5 questions about truck scales in waste management

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

When planning the installation of a new truck scale at your facility, you need to consider the flow of traffic, number of vehicles being weighed, operator safety, space requirements and any anticipated company growth. A certified scale distributor will help you properly plan scale placement with consideration for safe traffic flow, foundation and electrical requirements, ease of maintenance, and material unloading or loading.

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

Your truck scale needs to accommodate the largest vehicle in your fleet to ensure accurate weighments. You also need to consider the scale’s deck material, which can be 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 can also 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 facility, you may need to talk with a scale distributor about choosing a manufacturer that 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 legal-for-trade vehicle scale?

If the weight of material in your trucks is used for commerce, your truck scale must be legal-for-trade certified. 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, which can provide portable weighing solutions.

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

When considering software for scale data management, you should work with your scale distributor to find the best program 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 customizable software may be a better option.

Finally, consider whether you want to access truck scale data from just 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 operation differences, 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, and performing calibration and testing to ensure your scale is functioning properly so repairs can be made before you experience unnecessary downtime. You should also perform daily cleaning of your truck scale to remove any buildup of material under or around the scale that can result in incorrect weight readings or damage to components.