The Quick Guide to Axle Scales

Axle Weigher Basics

Cardinal SWIM Series

Axle scales are a great alternative to larger truck scales. They offer some benefits like cost, size and portability. Since purchasing an axle scale is a pricier investment, it is good to have a decent knowledge base when it comes to purchasing an axle scale. Before you buy an axle scale, here are a few things you should know. In this article we will discuss the factors that can impact your scale purchase.

An axle scale is a valuable piece of equipment for commercial vehicles. There is no better way to determine the weight of your vehicle than investing in an axle scale. In this post, we explain a few things you want to know before purchasing an axle scale. If you're considering an axle scale, here are a few things to keep in mind.

How an Axle Scale Can Help Your Business

Depending on the kind of operation you have, axle scales may provide several benefits. One of the biggest ways axle scales can benefit your business is simply by the cost of owning an axle scale. Since they are considerably smaller that a standard truck scale, they will also have a way lower price point. By knowing how much weight a truck is carrying and potentially avoiding accidents, axle scales help truckers stay safe. They also reduce unnecessary expenses by ensuring you don't get penalized for an overweight truck. If you want to safeguard yourself against these issues, you may want to invest in an axle scale.

Learning the process

An axle scale is a weighing system designed to weigh the individual axle groups. The weighments are completed one axle set at a time and then all the axle weights are summed to provide the total gross weight of the truck. This is much different than a full size truck scale where the entire truck is weighed at one time. The first step is for the vehicle to go over the scale while the wheel load exceeds the sensor pads. The vehicle does not need to be completely halted for the scale to function. When a vehicle goes through the scale, the metal plates underneath bend and calculate the pressure generated by the wheels above. The sum of all the weights on the wheels is then calculated.

A unique benefit of an axle scale is their ability to offer weigh-in-motion. This means the truck does not have to stop on the scale, instead they drive over it at a slow speed and the scale does the rest. Although the accuracy is slightly less, weigh-in-motion provides operational benefits since more trucks can be weighed faster since each truck does not have to stop. Most weigh-in-motion axle scales boast 1-2% accuracy. Keep in mind that not all axle scales offer this feature. Many axle scales are simply static scales that sum of the total axle weights at the completion of all axle groups being weighed.

benefits

Although axle scales cannot be used legal for trade they work well in many situations. They are great for gathering weight data to ensure trucks don’t leave a facility overloaded per DOT standards. They also take up significantly less space than a full size truck scale. This is a huge advantage for facilities with limited real estate to locate a scale. The footprint for an axle scale is only 33% of a full size truck scale. Axle scales are also more economical. This is because the scale itself is much smaller and requires less materials to construct. Similarly, any concrete foundation work is much less with an axle scale vs a full size truck scale. Finally, not all axle scales require installation requiring concrete foundations. Many can be installed on existing flat pavement and are therefore easier to install and move in the future if needed.

Closing Words

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our legal for trade truck scale system articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. We also have articles on scale accessories, common problems to prolong your scales lifespan, weighing applications as well as what scale indicator works best with your junction box. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership.

The Guide to Crane Scales

Guide to Crane Scales

Understanding Crane Scales.

Crane scales work differently than platform scales. Instead of placing an item in the weighing area, the load is attached to a crane’s scale hook. This makes hanging scales a more versatile tool for weighing large or awkwardly shaped loads. This article will serve as a guide to help you find the best crane scale for your operation.

The Benefits of a Crane Scales?

Crane scales have a bit more versatility over floor or platform scales. Below is a list of benefits a crane scale has over platform scales:

• Easy to weigh bulky items: Some items are bulky and have an awkward shape that could make traditional weighing methods a bit difficult. Using a crane scale adds an extra layer of safety when having to weigh and transport large and awkward items.

• Adds a layer of safety: Transporting a load that’s too heavy for your crane can cause damage to the crane and worksite. Using a crane scale over a platform scale to weigh potentially dangerous items will help keep your workers and site safe.

• Saves space: Floor scales take up a lot of space. With a hanging scale, you can weigh goods in place, eliminating the need to budget floor space for a scale.

• Time saver: Your staff doesn’t have to carry every item they need to weigh to the scale. This cuts down on traffic, making the workplace safer and more efficient.

• Increased accuracy: Some crane scales provide extremely precise weight measurements, which is a great way to increase profit through accurate measurements.

