Category Archives: General

Choosing a Replacement Truck Scale to Match Your Existing Foundation

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It’s common for foundations to outlast truck scale weighbridge, though it can be difficult to find a replacement truck scale with dimensions to match existing foundations.

When planning to replace a truck scale, consider using a low-profile truck scale to eliminate foundation modifications without sacrificing performance.

Legacy truck scale models were manufactured with lower profiles, meaning most standard truck scales currently produced don’t fit these existing foundations.

Solutions for Replacement Truck Scales

The solution is to find a manufacturer who can provide truck scales designed to fit existing foundations. Some manufacturers will create replacement truck scales as special or custom models. These truck scales come with a longer lead time and a higher price because extra time is needed to design and manufacture the scale.



Other truck scale manufacturers may offer standard models designed to fit the foundations of their older truck scale models. These manufacturers provide a standard steel deck or concrete deck weighbridge that can be installed only after extensive modifications are made to other existing foundations.

Basically, not all manufacturers take the same approach to providing replacement truck scale solutions to fit existing foundations.

Rice Lake Low Profile Truck Scale

The Rice Lake Weighing Systems SURVIVOR OTR-LP is Rice Lake’s answer to the need for low-profile, replacement truck scales to fit existing foundations.

The OTR-LP was specifically designed to fit the most common foundation sizes and because they are offered as standard models, there are minimal lead times and lower costs since it’s not a custom scale. With a diamond plate steel deck and the same rugged construction SURVIVOR scales are known for, the OTR-LP is the ideal replacement solution.

Rice Lake works with a nationwide network of certified dealers to ensure each application gets the support they need.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems is a family-owned, ISO 9001 certified corporation, and has been manufacturing and distributing weight-related products and supplies since 1946. Within the company, progressive new technologies merge with the wisdom of industry experience to create the future of weighing through cutting-edge research and design.

Rice Lake’s roots are planted firmly in the principles of quality and customer service. Through three generations of family ownership, these ideals remain unchanged. Today, Rice Lake Weighing Systems is a global leader in measurement and automated process control.

Rice Lake offers more than 40,000 products, with over one million items in stock and available for same- or next-day shipping. The company continues to lead the industry in technological advances and quality products, all with legendary customer service.

Solid Waste & Recycling Truck Scales

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The truck scale is the workhorse of any solid waste or recycling facility to measure your operations daily traffic flow of materials. Cardinal Scale manufactures heavy-duty ARMOR portable digital truck scales and also SmartCan digital upgrade systems for existing scales. If you have lower-volume traffic flow for light-duty use, the Scrapper precast concrete deck truck scale is also available.

Cardinal Scale specializes in customized truck scales to fit existing specifications and they manufacture a wide array of peripheral equipment such as weight indicators, remote displays, database software, and unattended kiosks.

Contact Central Carolina Scale today for a free consultation and quote on upgrading your existing scale or investing in an all-new truck scale for your facility. Call: (919) 776-7737

Portable Truck Scales for Mobile Job Sites

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Cardinal Scale Manufacturing ARMOR Portable Digital Truck Scales can be moved to multiple locations for changing job sites. Their modular design with expandable bulkheads allow you to vary platform sizes depending on weighing needs.

The Cardinal ARMOR Portable Truck Scale features IP69K-rated waterproof digital SmartCell load cells, capacities up to 135 tons, heavy-weight 50-ton CLC, 5/16 in thick checkered steel deck, anti-corrosion baked-on tan powder paint, top-side access to all electronics, and NTEP and Measurement Canada approval. The floating center module makes it easy to add or remove sections to fit application requirements.

