5 Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Truck Scale

Truck Scale Buyers -

Don’t Make These 5 Common Mistakes

As a truck scale buyer, you need to make sure you avoid these common pitfalls. Too often one of these mistakes can torpedo and entire truck scale project. Don’t let that happen to you; review these top 5 mistakes and how to avoid them.

#1 Wrong location

Where to put your truck scale. Don’t put it in a low-lying area. Low lying areas are where all the water on the property will collect or at a minimum run through. Water and scales are never a good combination. Even with today’s hermetically sealed load cells, there are still multiple weak points on scale electronics that water will damage.

Second, a low-lying area will collect build-up. What do we mean by build-up? Build-up is rocks, dirt, sand, or any other material that will wash or blow under the scale. This build-up will cause major scale weighing issues. The scale platforms overtime will begin to sit on the built-up dirt and not the load cells. What does this lead to? A scale that weighs light and not accurately.

Bottom-line consider the topography when selecting a location for you truck scale.

#2 Wrong Foundation Type

Too often truck scale buyers think they want a pit style foundation. Pit foundations have their place, but they are the exception and not the norm. A pit foundation sounds good in theory since it doesn’t require concrete ramps, take up less space, etc. But understand a true pit foundation will cost in concrete work 2-2.5x the cost of an above-ground foundation.

In addition, a pit scale is covered by confined space entry regulations, meaning the cost for maintenance goes up significantly. A concrete pit for a scale is like a big bucket on your property that will collect water. This means a sump pumping system must be installed and that moisture can begin to rust the scale from the underside faster.

Bottom-line, unless you need a pit foundation for a specific reason choose an above- ground. You and your scale will be happier.

To learn more about the different truck scale foundation types see this blog post.

#3 Wrong Scale Installation Company / Dealer

The old saying you cant get all three (fast, cheap, and good quality) is applicable when selecting a truck scale installer. Whatever you do ensure you have good quality. A truck scale is a 25-year investment that can be ruined if installed incorrectly. Make sure your installer is certified/licensed in your state, has required insurance (WC, GL,etc.), and have a track- record of previous installations that they can show you.

You can mitigate all the other mistakes but if your scale is installed incorrectly the rest of your work & planning will be useless.

#4 Poor Project Planning

As with any construction project having a good plan is paramount to success. Your project plan should be a partnership between you and your scale installation company. There are a number of moving pieces when installing a new truck scale. When will the scale arrive? Who is coordinating the crane? Is the foundation poured and cured? Are the conduits for cabling/wires laid out? Is there 120VAC power run to where the remote display will go? Do you need building permits? Will the scale connect to a computer? The questions go on and on. Lean on your scale installer to lead the project but understand as the buyer you carry many of the responsibilities of whether the installation timeline is met.

As the buyer you will most likely need to provide 120VAC power to power the scale; without power the scale installer cannot complete installation of the scale, calibration of the scale, or set-up of the indicator. Bottom-line, select the right scale installation company and build a strong partnership with them to ensure an on-time, on-budget truck scale installation.

#5 Wrong Scale

Selecting the correct scale for your project is foundational. We have dedicated a couple whole articles to all the options you must select (deck type, scale length, scale width, electronic or hydraulics, digital or analog, etc.). One focus point is buying a scale that is paired to number of trucks you plan to weigh daily and their average weight.

Do not buy a light or medium duty scale if you plan to pound150 logging trucks each weighing 90k lbs+ everyday across your scale. Buying a heavier duty scale will never hurt you.

For learning which deck type to select see this blog post.

The Guide To Truck Scale Warranties

THE IMPORTANCE OF WARRANTIES

Purchasing a legal for trade truck scale can be one of the more substantial costs for your operation. Perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a truck scale is the warranty. Regardless of the weighing application used, a warranty is essential to scale ownership. You need to be sure that you’re covered should something happen to the scale several years down the road. Warranties will usually cover certain components like load cells, calibration for both analog and electronic load cells, as well as warranties on scale indicators. As a truck scale is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, knowing that you have a “safety net” for when something happens will help in the long run.

