When scheduling and planning installation for a typical three-module, 70′ Rice Lake Survivor OTR truck scale, plan for a minimum two-hour crane rental to place the modules into position. A two-man crew, aided by a crane operator, can usually unload modules from the freight truck and place them into position in approximately 1 hour.  Mount and load cell installation will require approximately 3 – 4 hours.  Electrical wiring is run through conduit and can be done in approximately 2 – 3 hours. » Continue reading “Typical Installation Time for a OTR Survivor”

This month we continue looking at truck scale service.  This months topic is Load Cells. From a service perspective the overall procedure is to examine load cells and the area surrounding them. The load cell area may contain dirt and debris that has built up since the scale’s last check. Load cells must have clearance to deflect through their capacity range. The same debris that can bind the scale deck can also keep the load cells and suspension components from moving freely. » Continue reading “Load Cells”

As we continue to look at service of truck scales, this month we look at checking devices.  Some vehicle scales utilize suspension systems that don’t require checking devices, eliminating a time-consuming step in your service protocol.  If your scale has checking devices, make sure they are working properly.  Inspect check rods to make sure the attachment points are solid.  Check for binding.  If there is a problem, weight readings will be inconsistent from section to section.  Inspect hardware to ensure jam nuts are tight, rods are level and free of foreign material, and washers are not rusted or distorted.  Even if they are working properly, replace corroded hardware components so they don’t fail in the future when you least expect. » Continue reading “Checking Devices”

This month we continue to look at the overall service and maintentance of a truck scale.  Today we look at the weighbridge and the foundation. Even the toughest scale on earth is put at risk on a poor foundation. Cracked foundations can lead to movement or settling which causes chronic calibration errors. Letting little cracks become big cracks may require removing part or all of the foundation and pouring a new one for the scale to once again weigh accurately.  It is important that the end user periodically walk around their scale and do a thorough visual check of the foundation and let your service tech know of any issue that you see possibly developing. Take a look at the weighbridge or deck. Rust or crumbling concrete can weaken the scale’s structure and cause problems. Clean and paint rusted steel decks. » Continue reading “The foundation of success”

We mentioned maintenance a few months ago in this entry.  However, we wanted to go a little more in depth with each area in the coming months.  Today, we’re going to look at regular calibration service calls.  A thorough check-up every six months at the very minimum is the general rule for truck scales.  Many companies like Central Carolina Scale offer regularly scheduled maintenance plans for your truck scales.  

When deciding how often to have your scale tested, take into consideration your number of weighments, climate and the value of the product being weighed.  Aside from » Continue reading “Regularly Scheduled Maintenance”

Now that you’ve bought a truck scale, completed the foundation, have the scale installed, what’s next?  Before your truck scale can be used for obtaining weight measurements, it must first be calibrated to your digital weight indicator and approved by your state. Your local scale service company will take care of this by bringing their test truck to the scale test site. The test truck holds certified calibrated test weights that are placed on the scale platform for testing and calibration. The test » Continue reading “Calibration of a Truck Scale”

Closed-bottom weighbridge designs with both top and bottom plates, typically using lighter weight components, create cavities that tend to hold moisture causing rusting of internal components. Rice Lake’s SURVIVOR® steel deck truck scales feature an open-bottom design providing unrestricted airflow eliminating rust causing moisture buildup which accelerates rusting of internal steel and imminent scale failure. For more truck scale information, contact Central Carolina Scale for a quote today.

According to Handbook 44, all approaches for any type of NTEP-certified, legal-for-trade truck scales shall be 10′ long, flat, level, the width of the scale and constructed of concrete. The ramps plus the approach must be at least half as long as the scale, but no more than 40′. » Continue reading “Ramps and Approaches”

A proper foundation is one of the most important parts of your truck scale. If the foundation is not constructed properly, built flat and level, or according to the certified foundation drawing, your truck scale foundation could shift and bring the scale out of accepted calibration tolerance. If the movement continues, your scale will become inoperable and require costly foundation repairs. Many factors must be considered in the process, such as the slope of the site and soil conditions. Below are a few other factors that must be taken into consideration. The SURVIVOR® truck scale line’s quality design and engineering is further complemented by Rice Lake’s ability to » Continue reading “The foundation for success”

It is probably a good idea to have your heavy capacity truck scales checked at least every six months at a minimum. Also, a convenient time to conduct a preventative maintenance scale inspection is during the regularly scheduled calibration check.  It’s a good idea to inspect your truck scale just prior to peak usage times, such as harvest season in agricultural operations. Click here for more detailed scale service info available from Central Carolina Scale.