Armor Portable Truck Scale Features

  • axis Frictionless Centering System Load Cell Stands
  • Expandable Bulkheads Allow Varying Sizes
  • Heavyweight 50-Ton CLC
  • Load Cell Pockets Completely Surrounded by I-beams
  • Load Cell Stands Pre-Installed for Lightning-Fast Installation
  • Long-Lasting Baked-on Tan Powder Coat Paint
  • Measurement Canada Certified
  • Modular Design for Platform Sizing Adjustments
  • NTEP Legal for Trade
  • Optional Ramps and Bolt-on Wings
  • Portable for Moving Job Sites
  • SmartCell Stainless Steel Waterproof Digital Load Cells
  • Tightly-Spaced I-beams for Optimal Structural Integrity
  • Top-Side Access to All Electronic Components

1010700Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 20′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 50 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010701Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 40′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 70 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010702Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 47′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 70 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010703Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 50′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 80 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010704Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 60′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 110 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010705Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 70′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010706Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 75′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010707Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 80′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010708Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 90′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010709Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 100′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010710Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 110′ X 10′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010711Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 20′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 50 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010712Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 40′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 70 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010713Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 47′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 70 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010714Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 50′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 80 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010715Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 60′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 110 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010716Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 70′ X 11′, 50T CLC, 135T Cap., SCBD Smart Cells, Port. Frame
1010717Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 75′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010718Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 80′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010719Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 90′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010720Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 100′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010721Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 110′ X 11′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010722Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 20′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 50 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010723Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 40′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 70 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010724Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 47′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 70 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010725Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 50′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 80 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010726Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 60′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 110 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010727Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 70′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010728Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 75′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010729Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 80′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010730Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 90′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010731Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 100′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells
1010732Truck Scale, Armor, 5/16″ Steel Deck, 110′ X 12′, 50 ton CLC, 135 Ton Capacity, SCBD Smart Cells

POPULAR OPTIONS

0330-1135-0ADrop-In Assembly Filler w/ Lifting Brackets, 12 in L x 132 in W, Steel Deck
MB-ACDigital Media Box with AC power supply
MB-GDigital Media Box for Glass Fiber Optic Cables with AC Power Supply
RMP-ARMORRamp for ARMOR Digital Truck Scale Portable Models, For One End Only
SNAP-DLCSnapStream Wireless Interface from Digital Truck Scale to Indicator
WING-KITWING-KIT

What are the Advantages of a Digital Truck Scale versus a Digital Conversion Box?

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Digital truck scales and digital conversion boxes both provide distinct advantages that increase efficiency, calibration, and diagnostic information communication. The following is just a portion of the information contained in this article which highlights the advantages for both and how they provide more value for those willing to make the switch to these invaluable truck scale technologies.

Cardinal Scale Digital Truck Scales

What are the advantages of a digital truck scale vs. a digital conversion box?

Digital truck scales offer many more diagnostic options regarding weight offset, maximum weight, cell capacity, calibration within the cell, hot and cold temperature compensation values, and temperature offsets for external temperatures. Digital truck scales feature internal calibration and all truck scale diagnostics originate from within the digital load cell itself. Digital truck scales feature load cells and load cell cables that are plug-and-play to simplify the connection process and reduce time spent terminating wiring connections. Load cells can be very easily and quickly replaced to save time and effort. Since the cell circuitry is internal to the cell, the need for a junction box and all of the accompanying wiring is eliminated. Digital truck scales also have the added benefit of remote digital monitoring, which can monitor the digital truck scale system in real time.

Digital conversion boxes have the capability of updating an analog load cell system to a digital version. If the scale owner already has an existing analog scale, then upgrading to a digital conversion system might make sense. Digital conversion boxes tend to be used more often with multiple scale systems to maximize utility of the digital conversion box system. They can be configured to a remote digital monitoring system, so they can view multiple locations at a time.

How do digital truck scales and digital conversion boxes increase efficiency over an analog system?

Digital truck scales greatly decrease the time and effort needed in diagnosing potential failures and, in turn, decreasing downtime due to cell failure. Since digital load cells are calibrated to the system before shipment, set-up time is minimal. The quick and exact digital diagnosis from remote diagnostic software reduces guesswork and time needed to find the root cause of the load cell failure. Since the system is completely digital, there is little chance of loss of signal resolution due to an analog signal. Digital truck scales feature a much simpler daisy-chain design regarding load cell wiring and load cells, and load cell cables can be replaced much quicker.

Digital conversion boxes expedite the conversion of analog information into a more manageable signal and can make diagnosing cell problems easier to detect when compared to an analog system.