NOT ALL WARRANTIES ARE CREATED EQUAL.

One of the biggest factors to consider is what warranty is packaged with your truck scale. Just how a truck scale one size does not fit all, the same goes for warranties. Some warranties may only cover steel decks for a year, but it is dependent on the condition of the truck scale foundation as well. The purpose of a warranty is to help protect your scale for its entire lifespan or the duration of ownership. As a customer, this is an area in which you should take time to evaluate options, as warranties will vary between manufacturers. Some manufacturers offer a very limited standard warranty with expanded warranty coverage at an added cost. There are key areas to consider when evaluating truck scale warranties, including maintenance, replacement parts, lightning protection, etc. Ultimately all truck scale warranties differ in one way or another. To make sure you are getting the protection that fits your needs, you must consider certain criteria listed below.

WARRANTY COVERAGE

Understanding what is covered under your warranty can help in many cases, especially with ongoing productivity and profitability, which in turn leads to a scale’s dependability and accuracy. When looking at various warranties, one wants to take a look at the following criteria:

• Types of components covered

• Types of failures covered

• On-site labor

• Travel costs for technicians

• Replacement parts

• Lightning (typically addressed in separate section warranty)

• Scale calibration covered

Depending on what is covered and what isn’t will help you decide on which manufacturer has the best warranty for you. There may be certain components that are excluded from the warranty, or that may be covered under their own separate warranty, so be sure to thoroughly review the warranty that you are interested in. Keep in mind that some of the fine print may mention the overall maintenance schedule or truck scale installation process to see if certain things are covered.

DURATION OF COVERAGE

The duration of coverage is very important to whether your truck scale will still be under warranty or not during the time of purchase. Some manufacturers prorate their level of coverage as the scale ages. That means their warranty may only cover a percentage of any covered repair after a few years. Warranty duration can vary in length and will have different conditions that issues will fall under. Some warranties will be void if there are signs of improper maintenance (junction box not being maintained), so be sure to keep a long of when you service your scale. To get a better understanding on the duration of a warranty, check out our article “How Long Are Truck Scale Warranties?” in our Learning Hub.

 

MANUFACTURER RESPONSIVENESS

When the time comes where you have to use your warranty, one thing to consider is how responsive the manufacturer is when resolving your issue. Does the scale manufacturer have a local sales/service or distributor? If not, someone may need to be dispatched from another location, and if labor and travel is not included, then that will be an extra cost to consider. It may be up to you to consider the “what ifs'' and determine how responsive you think a company will be in an emergency situation. There may be some things that are not covered by the warranty and may require you to find an independent repairman. Things like your scoreboard, remote display or even your stainless steel components. Be sure to read the warranty in full.

CONCLUSION

Essentially all truck scales will eventually require service. Most scale owners want to have a reliable partner for service and a plan to ensure the scale’s performance. The time it takes to develop this plan can be well worth the effort in the resulting peace of mind. Taking the time to review the warranties and what they include can help you pick the right one for you. Below is a chart showing the warranty breakdowns for various manufacturers. At American Scale, it is our goal to bring you leading information about everything involving scale systems. Be sure to check out our articles on topics such as How much do truck scales cost, common problems scale owners experience, and even a scale accessories price guide.

The Differences With Truck Scales

SCALING THE DIFFERENCE

Truck scales are designed to weigh trucks and heavy vehicles. A truck scale consists of a foundation, indicator, weighbridge, load cells, junction boxes and any required accessories. Even maintenance requires scale calibration, of both analog and electronic load cells. Each of these components comes in different types and materials depending on your specific weighing needs and environment, but if optimized properly then it will tie your scale system together.

ANATOMY OF A TRUCK SCALE

When looking at a truck scale, they can be broken down into several main components. The foundation, load cell, scale deck, terminal, junction box and cables make up a truck scale. The lifespan of the scale can be upwards of 25 plus years, if properly maintained. The weighing applications used will vary as well, but the process is typically the same. These components are pretty uniform among truck scales, granted there are differences in components (steel or concrete deck, hydraulic or digital load cell, etc). There are also other components that you will need to consider for a truck scale. Categorized as truck scale accessories, you will look at things like a remote display, scale indicators (washdown or stainless steel) or even scoreboards. Component type is entirely up to the preference of the buyer for the customization of the truck scale.