Types of Crane Scales

Crane scales differ depending on their material, weighing mechanism, display type and features. For example, analogue and digital scales use different weighing mechanisms. Since digital scales are typically more precise and allow for more options, like check weighing and parts counting, they’re much more common in industrial and commercial applications. However, an analogue hanging scale is a great lower-cost choice for operations that don’t require as much precision.

The variety of hanging scales is wide. Here’s a brief outline of the most common types. 

• Monorail hoist scales provide a versatile solution that offers a high weight capacity for more extensive industrial operations.

• Jib crane scales are suitable in smaller spaces like machine shops or shipping centers, where smaller components are weighed individually.

• Bridge crane scales provide high load capacity with a wide range of motion to allow faster weighing.

• Rail-mounted or rubber-tire gantry scales are preferred by factories, mines and other high-capacity industries.

• Semi-gantry scales are similar to the rail-mounted gantry but are supported by an elevated or rail-mounted truck at one end.

Functionality and Options

When you are looking for your next crane scale, there will be some options and functions that will be beneficial to you. 

Load monitoring. Accurate load weights are essential for regulatory compliance purposes and to ensure safety conditions are met. In addition, maintaining load weights will safeguard your valuable equipment against damage and premature wear and tear. When deciding on the appropriate scale, you must know the weight capacity you’ll need and any specific scale graduation requirements.

Process control. Consider the scale’s ease of use and how simple features like larger-sized buttons can reduce downtime caused by workers needing to remove work gloves to operate the scale. Display visibility is another opportunity to increase efficiency, particularly in the case of digital screens that must be read in bright sunlight.

Energy efficiency. Considerations around energy consumption are an environmental responsibility and a matter of process efficiency. When deciding on a scale, look at its battery life to determine how frequently you’ll have to deal with downtime related to recharging or changing batteries. Some units have automatic shutoff functions to help conserve energy when the scale isn’t in use. 

Data integration. Many scales can accommodate digital integrations allowing for real-time communication of information across business systems while limiting the risk of human error. Systems that enable real-time remote monitoring of weight readouts can streamline data transfer and enable faster decision-making.

Things to consider when using a crane scale

Crane scales can significantly increase job site safety. However, they still present risks that can result in injury or death. Follow these safety tips when working with and around a crane scale:

• Always be alert and keep an eye on suspended loads

• Never pass or work under suspended loads

• Ensure all loads are balanced

• Always lift loads slowly

• Avoid torsion, vibrations, and shock loads

• Always check safety brackets

• Check hooks, cables, ropes, carbines, and rings for excessive wear and replace them when necessary

Service and maintenance

Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keeping your crane scale safe and operational. Every time you use the scale, check the hooks, shackles, and lifting eyes for wear and cracks. You should also tighten the shackle pin and nut.

It’s a good idea to have a designated internal person inspect the entire apparatus for wear and damage every three months. Once a year, schedule an inspection with a certified professional to calibrate your scales, check the hardware for excessive wear, and make any necessary repairs.

Closing Words

Bench and floor scales are commonly used in industries such as agriculture, retail and manufacturing businesses. Depending on what you are weighing and how often will help you decide if your operation needs a bench scale or a floor scale. Head over to our Learning Center to check out articles on things to consider when selecting a floor scale and how to choose a bench scale. These are great resources to give more insight into what is needed for the right scale for the right operation.

The Benefits of Using An Axle Scale

A scale is a simple, yet very useful tool to have in your operation. When it comes to capturing weight measurements on larger objects (vehicles for example), you will want to start looking at different scale options. That is where axle scales come in. If your operation needs to capture large scale weight measurements but do not need the extent of a truck scale, then the axle scale may be a viable option. Axle scales come in a variety of forms, but all serve the same purpose: help you track how much weight a given product weighs to determine its exact dimensions. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about using an axle scale in your operation and why it’s worth investing in one for your company.

What is an Axle Scale?

An axle scale is an instrument that measures the weight of axles so that you can accurately calculate their size, or load capacity. Unlike a full size truck scale, where you have to drive the entire load on to the scale to capture the weight. While different companies will use axle scales slightly differently, they all essentially work the same way. The setup may differ between places, but ultimately the process is the same. You have your scale, load cells, junction box and weight indicator. There may be accessories like a remote display or traffic light, but ultimately there is not much more to an axle scale.

