Factors To Consider When Selecting A Truck Scale For Mining Applications

Published 16 February '25

At a glance

Prioritise Understanding Business Needs: Assess volume and weight dynamics, weighing frequency, and application-specific requirements to ensure the selected truck scale aligns with your mining operation’s unique demands and growth potential.
Emphasise Durability and Longevity: Select a truck scale built to withstand harsh mining environments, featuring weatherproofing, corrosion-resistant materials, and stable foundations to minimise downtime, maintenance costs, and operational disruptions.
Consider Total Cost of Ownership: Look beyond the initial purchase price, considering long-term costs such as maintenance, calibration, and potential upgrades. Opt for a scale that balances upfront investment and ongoing expenses to maximise return on investment over its lifespan.

Precision matters when it comes to the weighing of mining trucks; even the slightest error can lead to a considerable loss over a long period. Accuracy, reliability, durability and efficiency are the most critical factors of a mining truck scale.

You may think buying a truck scale is a simple task, but that is not the case. When using scales for mining applications, the right scale makes a huge difference in profitability and reduces running costs, including maintenance and replacement.

Choosing the right truck scale for your mining application is a critical decision. It’s an investment that will impact your operations for years to come. With so many factors to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Mining truck scales go through a lot. They are exposed to harsh environments all year. You must ensure they will last long enough, as they are a massive investment for any operator.

Buying a mining truck scale includes considering numerous factors such as brands, specifications and technologies. Here are some of the factors that you should consider when selecting a truck scale for a mining application:

Business Needs

Before diving into technical specifications, it’s vital to understand your unique business needs. This forms the foundation for your truck scale selection journey. Ask yourself:

Volume and Weight Dynamics: What’s your average daily/monthly truck traffic? What’s the maximum anticipated weight capacity of your trucks? Choosing a scale that exceeds your current needs by 10-20% ensures you’re prepared for future growth or potential overloading. Imagine the frustration of having to upgrade your scale prematurely due to underestimating your needs!
Weighing Frequency: How often will you be weighing trucks? Opt for a scale designed for your specific usage intensity, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. High-frequency operations demand robust scales built for endurance, while less frequent weighing might allow for more flexibility in scale selection.
Application-Specific Needs: Will you be weighing different materials with varying densities? Do you require specific data capture features like axle weights or tare weight measurements? Identifying these unique needs helps narrow your selection criteria and avoid investing in unnecessary features. For example, a scale designed for low-density materials might not be the best fit if you only deal with coal.

By taking the time to understand your specific requirements, you lay the groundwork for selecting a truck scale that’s perfectly tailored to your mining operation, optimising efficiency and maximising return on investment.

Working environment

Mining environments are notorious for their harsh realities. Dust, extreme temperatures, moisture, and uneven terrain can wreak havoc on unprepared equipment. To ensure your truck scale withstands these challenges, consider the following:

Climate Champions: Choose scales built to resist the specific challenges of your environment. Opt for scales with weatherproofing, dust protection, and corrosion-resistant materials for areas with extreme temperatures, moisture, or dust. Imagine the downtime and repair costs associated with a scale failing due to inadequate environmental protection.
Terrain Tamers: Uneven surfaces and vibrations can disrupt scale accuracy. Seek scales with a stable foundation and features like self-levelling capabilities to combat these challenges. A sturdy foundation ensures consistent and reliable weight measurements, even on uneven ground.
Portable Powerhouses: If temporary weighing needs arise, consider portable scales that offer flexibility and durability for on-the-go operations. These versatile options allow you to weigh trucks at different locations within your mine or off-site facilities.

Remember, the environment won’t adapt to your scale; your scale needs to adapt to the environment. By choosing a scale built to conquer the specific challenges of your mining operation, you ensure its longevity, performance, and, ultimately, your peace of mind.

Weight Capacity

Capacity, another crucial aspect, ensures your scale can handle the weight you throw at it:

Exceeding Expectations: Exceed your maximum truck weight by 10-20% to account for future needs or potential overloading. Don’t underestimate the growth potential of your operation! Investing in a scale with sufficient capacity now saves you the hassle and expense of upgrading later.
Legal Limits: Stay compliant by checking regional weight limits and ensuring your scale adheres to them. Operating an overloaded truck can result in hefty fines and safety issues.