BETWEEN TO WORLDS: PIT OR PITLESS

One of the major parts of a build is the truck scale installation. Scale manufacturers will require you to have some sort of foundation if you are looking to do a full truck scale build. But the first thing you have to get in order is the truck scale foundation. When it comes to different types of truck scales it boils down to two different deck types. These two types are pit style and surface style. A pit scale is built over an excavation, and the surface of the weighing platform is flush with the ground. There was a point in time when all truck scales required pits in order to house the mechanical parts and suspension system. In current day those mechanical scales are being phased out, making pit style an optional choice. A Pitless, or open-sided scale is built up from a grade and have a profile about 28-51 cm. (11-20 in). They may have one or both sides open. The benefit of having an open side scale is that they can be installed rather quickly compared to a pit scale, which will take extra time to pour the concrete and wait for it to cure. Ultimately the decision to go with a pit or a pitless design really comes down to location and preference.

DECK CONSTRUCTION: STEEL VS. CONCRETE

The deck of the weighbridge is a very important part of operating a legal for trade truck scale. The deck is required for you to load the truck onto the scale to be weighed. With most scales, you have your choice of steel or concrete deck surfaces. Steel and concrete decks should provide equal weighing performance because both are built to the same design specifications. However, there are some differences that could make one deck type more advantageous for your site. Below is a chart showing the differences between steel and concrete deck surfaces. For more information regarding the differences with decks, check out our post on steel vs concrete decks.

 

THE PORTABLE ADVANTAGE

There may be situations where you need to weigh vehicles but only need a truck scale for temporary usage. This is where portable scales come in. Instead of a permanently fixed truck scale, portable scales make use of a steel frame that connects together in sections. The frame includes mounting locations for the load cells on which the deck will sit. For convenience reasons, portable scales will almost always use a steel deck since they are easier to transport. In most cases, the scale is designed to be partially disassembled for relocation simply by unbolting sections of the frame and deck structure. A crane can then be used to lift the sections as needed. Portable scales are a good option if you have a worksite where you are unable to have a permanent truck scale, then going portable may be a good option. If you have more questions on if you need a portable scale, our article “When is a Portable Scale a Good Option” will be a good place to start.

CONCLUSION

Truck scale selection comes in multiple options, but ultimately it comes down to what is the best option that fits you and your work site. Selecting the right scale for your operation will help you avoid common problems that could arrive. Choosing between steel or concrete, pit or open faced or even fixed or a portable scale, there is a bit of configuring required. A thing of note is to look at the manufacturer warranties to see which is the best. At American Scale we strive to bring great information and customer service to our customers. To find more in depth information concerning the turnkey cost, time taken to install or just common issues that show up during ownership. Our Learning Hub has an extensive selection of articles to help you along your journey, including our popular How much do truck scales cost?

Why Buy A Digital Truck Scale

WHY GO DIGITAL?

Digital weighing systems have shown to be an improvement over analog systems as technology continues to advance. Digital truck scales provide distinct advantages that increase efficiency, maintenance, and diagnostics. Even if you are still loyal to analog truck scales, it is still beneficial to learn about the new technology that is being presented. The following post will highlight the advantages and breakdown why a digital scale may be a good choice for you.

THE DIGITAL ADVANTAGE

Digital truck scales offer an assortment of advantages over analog scales. From being easily integrated to a remote display, to having easier methods of servicing them. Diagnostic options, ease of use and maintenance simplicity are some of the advantages to owning a digital legal for trade truck scale. They feature internal calibration and diagnostics that originate from within the digital load cell itself. Because of this electronic load cells can be easily replaced to save time and effort. In comparison to the analog scales that have been used, the digital scale has an ease of use factor and an easy to diagnose factor that give digital scales the advantage over analog scales. 

• Greatly reduces the time needed in diagnosing system failures.

