Numerous competitive models implement either bumper bolts or check rods for centering the scale. Check rods will add to the initial price of the scale and bumper bolts require regular maintenance and adjustments. The G-Force™ patented self-checking mounting system eliminates the maintenance of bumper bolts and extra expense of check rods. The SURVIVOR® series scales feature the G-Force™ self-checking mounting system, doing away with the need for check rods or bumper bolts. G-Force removes excessive movement by utilizing 100 percent of the loading action against itself. This self-centering action or pendulum suspension does away with binding and protects load cells from detrimental side load shocks common to trucks starting and stopping on the scale platform.

Breathing Room
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 ATV 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.

Ultra Load Cell Protection
Load cell pockets that are welded or bolted to exterior I-beams allow excessive bending and flexing, causing damage to the weighbridge. Bumper bolts loosen and break. Check rods bind. Rice Lake’s SURVIVOR® series truck scales are designed with the load cell pocket integrated into the steel structure of the scale. The pocket is built inside the outer I-beam, offering a more durable, long-lasting load cell pocket. The SURVIVOR® series scales feature the G-Force™ self-checking mounting system, eliminating the need for check rods or bumper bolts.

Tough, Start to Finish
Harsh environments and corrosive materials can quickly deteriorate improperly finished truck scale components. Rice Lake’s SURVIVOR® series truck scales are steel shot blasted according to the highest industry standards to remove mill scale and surface imperfections. An asphalt emulsion undercoating is applied to all non-visible steel surfaces on all steel deck models to protect against moisture damage. High-performance epoxy primer and specialized hard-coat alkyd enamel is applied to all visible steel surfaces for a car-like finish that protects the scale from the elements.

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 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.

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.

As you can see, a lot of thought must take place when considering the purchase of a truck scale. If you are considering or looking for a used truck scale, you need to consider all the topics that were mentioned earlier. You also need to consider the fact that in most cases with a used truck scale, you are buying a scale with very little if any warranty and you are buying a scale that has had thousands and thousands of pounds of equipment driven over it for years. There is also the outdoor element factor that must be considered.  Finally, many times a specific concrete foundation must be poured to fit the used scale.  All of these factors must be considered and factored into your total cost of ownership.

Cardinal SCA Truck Scale Load cells are fabricated from stainless steel to provide the ultimate in protection when caustic, corrosive or wet environments are encountered. Load cells are hermetically sealed for absolute water protection (IP68). Each load cell is furnished with stainless steel load buttons on each end, and a 9m integral multiconductor cable secured by a strain relief seal.