Material Type and Construction

The materials used in your truck scale directly impact its durability and resistance to wear and tear. Think of it as building a house; you wouldn’t use flimsy materials for a structure exposed to harsh elements. Here’s what to prioritise:

Steel Strength: High-strength, corrosion-resistant steel is your armour against the elements. Look for thick steel plates and robust weighbridge construction for superior load handling.
Weighbridge Design: Choose a design that minimises stress and wear from heavy loads. Features like shear beams and multiple load cells distribute weight evenly, enhancing longevity.
Environmental Protection: Invest in scales with sealed components, weatherproofing, and dust protection to safeguard internal mechanisms from harsh environmental factors.

Accuracy

Accurate weight measurements are the cornerstone of successful mining operations. They ensure you’re not giving away valuable material, adhering to regulations, and optimising your loading efficiency. Here’s how to ensure your scale delivers:

NTEP Certification: Look for scales with NTEP certification, guaranteeing they meet stringent accuracy standards set by the National Conference on Weights and Measures. This certification is an independent validation of your scale’s accuracy, giving you confidence in your weight measurements.
Calibration Cadence: Regular calibration is crucial to maintain accuracy over time. Choose a scale with readily accessible calibration points and readily available calibration services. A well-maintained scale is accurate, avoiding costly errors and compliance issues.

Durability

By prioritising durability in your truck scale selection, you reap multiple rewards:

Reduced Downtime: A durable scale means fewer repairs and maintenance needs, minimising operational disruptions and lost productivity. Imagine your trucks flowing smoothly through the weighing process instead of being held up by equipment failures.
Lower Lifetime Costs: While the initial investment might be slightly higher, the reduced maintenance and repair costs over the scale’s lifespan translate to significant savings in the long run. Think of it as an investment in a reliable workhorse that saves you money in the long term.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your scale can handle the harsh conditions gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on your core operations. Imagine operating with the confidence that your weighbridge won’t fail, ensuring accurate measurements and compliance.

Scale Longevity

Longevity is a hallmark of a valuable investment. To ensure your truck scale stands the test of time, consider:

Proven Track Record: Research the manufacturer’s experience and expertise in mining applications. Look for companies with a history of supplying reliable scales to mining operations.
Real-World Tested: Opt for scales tested in harsh mining environments, simulating the conditions they’ll face in your operation. This real-world validation ensures their ability to withstand the demands of your industry.
Load Cell Protectors: Protect your scale’s heart – the load cells. Seek features like lightning strike protection and surge suppression to mitigate potential damage from electrical disturbances.

Budget

Finding the right balance between cost and value is crucial. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the most economical in the long run. Consider the following:

Realistic Approach: Set a realistic budget considering your needs and desired features. Include maintenance, calibration, and potential downtime costs in your calculations. Don’t underestimate the ongoing expenses associated with your chosen scale.
Long-Term Costs: While the initial purchase price is important, factor in maintenance costs, downtime potential, and potential upgrade costs due to insufficient capacity or features. A cheaper option may become more expensive in the long run if it requires frequent repairs or doesn’t meet your long-term needs.
Financing Options: If your budget is tight, explore financing options manufacturers or third-party lenders offer. This allows you to invest in the right scale for your operation without straining your cash flow.

Reporting and Integration

Choose a scale that generates detailed reports, including weight measurements, axle weights, tare weights, and timestamps, facilitating compliance and operational analysis.

User-friendly software: Choose software that simplifies data collection, reporting, and analysis.
System integration: Ensure compatibility with your existing software and hardware for seamless data transfer.
Consider cloud-based data management solutions for secure, remote access to your weighing data, enabling real-time monitoring and informed decision-making.

Manufacturer Reputation

Remember, selecting a truck scale isn’t just about the product itself; it’s about choosing a reliable and responsive manufacturer or supplier who becomes your trusted partner in success. Consider the following:

Industry Reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation within the mining industry, paying attention to customer reviews, testimonials, and industry awards.
Local Presence: Having a local presence can be beneficial for readily available support, service, and spare parts.
Warranty and Service Agreement: Choose a manufacturer offering a comprehensive warranty and service agreement for peace of mind and minimised downtime.
Training and Support: Opt for a manufacturer that trains your staff on using and maintaining the scale, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Selecting the right truck scale for your mining operation requires careful consideration of various factors. By prioritising accuracy, durability, longevity, and other relevant criteria, you can invest in a scale that optimises your efficiency, minimises costs, and delivers reliable performance for years to come. Remember, the best scale isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about choosing a partner for your success.

With over 90 years of experience in weighing systems, Trakblaze has established itself as one of Australia’s foremost manufacturers of weighbridges. They are widely recognised for their expertise in producing and supplying mining truck scales. Therefore, if you need a mining truck scale, feel free to get in touch.