• Digital load cells are calibrated to the system before shipment.

• Monitor the digital truck scale system in real time via remote monitoring.

• Lack of extra wiring and a junction box make maintenance quick and simple.

• Scale calibration is simpler due to the digital connection.

MAINTENANCE

Digital truck scales substantially reduce the time needed to diagnose potential failures, which reduces overall downtime due to load cell failure. Some load cells will have a stainless steel casing to help keep it protected from the elements. Since digital load cells are calibrated to the system before shipment, set-up time is minimal. With a completely digital system, there is little chance of loss of signal resolution due to an analog signal. After a truck scale installation is complete, make sure you have a good maintenance schedule. Maintaining a clean truck scale and load cell will increase the lifespan of your scale.

• Quick diagnosis from remote diagnostic software reduces guesswork by finding the cause of the issue.

• Simple load cell wiring layout for quicker maintenance times.

• Digital load cells are “plug and play” and come already calibrated for easy replacement.

• Ensure that the scale indicator is wired correctly to the Junction box.

• Make sure the scoreboard is properly wired. Improperly wired scoreboards can cause inaccurate readings.

• Perform a regularly scheduled washdown to prevent debris getting into the load cell. Steel decks will be a bit easier to clean under compared to concrete.

DIAGNOSTICS

The diagnostic process with truck scales can be a tedious and time consuming affair. An issue can arise that can take some downtime to pinpoint the problem. It can be a broken load cell or faulty cables. The advantage of diagnostics with a digital scale is that each load cell can be monitored individually. This helps to more accurately pinpoint where the issue is coming from in an efficient manner. Due to the efficient nature of digital scales, this cuts back on downtime.

• Digital load cells can monitor multiple attributes pertaining to the cell (capacity, weight counts, temperature, etc).

• Can monitor load cell calibration through diagnostic software.

• Individual load cell monitoring helps pinpoint issues quicker.

PROTECTION FROM DAMAGE

Digital truck scales provide load cells that have potting to prevent ingress from moisture and sediment. They come equipped with internal grounding to prevent damage due to surging or electrical complications. Also, if a load cell cable is damaged, digital load cells won’t need to be replaced—just the load cell cable will be changed out. This is a distinct advantage to a digital truck scale system.

• Equipped with internal grounding to prevent damage from power surges.

• If the cable is damaged then only the cable needs to be replaced.

• Provide in depth information on each load cell for predictive maintenance.

CONCLUSION

Digital truck scales provide more tools from an intracellular design aspect to give scale technicians added freedom from uncertainty and lost resources. A lot of scale manufacturers have good warranties for their load cells. A well made truck scale foundation will add to an overall well built truck scale site. Digital truck scale load cell design provides the end user with more tools to diagnose, replace, and save valuable time when load cell issues arise. Keep in mind that your weighing applications will also help determine the sort of issues you will come across. The common problems of digital load cells are mostly preventable with the tips mentioned above. Most importantly, end users can keep their scale operating for longer, with less interruptions and smaller intervals of downtime. At American Scale it is our mission to bring resources about all things scales. be sure to check out some of our past articles about truck scales including; How much do truck scales cost and others such as the cost of scale accessories and the differences between concrete and steel decks.

Common Issues With Owning a Truck Scale

Common Issues With Owning A Truck Scale

Performance issues can creep up at any time when owning any piece of machinery. The same with owning a car, an issue can arise where you lose power or have a fluid leak. The same goes for truck scales. This article will breakdown the common problems with truck scales. From scales not leveling out to scales reading the incorrect weight, these are some of the issues that will arise during the course of truck scale ownership. Depending on the weighing applications will determine some of the issues you may encounter. Below is a list of common issues along with tips to maintain the integrity of your truck scale.  Be sure to check out some more of our articles over at the American Scale learning hub.

