Archive for General

Cardinal already had a good truck scale with the EPR. Now they’ve improved it with the new EPR Plus Truck Scale.

Engineered with state-of-the-art robotics, Cardinal’s EPR+ Plus Truck Scale represents the culmination of 60 years of scale manufacturing experience. Available in impervious hydraulic or electronic load cell types, the EPR+ Plus’ durable baked-on, anti-corrosion powder paint stands the test of time. The legal-for-trade NTEP EPR+ Plus » Continue reading

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Summer is almost here, Truck Scale Maintenance Ideas

We’re just about ready to head into the busy summer months. In a lot of cases, it is also a busy time for your truck scales. Spring is the best time to get the following maintenace done, because all the melting snow (in some areas) creating running water, mud and muck can wreak havoc on your truck scale operations; washing debris into pits and foundations, and damaging equipment. Not to mention the critters who have taken up residence over the long winter. We recommend completing the following steps in late spring to ensure you are up and running in time for the busy summer season. » Continue reading “Summer is almost here, Truck Scale Maintenance Ideas”

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New Truck Scales versus Used Truck Scales

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.
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 » Continue reading “New Truck Scales versus Used Truck Scales”

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Closer look at Roughdeck AX Axle Scales

The Rice Lake RoughDeck® AX heavy capacity floor scale system includes two fully electronic, RoughDeck low profile floor scales, four on/off ramps and two signal trim junction boxes. The RoughDeck AX scale is available in a size of 32 W x 84 L x 6 H ( 81.3 cm x 213.4 cm x 15.2 cm) and each has a capacity of 30,000 lbs (13,608 kg). Once combined with the ramps, the total length is 204″ (518.2 cm).

The RoughDeck AX uses four corner-mounted, FM-approved load cells, with the cells recessed into the frame channels for protection. Also included is a signal-trim summing board enclosed in a stainless steel, NEMA 4X junction box for any necessary corner corrections. The RoughDeck AX comes pre-trimmed; so corner corrections should not be necessary. » Continue reading “Closer look at Roughdeck AX Axle Scales”

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Downtime can mean lost revenue and lost business opportunities

The economic advantages of incorporating an iQUBE junction box in a scale system are vast. For many companies, scales are virtual cash registers, documenting weight-based transactions. Downtime can mean lost revenue and lost business opportunities. While up and running, iQUBE continually verifies that the scale is weighing correctly, guaranteeing that the accuracy of an operation is never questioned. Whether iQUBE is added to an existing system to update the technology, or purchased in a new scale bundle with a truck scale and indicator, both will see less downtime and a timely return on investment. » Continue reading “Downtime can mean lost revenue and lost business opportunities”

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Typical Installation Time for a OTR Survivor

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”

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Load Cells

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”

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Checking Devices

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”

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The foundation of success

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”

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Regularly Scheduled Maintenance

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”

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