A digital conversion box begins the diagnostic process within the conversion box. The digital conversion box gathers analog signals that are converted to digital signals and diagnoses cell failures when summing signals within the conversion box. Digital conversion boxes provide a panel of diagnostic attributes when checking for cell viability. The cell failure will be isolated to the faulty load cell section that includes the load cell, load cell cable, or analog section. This means less specific information is provided to the digital conversion box due to limitations within this type of system. When a cell fails, the replacement cell will be calibrated to the existing system.

Digital truck scale systems are monitored through remote software. Digital conversion boxes have the capability of being remotely monitored to diagnose problems as well. Any digital system will have an immediate advantage when giving the end user the capability of receiving alerts through the indicator and/or remote monitoring software when an issue arises.

What is required to replace a digital load cell vs. an analog load cell working in conjunction with a digital conversion box? How long does it typically take?

Since digital conversion occurs within the load cell in a digital truck scale system, digital load cells can be replaced quickly and easily. The scale corner must be lifted, bolts holding the load cell in place must be loosened, and the load cell cable connector must be uncoupled. Once the faulty cell has been taken out, the replacement cell will be connected to the load cell cable, bolted back into place, and then the digital load cell is back in full operation. This whole process takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Digital conversion boxes monitor a system of load cells from within the conversion box. Once a load cell has been shown to possess an error, errors will be checked for the cell. The scale corner is lifted and the junction box will be opened to disconnect the five-wire cable from the load cell that must be pulled through the conduit. Then the load cell cable must be pulled back through the conduit to connect the new load cell. The wiring is then connected to the digital conversion box. After this, the junction box must be re-sealed. Special attention must be paid to prevent moisture or sediment from gathering or entering the junction box enclosure, due to the increased likelihood of leaks from within the junction box, leaks from gland connectors, and exposure from wiring load cells onto the board inside the junction box. On average, replacing an analog cell through a digital conversion box will take roughly an hour or more.

What are the connection differences between digital truck scales and analog truck scales with digital conversion boxes?

Digital load cells are daisy-chained through load cell cables linked by cable connectors. The need for wiring back to a junction box is not necessary, since the digital load cells communicate directly with the indicator. If the cables are damaged connecting to the load cell, they can be replaced without having to replace the load cell.

Digital conversion boxes are wired from the analog load cell to the junction box. Once there, each of the load cells are wired directly to a digital conversion board, secured through gland connectors on the junction box, and adjusted to calibrate the analog load cell. Analog load cell cables do not have the advantage of being monitored as they are permanently linked to the load cell. If a section of the wiring to a load cell is damaged, the load cell will have to be replaced.

Ultimately, whether you’re purchasing a brand new digital truck scale or you’re updating your traditional analog truck scale to digital, one of the most important benefits to end users is the ability to keep their scale operating for longer, with less interruptions and smaller intervals of downtime. If you need additional information on this information, please contact the sales team at Central Carolina Scale.

Truck Scale Purchasing Decisions Guide

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Anytime that you need to make a large investment, it’s only natural to ask a lot of questions. That is certainly true when it comes to purchasing a truck scale. Manufacturers and dealers are sure to hear all kinds of questions like…

What kind of truck scale do I really need?

What are the local requirements and environment that must be addressed for the application?

Which scale options would be most beneficial for the application in question?

Which type of construction would be best for the environment the truck scale will be used in?

Should the truck scale be installed in a pit that is flush mount with the road or include ramps and be installed above ground?

Which technological advancements will pose the best advantage for my application?  Things like hydraulic or digital load cells for example.

All of these questions must be taken into serious consideration to get the most out of truck scale longevity, maintain truck scale functionality, decrease downtime, and maximize the return on your investment.

Cardinal Scale Pit Type Truck Scale

Below is a portion of the truck scale purchasing decision guide by Cardinal Scale Manufacturing. This document will analyze strengths and limitations of options available on the market today, and which weighing technologies are the most appropriate in a given environment.