DEBRIS AND WATER BUILDUP

A very common issue with owning a legal for trade truck scale is the buildup of debris and dirt under the truck scale. This buildup can affect the performance of the truck scale by the debris collecting around the load cell and cables, thus causing possible inaccurate measurements. A good way to combat this is to clean under the scale around two times a year. depending on the environment (rock quarries, asphalt companies, etc) you may want to have the underside of the scale cleaned every quarter or four times a year. It is wise to do weekly checks as well to ensure the integrity of the scale. The length of time needed toVisually inspect the platform daily basis to ensure that the scale is free of debris.If you are using a pit-mounted scale ensure the drainage system is not blocked.Check to make sure no water is ponding under or around your scale. Water under the scale can lead to rust and corrosion.Check the underside of a steel deck and power wash any debris from the underside.

INACCURATE SCALE READING

Accurate scale reading is a big problem that can arise during your truck scale ownership. When a scale reads inaccurately, it can directly affect the overall measurements of each truck you weigh. There are a few contributing factors that will cause inaccurate reading. Besides from the aforementioned debris and dirt buildup, one has to worry about possible electrical shorting which can cause the load cells to work inconsistently. The lifespan of a scale can come down to how well it is serviced and maintained. When scheduling a scale calibration, it will help keep your Depending on whether your scale is pit style or an above ground truck scale, you will want to use a pressure washer and a vacuum truck.Ensure drivers slowly load the scale to prevent abrupt changes in weight.Make sure that the scale is zeroing out between each weight readings.Check the underside for any buildup and power wash any debris buildup.Check around the load cell and cables to ensure everything is connected properly.

DAMAGED OR INTERMITTENT LOAD CELL

Maintaining the integrity of the electronic load cell is one of the most important aspects of owning and operating a truck scale. When a load cell is damaged, it can cause a slew of problems from not zeroing out to not reading the correct weight. Moisture, electrical issues and even vibrations can contribute to a load cell not operating properly. Note: You most likely won’t have any electrical issues with analog load cells.Ensure the scale location is void of any excess vibrating (nearby construction, landscaping, etc).Check the load cell’s stability by doing test measurements between different weights.Check the ground connections to ensure the cables are firmly connected and free of corrosion. 

ELECTRICAL ISSUES

Scales are composed of multiple components, and even though these components may be small in size, they can have a big impact on the functionality of the scale. If you have a stainless steel setup then it can lead to issues when there is lightning in the vicinity. Some issues can happen inside of the scale indicators. Electrical issues can affect how the scale operates and can possibly lead to inaccurate weight measurements or shorting out of the components. Lightning strikes can cause issues with all electrical components, including power surges and affect calibration performance as well. Your scale accessories could be a possible cause of electrical issues, so it is a good idea to check all the accessoriesCheck scale installation and that the load cells are grounded correctly.Check junction boxes for moisture buildup and that they are properly sealed and dry.Opt for lightning and transient protection for the scale and load cells.Check your remote display cable to ensure there is no exposure .

CONCLUSION

At American Scale, we want to provide as much information for our audience as possible. When it comes to truck scale ownership and other systems that use weighments, the main thing to remember when keeping your scale in operating order, it is good to look at preventative maintenance. The truck scale installation process if not done properly will lead to more issues down the road. A good maintenance schedule will help prevent issues with the truck scale foundation, scoreboard and the scale system overall. Also keeping a well serviced scale will also help keep your warranty in order as well. The tips mentioned above can help with preventing further issues from arising as well as help extend the overall life of the scale and its components. Setting up a daily, weekly and monthly cleaning and maintenance schedule is a good way to keep your scale measuring and working properly. Keep in mind that scale manufacturers will have different recommendations for maintaining their scales. Refer to the manual of the scale you own for brand specific tips. For more articles concerning your truck scale, head over to our leaning hub where you can find articles like How much do truck scales cost to the importance of truck scale software. 

