This month we continue looking at truck scale service. This months topic is Load Cells. From a service perspective the overall procedure is to examine load cells and the area surrounding them. The load cell area may contain dirt and debris that has built up since the scale’s last check. Load cells must have clearance to deflect through their capacity range. The same debris that can bind the scale deck can also keep the load cells and suspension components from moving freely. Continue reading
Category Archives: General
Checking Devices
As we continue to look at service of truck scales, this month we look at checking devices. Some vehicle scales utilize suspension systems that don’t require checking devices, eliminating a time-consuming step in your service protocol. If your scale has checking devices, make sure they are working properly. Inspect check rods to make sure the attachment points are solid. Check for binding.
If there is a problem, weight readings will be inconsistent from section to section. Inspect hardware to ensure jam nuts are tight, rods are level and free of foreign material, and washers are not rusted or distorted. Even if they are working properly, replace corroded hardware components so they don’t fail in the future when you least expect. Continue reading
The foundation of success
This month we continue to look at the overall service and maintenance of a truck scale. Today we look at the weighbridge and the foundation. Even the toughest scale on earth is put at risk on a poor foundation. Cracked foundations can lead to movement or settling which causes chronic calibration errors. Letting little cracks become big cracks may require removing part or all of the scale foundation and pouring a new one for the scale to once again weigh accurately.
It is important that the end user periodically walk around their scale and do a thorough visual check of the foundation and let your service tech know of any issue that you see possibly developing. Take a look at the weighbridge or deck. Rust or crumbling concrete can weaken the scale structure and cause problems. Clean and paint rusted steel decks. Continue reading
Regularly Scheduled Maintenance
We mentioned maintenance a few months ago in this entry. However, we wanted to go a little more in depth with each area in the coming months. Today, we’re going to look at regular calibration service calls. A thorough check-up every six months at the very minimum is the general rule for truck scales. Many companies like Central Carolina Scale offer regularly scheduled maintenance plans for your truck scales.
When deciding how often to have your scale tested, take into consideration your number of weighments, climate and the value of the product being weighed. Aside from the actual calibration, most of the inspection will consist of you or your scale technician conducting a visual inspection of the scale, foundation and surrounding area. Every vehicle scale should be calibrated and tested by a state-licensed servicing agent with no less than 25,000 pounds of certified test weights. A lot of times it is ideal to use a company like Central Carolina Scale in Sanford, North Carolina that has a scale test cart that can test different areas of the scale.
Calibration of a Truck Scale
Now that you’ve bought a truck scale, completed the foundation, have the scale installed, what’s next? Before your truck scale can be used for obtaining weight measurements, it must first be calibrated to your digital weight indicator and approved by your state. Your local scale service company will take care of this by bringing their test truck to the scale test site. The test truck holds certified calibrated test weights that are placed on the scale platform for testing and calibration. The test Continue reading
Weighbridge for Truck Scales
Closed-bottom weighbridge designs with both top and bottom plates, typically using lighter weight components, create cavities that tend to hold moisture causing rusting of internal components. Rice Lake SURVIVOR steel deck truck scales feature an open-bottom design providing unrestricted airflow eliminating rust causing moisture buildup which accelerates rusting of internal steel and imminent scale failure. For more truck scale information, contact Central Carolina Scale for a quote today.
Ramps and Approaches
According to Handbook 44, all approaches for any type of NTEP-certified, legal-for-trade truck scales shall be 10′ long, flat, level, the width of the scale and constructed of concrete. The ramps plus the approach must be at least half as long as the scale, but no more than 40′. Continue reading
The foundation for success
A proper foundation is one of the most important parts of your truck scale. If the foundation is not constructed properly, built flat and level, or according to the certified foundation drawing, your truck scale foundation could shift and bring the scale out of accepted calibration tolerance.
If the movement continues, your scale will become inoperable and require costly foundation repairs. Many factors must be considered in the process, such as the slope of the site and soil conditions. Below are a few other factors that must be taken into consideration. The SURVIVOR truck scale line quality design and engineering is further complemented by Rice Lake’s ability to Continue reading
Heavy Capacity Preventative Maintenance Schedule
It is probably a good idea to have your heavy capacity truck scales checked at least every six months at a minimum. Also, a convenient time to conduct a preventative maintenance scale inspection is during the regularly scheduled calibration check. It’s a good idea to inspect your truck scale just prior to peak usage times, such as harvest season in agricultural operations. Click here for more detailed scale service info available from Central Carolina Scale.
Cardinal Truck Scale Manufacturing
Cardinal Scale’s truck scale manufacturing processes was featured in a Fall 2008 episode of cable TV’s popular program “How It’s Made” airing on the Science Channel. The segment details the production of a 70-foot-long electronic Cardinal truck scale. Beginning on a microscopic level with the creation of the strain gauges that reside in the scale’s load cells, the educational program charts the manufacturing course of a Cardinal model EPR truck scale.
It proceeds to show the welding processes involved in the steel tubing and load cell stands, the powder paint process, and final assembly where the finished truck scale is shown with test weights being applied to measure its superb accuracy.
The episode first aired in November 2008 and will be translated into over 3 dozen different languages to be shown internationally. One of the reasons Cardinal was asked to participate on the show was worldwide brand name Continue reading