Advantages of Using an Axle Scale

Like other scale types, there are certain advantages that an axle scale will have over a larger vehicle scale. Below is a list of some of the advantages that an axle scale offers:

Although axle scales cannot be used legal for trade they work well in many situations. They are great for gathering weight data to ensure trucks don’t leave a facility overloaded per DOT standards. They also take up significantly less space than a full size truck scale. This is a huge advantage for facilities with limited real estate to locate a scale. The footprint for an axle scale is only 33% of a full size truck scale. Axle scales are also more economical. This is because the scale itself is much smaller and requires less materials to construct. Similarly, any concrete foundation work is much less with an axle scale vs a full size truck scale. Finally, not all axle scales require installation requiring concrete foundations. Many can be installed on existing flat pavement and are therefore easier to install and move in the future if needed.

Should You Consider an axle scale?

Determining if an axle scale is the right choice for your operation depends greatly on what your needs are. Considering that it is not a legal for trade option, the scale would not be a viable option if you are looking for a legal for trade option.

Axle scales are able to find utility in applications ranging from shipping and construction to farming and logistics. The technology is constantly changing, and has forced scale manufacturers to design capable axle scales that can keep up with the demands of environment. Additionally, the creation of these types of scales has made it so that businesses can be in compliance with the rules put in place around load transport.

Reliability and ease of use are the main components of a good axle scale. The decision to invest in an axle scale is a good way to stay compliant with local and state regulations as well as keeping safety as a top priority for you and your site workers. An axle scale is a great investment if you need to save space, time and money.

Final Words

When manufacturing products, you have to worry about many factors. If you choose the wrong sizes for your products, you could end up with a quality issue or even a safety concern. Determining the exact dimensions of a product and knowing the weight it can handle is a good way to prevent problems. An axle scale can help you do this. We hope this article has helped you better understand how axle scales work and why it’s worth investing in one for your company.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our legal for trade truck scale system articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. We also have articles on scale accessories, common problems to prolong your scales lifespan, weighing applications as well as what scale indicator works best with your junction box. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership.

Things to Know Before Buying a Forklift Scale

Knowing What to Look For

Deciding to add a forklift scale to your facility is a big decision. There are several things you will need to consider before even making the purchase. Having a bit of knowledge will go a long way when it comes to deciding on what scale you want to go with. In this article, we will give you some things to consider when purchasing a forklift scale.

What Is a Forklift Scale?

A forklift scale is a scale that’s built directly into the forklift. The scale uses the forklift’s hydraulic sensor system in order to measure the resistance to the object the forklift is lifting while weighing the object simultaneously. This type of scale is typically used for weighing a product as it’s being loaded into transport vehicles.

Industry Applications of Forklift Scales

• Industrial factories

• Logistics facilities

• Production floor

•  Agriculture

• Distribution centers

• Cargo loading

• Produce coolers and storage

• Truck Loading

Benefits of Forklift Scales

• Cost-effective due to efficiency in saving time loading it on and off of a floor scale

• Scale is portable

• Ideal for avoiding downtime

• Weight of the product is determined during the loading process

• Allows optimal loading of transport vehicles

• Prevents overloading penalty

• Maintains high accuracy regardless of environmental disturbances

• Provides a wide range of data collection options

• Easily maintenance and installation process

• On-board diagnostics and predictive warnings

things to consider

Recycling centers, warehouses, and logistic companies all frequently use forklifts. They’re ideal for operational needs due to their speed and ability to easily navigate around obstacles.

Many of these industries end up investing in a forklift scale because of the additional benefits they have. Not only is this useful in terms of the process of getting inventory from Point A to Point B, but forklift scales also measure and record data while doing so.

For example, forklift scales end up eliminating many tedious tasks at recycling centers. Bundled materials can be weighed on the way to the designated destination instead of slowing down the process by constantly stopping every so often at a floor scale to take a reading. Here are some things you should consider  before purchasing a forklift scale:

What are the dimensions of your forklift?

It’s important for you to know the dimensions of the frame of your fork truck, considering that it’s one of the first questions a sales associate will ask you during the buying process. Once they know what the proper dimensions are, potential scales will be recommended according to your needs.

Do you need to store or print transaction data?