Top 5 Truck Scales on the Market 2022

TOP 5 TRUCK SCALES ON THE MARKET 2022

Scales are a part of our daily life. Either directly or indirectly, scales are used to some capacity in just about every industry. Truck scales are no different. There is a lot of information regarding truck scales out there, but it can be a bit difficult to locate all the information needed in one spot. At American Scale, we are working hard to ensure that you receive all the information you need to get to help narrow down what would be the right scale for you and your organization. There are a plethora of truck scales with various sizes, weighing applications, options and features. Deciding on which scale is the best fit for you can feel a bit overwhelming. Starting the truck scale system journey can feel daunting, especially with all the different manufacturers and options, picking a truck scale is not as simple as picking out something to drink. This article will break down the top truck scales that you can purchase right now and explain the differences between the scales manufacturers listed. This article is a branch off from our How much do truck scales cost article.

Note: The scales listed are steel deck truck scales with a standard size of 70’x11’. We will look at electronic load cells. There will be links guiding you to deck types as well as loading cell types. All truck scales listed are legal for trade.

B-TEK CENTURION

B-Tek is one of the more known scale companies. The Centurion by B-Tek is a heavy hitter, designed to take anything thrown at it. The tread plate utilized is 20% (⅜”)  thicker than all standard scales in its class. The extra thickness adds to the overall durability of the scale, ensuring heavier weight is correctly read. The Centurion series has ease of use in mind, both from an operational and maintenance standpoint. The steel decks that are used are built to stand up to quite some rough environments. The good thing about the B-Tek scales is that they are easily customizable and easy to specify while ordering and configuring. The Centurion from B-TEK Scales is the only vehicle weighing system of its kind available, offering the latest digital technology in a unique, modular design. It's the most robust scale on the market, utilizing tread plates that are 20% thicker than all standard scales in its class. Its durable construction is designed for long life in tough environments. Providing 10 lb. graduations, the Centurion is the most accurate truck scale available. All their scales are legal for trade.

• Steel Deck - 3/8” tread plate

• Large top access covers for easy installation and service

• Stainless steel compression column load cells, hermetically sealed (IP68/69K)

• Dual calibration storage - download the calibration from the indicator to the load cells

CARDINAL ARMOR

Cardinal Scale’s steel deck ARMOR® series truck scales with digital SmartCell® load cells offer unmatched performance built to last a lifetime of heavy-duty weighing use. Cardinal is no stranger to scales and is one of the more reputable scale manufacturers Every facet of the digital truck scale weighbridge and electronics have been specifically built for long-lasting endurance, minimal upkeep, and IoT monitoring convenience. Depending on where you plan on installing your truck scale, you are going to want a scale that is able to handle your work environment and all the work it will need to handle. Cardinal Scale features a comprehensive line of truck scales for almost every heavy-duty vehicle weighing need. Cardinal Scale’s truck scale line features models that can be used in the most high-volume, punishing, and damaging environments. Ranging from portable axle scales to Cardinal Scale’s full-length, industry-leading ARMOR digital truck scale design, Cardinal Scale truck scales are used in multiple industries: logging, aggregates, mining, metal recycling, and agriculture.

• Load Cell Stands Pre-Installed for Lightning-Fast Installation

• 8-Inch-High Clearance Below Load Cells

• IoT-enabled iSite remote monitoring software

• SmartCell® stainless steel waterproof digital load cells

THURMAN DIAMONDBACK TRUCK SCALE

The Thurman Diamondback features an open bottom orthotropic design that forms a super strong low deflection corrosion resistant deck. Diamondback scales are equipped with Intalogix Technology, which gives the scales full protection from lightning. Touting a weight limit up to 135 tons and has a 90,000 lb CLC rating, which will exceed most state requirements. The Thurman Diamondback just as its name implies is a tough truck scale that is able to handle all that the job will throw at it. This is a good design for people who want both durability and ease of use. Thurman Scales are built to the highest standards in the industry as a direct result of years of truck-weighing experience in demanding workplace environments. The Double-Ended Shear beam design helps set Thurman industrial scales apart from the competition. Its design is self-restoring, providing users with one of the most reliable, durable, and forgiving scales in the industry.

• Solid deck design resists deflection and metal fatigue.

• Diamond tread, 1/4” thick deck plate promotes scale longevity.

• Interlocking platform design for easy, one-day installation.

• Low profile allows above-grade installation and shallow approaches.

