Weighty matters

A truck scale is a major investment for any company at any site. It is a critical piece of equipment that enables a recycling operation to collect the incoming and/or outgoing weight information that is necessary for buying and selling recyclables and for meeting legal-for-trade requirements.

Before making such an important purchase, it pays to consider carefully where and how you plan to use the truck scale. Consulting with an experienced and proven supplier at an early stage in the specification process can help to ensure that a recycling operation gets everything right.

Larry Behrens, product manager at Avery Weigh-Tronix, Fairmont, Minnesota, provides insight into some common issues recyclers can encounter when shopping for a scale and how to avoid them.
 

Application needs

Recycling operations should evaluate the physical aspects of their sites and the types of truck scales available. Platforms can be mounted above ground, with ramps for accessing the driving surface, or pit mounted so that the driving surface is level with the surrounding grade.

Above-ground systems can take up a significant amount of space on site because of their ramps. Conversely, pit-mounted weighbridges will take up less surface area, but the civil and foundation work required can make them a more expensive option.

A recycling operation’s chosen supplier will be able to provide advice on the best type of truck scale for a particular site and the operation’s usage requirements.
 

Site survey

It is important to fully understand the location of all underground and overhead services. Underground services, such as water, sewer, gas and electric, can affect where an operation is able to locate its scale. For example, a pit-mounted scale requires substantial excavation and foundation construction. The presence of underground services can add substantially to the cost.

One of the first things to consider for a pit-mounted system is the height of the water table and the level of the local surface water drainage system. With a full site survey, it is possible to identify and overcome such issues, either by ensuring that such services run well beneath the weighbridge foundation or by locating the foundation so it does not interfere with these services.

Another critical consideration is the soil-bearing capacity at the chosen site. Recycling operations must understand their options if the soil bearing needs to be increased to create a stable foundation.

Whether pit or surface mounted, the use of a crane during the installation process can be complicated by the presence of overhead power lines. Recycling operations should consult with their suppliers to ensure the platforms can be transferred from the delivery trailer to the foundation in a safe and cost-effective manner.
 

Project approvals

Early in the process, it is critical to review the project with local authorities to make sure all requirements are understood and met in regard to construction codes, electrical codes, zoning permits and other regulations.
 

Vehicle maneuvering

Recycling operations should always consider the turning radius of the longest vehicles that may access the system. Ideally, vehicles are able to enter and exit the scale platform in a straight line. Adequate clearance for items that protrude from the vehicle, such as side-view mirrors, bumpers, stepping boards and fuel tanks, for example, also needs to be assured.

Simply driving one of the longest known vehicles through cones where the weighbridge and ramps will be installed is a simple yet effective exercise.

Again, consulting with an experienced and proven supplier is time well-spent.
 

Length and width requirements

Recycling operations should ensure they are selecting a platform length and width that will accommodate all known vehicles that will access the truck scale, with wheelbase dimensions being a critical factor to consider.

Operations should anticipate their future needs as well as their current needs. It can be fairly simple to extend the length of the scale at a later date, but it is much more difficult to add width without replacing the entire system.
 

Health and safety issues

Health and safety issues are always important, so one of the first things for a recycling operation to ensure is that it does not position the truck scale where pedestrian traffic is likely.

Systems are often positioned near the entrances and exits of a site, so operations need to think about how to avoid congestion and having waiting vehicles backed up onto streets, roads or highways. Some of this planning will involve more than simply thinking about where to position the scale platform.

If drivers are required to exit their vehicles as part of the weighing transaction, recycling operations should ensure they have a quick, safe means for getting off and back onto the platform.

Additionally, if a wheel washer will be used ahead of the weighbridge, it should be far enough back so the driving surface is not wet constantly.
 

Scale automation

Consider the benefits offered by a driver-operated kiosk system. Many system options, such as entry and exit barriers, signage and traffic lights, are available. These systems allow drivers to complete weighing transactions around the clock without leaving their vehicles.

Unattended systems can enable more efficient processing of vehicles and allow the system to function without a dedicated operator, lowering operating costs and extending the hours of availability.
 

Fit for purpose

When making a truck scale selection, recycling operations must consider any heavy, off-road vehicles on that may be on site and access the platform, such as large forklifts, cranes, front-end loaders and more. These vehicles may have concentrated axle loads and gross capacities that exceed the system’s ratings and may cause damage. Recycling operations should discuss this issue with their suppliers to ensure that the scale selected is fit for purpose for all vehicles that may have access.
 

Investment protection

After investing significant time and capital in selecting and installing a truck scale system, it can be wise to invest in a service and maintenance contract that can help to minimize downtime, maximize uptime and ensure that the truck scale system keeps operating at peak performance over its service life. Recycling operations should ensure that the scale manufacturer has a history of standing behind its products with a strong warranty.

A truck scale is a major investment and is central to the success of a recycling operation. With careful planning and professional advice, a recycling operation can ensure that its weighing system will operate smoothly over a long time. The best advice is to seek professional assistance from the supplier, who should be willing to act in a consultative role before, during and after the selection, installation and commissioning of the system.

This article was submitted by Avery Weigh-Tronix, Fairmont, Minnesota. More information can be found at www.averyweightronix.com.