At a glance
- Before setting up your truck scale, check the site area and avoid areas with underground pipes or cables.
- Choose a site that fits the type of truck scale you plan to use for the best performance.
- Ensuring a smooth, level surface for accurate truck weighing during both arrival and departure.
- Pick a spot with a stable power supply to avoid problems with the scale’s readings.
- Consider weather, moisture, and drainage to prevent damage to the scale over time.
- Ensure the location is safe for workers and trucks, with enough space and room for future growth.
You can invest in the best truck scale on the market, but if it’s installed in the wrong spot, you’ll experience a lot of trouble.
Poor site selection can lead to inaccurate weigh-ins, structural damage, drainage issues, and constant recalibrations, which will all slow down operations. A well-planned location, on the other hand, optimises efficiency, improves safety, and extends the lifespan of your scale.
So, before you commit to a location, let’s talk about the critical factors that will keep your truck scale performing at its best for years to come.
Conduct Site Survey
Firstly, you need to assess the site’s condition to know the capacity or locate the potential hindrances in advance.
Start by checking the site’s soil-bearing capacity. The soil should be strong enough to support the scale and weight of heavy trucks. Usually, the required soil bearing capacity for truck scales ranges from 7,300 kg/m² to 12,200 kg/m².
Next, look for underground utilities such as sewers, gas, and electricity in the chosen location. Some truck scales, like pit-mounted scales, require excavation and foundation construction. Since the foundation is important for accurate readings, it’s best to hire a professional to survey the land.
Match the Site to Your Type of Truck Scale
When you choose a site, it should complement the type of truck scale you plan to install for accurate readings.
If you plan to use a portable scale, you need a location with sufficient space for easy setup and stable ground. The surface does not necessarily have to be paved, but it must be level, compacted and free from loose material.
For in-ground scales, opt for a solid foundation area with adequate soil-bearing capacity to ensure stability. Unlike mounted ones, in-ground scales require more excavation and proper drainage planning.
Moreover, if you’re installing axle weighing systems, precision is essential. For accurate weight distribution, you should pick a site with a well-aligned and stable surface that’s flat and without dips or slopes.
Reliable Power Supply
Power fluctuations can cause inaccurate readings, malfunctions, and costly downtime. Therefore, always select a site that has a stable and dedicated power supply.
Most businesses often make the mistake of connecting their truck scale to a shared power source with heavy-duty equipment. As a result, they tend to experience many power interruptions. So, avoid sharing and install a dedicated, clean power circuit at your site instead.
Moreover, keep your truck scale away from nearby Radio frequency interference (RFI) sources such as welders, two-way radios, or high-voltage transformers that can disrupt electronic weighing systems. To prevent RFI issues in scale installations, you can use sheilded cables, proper grounding and surge protection.
Consider Environmental Factors
Your site’s exposure to environmental elements can significantly impact truck scale performance. Here are some of the factors you should consider when choosing your truck scale site:
- Weather conditions: Heavy rain, extreme temperatures, and strong winds can impact scale performance and durability. If possible, install your truck scale in a location that offers natural shelter. Or, consider adding protective coverings to the scale. Trakblaze’s FORCE 2 & 4 Mining Truck Scales come with a weatherproof outdoor electrical cabinet that protects against power fluctuations and extreme weather conditions.
- Moisture: Excess moisture in truck scales can lead to corrosion or damage to electronic parts. Therefore, stay away from low-lying areas that are vulnerable to water buildups or floods.
- Drainage: Note that poor drainage can lead to erosion and weaken the foundation of your truck scale. Make sure your site has a proper drainage system in place to prevent water buildup and soil displacement.
Safety
Safety should always be your priority when planning your truck scale site to avoid the risk of accidents and legal liabilities.
First and foremost, make sure that the location is not accessible to pedestrians to prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment. You also need to plan for enough space for trucks to maneuver easily. A cramped site can lead to congestion, slow down operations, and even increase the risk of accidents. If drivers need to exit their vehicles during weighing, provide a safe waiting area for them to do so.
For truck scales operating in hazardous areas with flammable gases or vapours, choose a weighing scale that meets safety certifications. These certifications confirm that the scale’s electronic components won’t spark and cause a fire or explosion.
Future Proofing
A truck scale is a long-term investment. So, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure the site is adaptable to your future needs. Think about your long-term business growth. Does your site have room for potential expansion?
Consider whether your site has enough space to accommodate additional truck traffic, more weighing lanes, or auxiliary equipment like automated ticketing systems or remote displays.
No one wants to outgrow their site or get stuck with outdated technology just a few years later. Make sure your location can accommodate additional weighing systems or a future traffic volume to avoid costly relocations or retrofits.
Explore High-Quality Truck Scales with Trakblaze
Choosing the right site for your truck scale is just the beginning. To get the most out of your investment, you need a high-quality weighing system that delivers accuracy, durability, and efficiency. Trakblaze offers some of the best solutions in the industry.
Our TRUCKMATE Portable Truck Scales, available in both wired and wireless options, feature high-quality weighing pads.
Similarly, for businesses requiring axle weighing, our FORCE™ 1 Truck Axle Scales are designed for precise axle load measurements and can weigh trucks in motion at up to 6 kph (3.7 mph).
Alternatively, our FORCE 2 & 4 Mining Truck Scale is built for off-road heavy haulage applications and offers extreme durability and accuracy.
Contact us to learn more about our advanced weighing systems!