If you think you’ll need to store data electronically, then a scales indicator can do just that. However, if you need to print the weight data, then it is recommended that you consider adding a printer to your operation.

What is your forklift’s weight capacity?

This is entirely dependent on which forklift scale you are using

Wired or wireless indicator?

Both types of indicators come with their own set of pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide what your needs are regarding the capabilities of an indicator. Wireless options require more maintenance because an operator must manually change the batteries of the scale itself in order to transmit power. A wired indicator is powered through the truck itself, which means less work for you, but also includes a physical power cord.

Closing Words

Purchasing a forklift scale for your warehouse facility has a lot of benefits and can quickly increase productivity. But going into the purchasing process blind can potentially cause you extra time and money due to purchasing a scale not fit for your needs. Consider these aforementioned tips to help get you on the right track as to which scale to purchase.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our legal for trade truck scale system articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. We also have articles on scale accessories, common problems to prolong your scales lifespan, weighing applications as well as what scale indicator works best with your junction box. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership.

The Importance of Scale Calibrations

The Importance of Scale Calibration

Using a scale on a regular basis in your business will cause a lot of wear and tear on your scale. Eventually your scale will start to lose accuracy and will need to be calibrated. It is essential that scales are as accurate as possible. Ultimately the goal should be that even though you’ve had a scale for years, you still want it to operate as if it were new. 

Unfortunately, when a scale is used often there are factors that contribute to the scale’s loss of accuracy. That is where scale calibrations come in.  This article will break down the importance of scale  calibration and will help you to maintain a scale that is as accurate as possible for many years to come. 

 

WHAT IS SCALE CALIBRATION?

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A box full of old test weights

Scale calibration is a process used to determine the accuracy of a scale. To ensure that the scale calibration is performed properly, you need to use test weights for the calibration. Using a random item to calibrate the scale is not a good way to attain accuracy and will most likely cause more problems. Test weights are weights that are used in scale calibrations. The reasoning is that Calibration weights are assigned a class which is based on the accuracy or tolerance of the weight. The calibration weights used in this process have been previously measured on an accurate scale device, and are then compared to your own scale under similar circumstances. 

WHY DO I need to Calibrate my scale?

The purpose of scale calibration is to ensure that your scale is at the highest level of accuracy possible. Just about every scale will need a calibration at some point in its life. Even the most reliable scales will need to be calibrated. Granted the calibration may not be as frequent, but that all depends on how often the scale is being used, and how often calibration occurs.  

In order to maintain accuracy in your scale, professional calibration services should be a part of your maintenance routine. Keeping a high standard for accuracy in your scale systems ensures that you can rely on your scale data and assures your customers that you’ve done your due diligence in keeping accurate weight data. American Scale Company offers scale calibration services for all different scale types. 

In addition to maintaining a high standard for accuracy, routine calibration services can also serve as an opportunity for professional scale technicians to identify potential scale problems early and provide any needed repairs. Routine maintenance will save you money over the lifespan of your scale system since calibration and small repairs are generally much less expensive than replacements and the losses you may be accruing from an inaccurate scale. 

WHEN should you calibrate your SCALE?

Deciding when you should have your scale calibrated will really depend on a few factors such as; length of use, frequency of use and even the type of environment the scale is in. There are many common scenarios that require the use of scale calibration services. The most vital calibration for your scale system occurs when you install a brand new scale. Before you ever use the scale for commercial or industrial purposes, performing professional calibration on the scale guarantees that you are beginning with accurate measurements.

In general the rule of thumb seems to be to have a scale calibrated twice a year. But to ensure accuracy is consistent, then it is better to have your scale calibrated every quarter. This will help give peace of mind about your scale and whether it is accurate. Also when getting a scale calibrate, the technicians who are performing the calibration will first perform  an inspection of the scale. The inspection can help identify other potential issues besides just scale calibration. 

Closing Words

Accuracy is paramount when it comes to scales and weighing, an inaccurate scale can really cause you a lot of lost time and money, if not remedied quickly. Remember that in the long run if you have an inaccurate scale then you will lose a lot of potential profits. Consider how important an accurate weight is to your business. If your company can’t afford to have even the slightest inaccuracy in weight, it’s likely that more frequent calibrations will be necessary.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale systems related, including products from the top scale manufacturers. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our“Common Problems With Bench Scales'', to help prolong the lifespan on your scale.