of dirt.
Keep in mind the following requirements when selecting your scale site:
1. It must have the proper zoning, if required.
2. There must be sufficient room for access to and from the scale. Generally, state requirements mandate that there be a straight and level approach to and from the scale each equal in length to the scale platform or a specific length whichever is less. Your local weights and measures department can advise you of the minimum length and if there are other requirements for the scale foundation design, ramp slope (if a low profile scale is selected) or pit construction. The layout should be such that the truck does not turn onto or off of the scale. It should pull straight on and straight off of the scale platform.
3. The soil bearing capacity must be of sufficient
strength to hold the scale and the greatest load to be measured by
the scale. Generally, the soil bearing capacity must be a minimum
of 3000 to 4000 pounds per square foot although smaller capacities
can be used if provisions are made in the foundation design.
4.There must be proper drainage away from the scale
foundation to ensure that water does not collect around the scale
or in the scale pit. With pit scales this usually means installation
of a sump pump with an adequate drain while low profile scales will
require a gravity drain and proper ground slope to move the water
away from the scale.
5. There should be no overhead power or telephone
lines that could interfere with the movement of trucks across the
scale.
6. There must be sufficient room for a crane to unload
the new scale from the truck when it is delivered to your site.
7. There must be an acceptable site for placement
of the weight indicating instrument. Normally the weight indicator
is placed within a building of some type within easy view of the scale
to allow the scale operator to verify that the truck is properly positioned
on the scale before weighing begins. The site should have sufficient
power available to power the weight indicator and printer. Power should
also be run to the scale pit for pit-mounted truck scales. Refer to
your local electrical codes for safety requirements.
8. A means of communication between the driver and
scale operator (intercom or radio or similar device) is always a good
idea.
9. Guard rails or posts to protect the scale, scale
house and adjacent equipment is good insurance against damage from
an errant truck.
10. Make certain that the site selected is not in
a hazardous or explosive area. If it is, special precautions must
be taken in the purchase of the scale to ensure that it is compatible
with the environment.
11. Make certain that the effect from other influences to the scale are minimized. This may mean construction of a wind block if the site is in an unusually windy location or in a snow fence to minimize accumulation or drifting of snow over the platform.
I'm Ready To Buy, What Do I Do?
Great!---You've selected your site and made sure it's ready for a scale, contacted your local weights and measures department and advised them of your plans, met all of the local restrictions and now you're ready to get started. The best bet is to contact your representative at Central Carolina Scale and place your order. We can help you with selection of any peripheral equipment and provide you with a turn key job. Simply call (919) 776-7737 or email us.
Do I Have Any Payment Options?
There's more than one way to get a new Central Carolina Scale truck scale. You may, of course, pay in full for your purchase or you may rent truck scales. Regardless of your situation, we make it easy for you to choose what's best for your needs.
Give us a call...(919) 776-7737
Portions of this page courtesy
of Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., mfg of the very popular EPR Truck Scale
Be sure to visit our site http://truck.centralcarolinascale.com
Including
Specializing in weighing scale sales, service, calibration, and rentals for all of North Carolina including Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Durham, RTP, and all the triangle area. Also Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington and all the triad area.