5 questions about truck scales in recycling

1. How do I plan the location of a truck scale at my facility?

You need to consider the flow of traffic, number of vehicles being weighed, operator safety, space requirements and any anticipated company growth. Talking with a scale distributor is the best way to ensure you’re selecting proper scale placement with consideration for safe traffic flow, foundation and electrical requirements, ease of maintenance, material loading or unloading and more.

2. What truck scale model and features do I need?

Your truck scale needs to accommodate the largest vehicle in your fleet or that you expect to have in your fleet to ensure accurate weighments. You also should consider the scale’s deck material, either steel or concrete. Concrete deck truck scales often have a longer installation time due to the time required for the concrete to cure, however, they also can provide better corrosion resistance and traction in muddy or icy conditions than steel deck scales. In addition to a fast installation, steel deck truck scales also offer easy relocation and expansion options.

Depending on your processes, you may need to talk with a scale distributor about choosing a manufacturer who can provide custom truck scale designs. Each process is unique, and standard truck scale models might not be right for every case.

3. Do I need a certified legal for trade scale?

If the weight of material in your trucks is going to be used for commerce, your truck scale must be legal for trade. Your scale distributor can help determine if you need a legal for trade scale and can provide the regular care and testing necessary to ensure your scale maintains certification. If you don’t need a legal for trade scale, you could consider alternate types of vehicle weighing, such as axle scales, wheel weighing pads or onboard weighing systems—all of which can provide portable weighing solutions.

4. How do I know what software I need for data monitoring?

When considering software programs for data monitoring, you should work with your scale distributor to find the best software for your needs. You may be able to use a standard program that provides vehicle weight monitoring, weight and transaction records and data integration with your current system, but you may find customizable software is a better option.

Some features that differentiate software programs are the number of scales supported and user access. Some programs support only one or two scales, which may be all you need, while others can support an unlimited number of scales. Your operations may require secure user access to truck scale data, so you should verify user roles on the software and the data access for each role.

Finally, consider whether you want to access your truck scale data from one central computer or from multiple network-connected devices. Some software programs offer a web browser interface that provides access from multiple PCs and handheld devices.

5. What maintenance do I need to plan for?

No matter the manufacturer, all truck scales require regular maintenance. While the frequency can vary depending on local regulations and different processes, you should work with your scale distributor to establish a routine maintenance plan. This includes inspecting the weighbridge, foundation, load cells, junction box and grounding as well as performing calibration and testing to ensure your scale is functioning properly and repairs are made before you experience unnecessary downtime. You also should perform daily cleaning of your truck scale to remove any material buildup under or around the scale that can result in incorrect weight readings or damage to components.