Truck weight scales are essential for drivers who transport goods on highways. They are used to ensure that the load being carried by truck is within its legal limits and safe for travel. Many are times when a truck's weight exceeds its permitted limit.
In such a situation, the driver has to find a way to redistribute the cargo to bring it within the limit. This article will discuss everything you need to know about scale trucks.
The Foundation
The truck scale installation is based on a foundation. This is usually concrete and has to be strong enough to support the truck's weight and load. Many factors determine how heavy or light a scale's foundation should be, such as soil conditions and the scale's capacity. Depending on the requirements of the installation site, a typical foundation can be reinforced or non-reinforced. Reinforced foundations are usually needed for weighty loads and consist of layers of gravel and sand that reinforce the soil at the base.
Non-reinforced foundations use only compacted stone to support the weight of the scales. The pit style usually needs sump pumps, and ensuring that your pit is in the right location is essential. This means ensuring that the scale is not installed on sites with unstable soil or other factors that might cause instability when a heavy truck rolls over them.
How About the Cells?
These cells are designed to support the weight of the truck and its load. The cells typically have a curved top surface that follows the curvature of the wheels when the vehicle is in motion. The cells are usually made from reinforced concrete, although some modern ones use steel or other materials.
The type of cell also impacts how a scale operates. The difference lies in the type of material used for the cell. For example, cells made from steel are usually more expensive than concrete and other materials, but they can also be more durable. When buying load cells, focus on your weight needs. It is also a good idea to target the best dealers. As you purchase online, check the diversity of the range to find the most appropriate cells for your needs.
The Control System
Modern scales use a control system that allows them to function without human intervention. This is done using sensors installed at specific locations near the weighbridge, such as at each end of the scale or on each side. The sensors monitor the weight being applied to them, which is relayed to the control system.
This system then controls how the load cells respond to the weight being applied. This allows a scale to maintain accuracy even when large trucks are coming over it. It also helps keep track of all loads that pass through the weighbridge, allowing drivers and fleet owners to keep track of their freight.
Weighbridge
This part of the scale interacts with the truck being weighed. It is a horizontal structure made from steel, concrete, or other materials. The weighbridge is typically at least 10 feet long and four feet wide to accommodate large vehicles. The weighbridge is often relatively simple in design, although some are more complex.
The more complex designs are usually fitted with indicators and other equipment that allow drivers to see their weight as they drive onto the weighbridge. They also have controls for adjusting the scale's sensitivity and may have unique features like safety lights or bells that alert drivers in case of problems with their loads.
Junction Boxes
These are used to ensure that the components of a scale work together correctly. They provide connectivity between the cells, sensors, and other devices on a weighbridge, allowing them to exchange information as needed. Junction boxes can be opened or closed after installation, depending on the needs of the site where they have been installed.
By matching the signals sent by the load cells in a weighbridge with other signals from the sensors and indicators, they also allow accurate readings to be obtained even when large vehicles are being weighed.
Indicators
In addition to loading indicators that show drivers how much weight their trucks have, there are also loading indicators that provide information on scale performance. These indicators often show the weight of a vehicle when it drives over the weighbridge, and they can also provide information on changes in pressure or other readings that the devices on a scale may take.
Some weighing systems are built with indicators designed to function like displays on an ATM. These indicate how much money is being removed from or added to a vehicle, along with the total amount of weight and other information. Drivers can use this to keep track of their freight and payments as they drive over the weighbridge.
Scales are essential components of freight transportation. They help ensure that shipments arrive on time and that drivers and fleet owners don't overpay for the loads they transport.
