My Account
Is the website displaying in the correct language? Please confirm or select a different language.
Your region has been set automatically. Please confirm or select a different region.
Truck Scale Designs
Choosing the right truck scale design can be difficult. Steel and concrete truck deck scales have certain advantages and can be customized to suit applications.
Basics of Truck Scale Manufacturing
Every manufacturer will provide a slightly different design for a standard truck scale, but some fundamentals apply to every truck scale, such as choosing a deck and foundation type. Knowing the basics before buying a truck scale will help you decide what manufacturer can meet your needs.
Choosing A Scale Supplier
Suppliers work with companies to help decide the best scale for an application, with options depending on partnerships and location. In most cases, companies will have multiple choices when deciding on a supplier.
Certain suppliers may sell scales from just one manufacturer or specialize in a specific type of scale. Depending on business needs, it may be advantageous to work with a scale supplier who offers services for scale repair and replacement, streamlining the purchasing process and simplifying maintenance.
Choosing a scale supplier depends on the application and needs of a business. Research thoroughly, speak with other truck scale owners and find testimonials to assess a supplier’s reputation. The supplier can be a helpful resource as a company decides on the right scale and design for an application.
Fundamentals of Truck Scale Design
Most truck scale manufacturers offer standard designs, but some will make custom solutions to fit existing foundations, saving time and money by eliminating site reconstruction. When deciding on the proper scale for an application, consider design needs and assess the largest trucks that could potentially use the scale. Truck scales are a long-term investment, so consider the future of an application and what might be needed 10 or 20 years down the line.
Once you find a supplier and have assessed your needs, deciding between a concrete or steel weighbridge can help determine the right scale.
Concrete Deck Truck Scales
A concrete deck needs approximately 21 to 28 days to cure. It’s typically poured during installation by an outside contractor, adding additional costs to installation. Some manufacturers offer cured, factory-poured concrete decks. However, these may be damaged during transport or have higher installation and transport costs due to the weight of concrete. Concrete deck truck scales offer several advantages:
- Five to seven years longer life than steel
- Less maintenance, friction and wear
- Better load distribution
Steel Deck Truck Scales
Steel decks are typically installed in less than a day. These scales weigh less than a concrete deck scale, making relocating easier. Steel weighbridges usually offer traction treads to help with wet conditions such as rain and snow. Steel deck truck scales offer the following:
- Fast installation, easy relocation and expansion
- Lower profiles and variable deck plates available
- Smaller initial cost
Expansion and Upgrades
Weighing applications and processes change with business demands. As companies grow and weighing requirements change, additional modules may be needed within an existing truck scale system. Working with a manufacturer who meets your long-term needs is as important as the scale itself.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers a range of SURVIVOR® truck scales designed for durability and longevity. If your company needs a manufacturer responsive to customer needs, speak with a Rice Lake expert today.
Related Products
Related Products
SURVIVOR® OTR Steel Deck Truck Scale
Choose the SURVIVOR OTR Steel Deck truck scale for applications where steel is preferred or downtime is critical.
SURVIVOR® OTR Concrete Deck Truck Scale
The SURVIVOR OTR Concrete Deck truck scale is well suited for resisting corrosion and rust and yields better traction in wet and icy conditions.
