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There are many different types of vehicle weighing systems, each with its own advantages from mobile solutions to permanent and integrated scales.
The most common type of vehicle weighing system is a weighbridge-style truck scale. There are a handful of North American scale manufacturers who produce the majority of traditional weighbridge truck scales, and most are sold through a network of scale distributors across the country. Rice Lake’s weighbridge truck scale series is the SURVIVOR® Series.
Our design uses more steel within the infrastructure of the scale than most competitive models for a stronger weighbridge. Rice Lake’s G-FORCE™ self-checking mounting system assures accurate weighments without needing bumper bolts or check rods.
Many weighbridge truck scales offer Legal for Trade Certification—a necessity if you plan to sell goods using the scale’s weight readout.
In-motion vehicle weighing allows trucks to be weighed without stopping, making facilities much more efficient. By cutting down on the time trucks spend idling, in-motion vehicle weighing reduces emissions. Rice Lake offers both Legal for Trade and Non-legal for Trade solutions.
Another popular variety of vehicle weighing is an onboard truck weighing system. Available in Legal for Trade or non-Legal for Trade options, this system is mounted to the truck chassis and measures the trailer load. Total and individual loads can also be calculated as it accumulates.
Axle scales measure the weight of trucks one axle at a time and are often portable or semi-permanent scales. These non-Legal for Trade scales are ideal for checkweighing individual axle weights and monitoring safe loading conditions. For seasonal applications, axle scales efficiently weigh trucks.
Need a little more guidance before making a decision? Request a personalized quote from an industry expert.
This truck scale overview will help you understand how to plan for installation and what features your truck scale may need.
If you've decided to invest in a truck scale to determine vehicle load weights at your facility, understanding the basics will help you know what questions to ask a truck scale dealer to ensure you choose the best system for your needs.
A truck scale, also called a weighbridge, is a weighing platform that measures the amount of vertical flexing that occurs when a truck drives onto a platform. This analog measurement is called deflection. The truck scale’s electronic components then convert the analog signal into the digital weight readout we are used to seeing.
Truck scales offer many benefits, including the ability to sell product over the scale and ensure over-the-road trucks are within safe legal load limits.
Although each manufacturer has their own unique designs, most conventional weighbridge truck scales incorporate the same basic components, such as foundations, load cell mounting systems and a weighbridge, or the driving surface of the scale. Many manufacturers also offer a variety of accessories including traffic lights, guiderails, automated kiosks and more.
Most truck scales are installed with aboveground or concrete pit foundations. Depending on state or regional requirements, scales can also be installed in a shallow pit, as opposed to the deep pit required by older mechanical scales. All truck scale manufacturers should provide foundation drawings.
All load cells take an analog measurement, and then that signal is converted to a digital output either at the load cell, junction box or in the weight indicator. Load cells are typically constructed of steel and are integrated within the weighbridge usually at the corners of each module.
The truck scale’s body and driving surface is called the weighbridge. Its design and structural integrity will determine the reliability and longevity of the entire system. Composed of steel or concrete decks, they are typically manufactured in modular designs that are placed together during installation.
There are many facets of installing a truck scale you need to consider prior to purchasing a scale or finalizing your site design.
There are many ways of looking at the cost of a truck scale, but the total cost of ownership can help you choose the best investment for your business. By dividing the total cost of the scale plus install and maintenance by the total lifetime of reliable weighments, then dividing by 365, you will find the true daily cost of ownership.
Use the formula to the right to determine your total cost per day to own one truck scale brand versus another.
Review this example to see how a truck scale with a lower initial cost could actually cost more to own over its lifetime.
Rice Lake SURVIVOR truck scales are designed to last a generation or more. Meaning, in ideal conditions, you’ll use your SURVIVOR for 25 years.
Use our Total Cost of Ownership calculator to determine your total cost per day to own one truck scale brand compared to another.
You can also look at the price per pound by dividing the cost of the scale by the shipping weight. More structural steel means a more durable weighbridge. The more the scale weighs, the more steel—and more strength—is incorporated.
The most important decision you will make when purchasing a truck scale is choosing a truck scale distributor to help you select, install and maintain the scale. A truck scale is a large investment, and your truck scale dealer should be there every step of the way. When making this decision, ask your respected peers in the industry who they chose to partner with for a truck scale purchase.
Not all have the same qualifications. A Rice Lake authorized distributor can make all the difference. Our authorized distributors employ certified technicians that can troubleshoot, repair, maintain and certify (if needed) your truck scale. They also have ample experience with truck scales from every facet of your industry. You may also want to select a truck scale distributor who has partnered with local construction agencies if your application will require concrete work.
More than anything, you want a local truck scale distributor who will be there for you when you need them; someone who is only a phone call and car ride away. The importance of a qualified, Rice Lake scale distributor and the benefits they can offer you locally are invaluable.
View the most comprehensive line of truck scales in the industry by visiting our truck scale product listing page. You will find product specifications, drawings, system accessories, videos, manuals and more.
Need a little more guidance before you are ready to purchase? Request a personalized consultation with an industry expert or your local Rice Lake truck scale distributor.