RICE LAKE SURVIVOR TRUCK SCALE

SURVIVOR truck scales are designed to accommodate a minimum of 250 trucks per day for 25 years without weighbridge fatigue—equivalent to more than two million weighments. The steel deck on SURVIVOR scales features an open-bottom design, eliminating the cavity where moisture can collect, potentially causing rust. The SURVIVOR series is a great choice for high volume weigh stations. If you are running a weigh station that has heavy traffic then you may want to look more into the Rice Lake SURVIVOR series. The compact, low-profile SURVIVOR OTR steel deck installs quickly—ready to weigh heavy loads and withstand constant traffic in as little as one day, getting production processes up and running as quickly as possible. The SURVIVOR OTR steel deck features a wide-flange I-beam construction. 12-inch wide-flange beams on 11.5-inch centers run longitudinally with the traffic flow beneath a 5/16-inch diamond plate deck. The wide-flange I-beam construction helps minimize deflection (vertical flexing), a major factor in determining the life of the weighbridge.

• NTEP Certified per H-44, Class IIIL 02-003 Measurement Canada AM-5413

• 5-year or 12-year limited warranty on the weighbridge

• Up to 270,000 lb full scale capacity

• G-Force™ self-checking mounting system eliminates excess movement

EMERY WINSLOW ROADWEIGH II TRUCK SCALE

The Roadweigh II series has built up a standard to hold up against the elements from mother nature. The Hydrostatic load cells installed in the Roadweigh scales have a lifetime guarantee against failure from water, high-pressure washdown and power surges to name a few. This is the only hydraulic truck scale on the list, but it does an amazing job as a reliable and durable truck scale. The Roadweigh II series is also a bit more on the pricier side. The usage of concrete and steel can add to the cost and the duration of the entire build. Emery Winslow is known for their Hydrostatic load cells and have stood the test of time in many weigh stations around the country. The Roadweigh II is a good idea for a truck scale if you are wanting to go hydraulic over digital or analog. Emery Winslow scales are made in the U.S.A. and feature Hydrostatic Load Technology, the most rugged and durable industrial device on the market today. Demand for this technology is growing with the inability of electronic load cells to withstand the harsh environments of many industrial applications, in spite of hermetic seals. Water, lightning, power surges, abuse, welding, corrosion, and even rodents cause uncountable numbers of scale failures. For these reasons, electronic load cell scales are the most expensive to own and maintain. Hydrostatic load cells are immune to most of these conditions and provide a level of performance and reliability unmatched in the scale industry. They are the load cell of choice for today’s industrial users who understand low cost of ownership means greater profitability. 

• Top access makes it easy for new or existing pit installations

• Concrete weighbridge design using steel-reinforced 6″ concrete

• 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship

• Hydrostatic load cells are guaranteed for life against failure from the elements

Breaking down the amount of truck scales that are on the market and the different scale companies available is a process, but there is always a starting point. There are a lot of things to consider when taking on such an extensive project for your site. There are a myriad of truck scales available to purchase with a lot of different configurations, options and features. There are more options available out on the market that will have different features and options mentioned above. The five that were listed above are among the best you can buy and have various price points to help fit into your budget. These scales also have the ease of use in mind along with the durability needed to handle the work loads thrown at it. With each scale listed, there are pros and cons to each, which usually can come down to preference or what exactly fits your needs. There are also accessories that you will want to consider, such as a remote display (scoreboard), junction box or scale indicator and other scale accessories. If you are still wondering whether you should get a steel or concrete deck, or are wondering about the truck scale installation process. Or are just curious about the overall cost of a truck scale or truck scale foundation. Our Learning Hub will help answer some lingering questions you may have. From common problems, to looking at steel or concrete deck truck scales or even figuring out the importance of truck scale software. The best thing to do is to figure out what it is you want to do with your truck scale. Knowing the desired outcome will also help you figure out which scale will be the best fit for you and your work site. The resources that have been mentioned above will help you figure out scale calibration, the lifespan and the length of time it will take to complete a build. Be sure to check more of American Scale content on all of our platforms linked below.