Concrete Deck Truck Scale
A concrete deck truck scale is ideal for environments where high levels of moisture and a corrosive environment are a concern. Scrap yards, trash dumps, transfer stations, chemical distribution centers, and grain elevators are ideal environments for concrete decks due to their likelihood of causing rust. Climates where road salt is frequently used may influence the purchase of a concrete deck to combat the corrosive effects of the salt.

Concrete decks yield a more reliable surface texture when in used slippery or snowy conditions. Concrete decks also distribute weight better, which gives them an advantage in applications that are of very high traffic. On average, they will require less maintenance over the life of the truck scale, and they will last longer than a steel deck truck scale.

Not without drawbacks, concrete deck truck scales are more expensive, require an initial curing period, and require some additional finishing work that a steel deck scale would not. Their mass is usually greater than that of a steel deck, which will make relocation of the deck more arduous if performed at a later date.

Steel Deck Truck Scale
Steel deck truck scales will cost less than concrete deck truck scales, eliminating the costs of labor associated with concrete pouring. Steel decks are much easier to install and can be functional within a day, saving much-needed time when production output is of the utmost importance.

Recent improvements in steel deck design provide a more robust weighbridge and less susceptibility to corrosion caused by moisture. Steel decks that utilize close-spaced, thicker I-beams and stiffeners ameliorate deflection caused by high-stress concentrations, i.e., bowing or dimpling. Minimal spacing between I-beams allows for greater CLC (Concentrated Load Capacity), a load rating which measures maximum load capacity in a moderately small area of the scale platform. Steel decks that feature an open-bottom underside prevent moisture build-up, thus alleviating one cause of deck corrosion.

Despite these improvements, steel decks still have more issues with moisture in comparison to concrete decks. They tend to be more slippery in wet environments and are more disposed to corrosion. Because of their inclination to corrode, steel deck truck scales require more maintenance and tend to have a shorter service lifespan if not properly monitored and cared for.

Electronic Truck Scales
Electronic truck scales are the most common type of truck scale available on the market. This type of truck scale accumulates electrical signals, which are derived from analog strain gauge load cells and summed up in a junction box, combining signals from each individual load cell. These summed signals are then fed from the junction box into an indicator and converted into a digital value displayed for the customer to view. Analog load cells come in many variations, but the two most common types of load cells for truck scales are the compression load cell and shear beam load cell.

An electronic truck scale system employing analog load cells has some distinct advantages. Analog load cells are inexpensive and have been on the market for a relatively long period. There are many variations of analog cells that are available, and they have a fairly wide range of weight capacities.

Analog load cells have many drawbacks, however. Analog load cells, because of their construction and electrical characteristics, are especially sensitive to lightning damage. When a 70-foot-long piece of steel is placed in the middle of a field, like a truck scale platform used in a trash dump, it becomes a lightning rod that is very susceptible to lightning strikes. Suppression circuitry is added to the overall wiring to divert extreme lightning current from the strain gauges. However, this does not prevent load cells from being destroyed by lightning and require replacement by a trained scale service technician.

Analog load cells can be prone to moisture ingress. Internal circuitry can be compromised easily, leading to unstable readings, inoperable cells, or a completely defective system overall.

Hydraulic Truck Scales
Hydraulic truck scale systems operate on the same information transfer system, but the elicited signal is triggered by a different source, and the respective signals are combined by stacking pressure actuators or combining pressure transducers. In the transducer method, hydraulic load cells utilize hydraulic fluid to transmit force applied to the scale weighbridge to pressure transducers, converting that force into an electrical signal. This process operates solely on hydraulic pressure, meaning no electrical components are used in the scale weighbridge.

Hydraulic truck scale systems perform extremely well in moist environments, and they don’t experience many issues regarding lightning damage. Hydraulic truck scale systems do not have the onus of strain gauges or internal circuitry, allowing for superior capability in the aforementioned environment. A system based on this type of technology is more expensive than analog cells; however, this increased cost can offset the issues analog systems experience regarding lightning and water and create a lower cost of overall ownership over the lifespan of the hydraulic truck scale.

Digital Truck Scales
Digital truck scale systems produce a digital output signal, performing the analog-to-digital conversion in the load cell itself. This important distinction precludes signal degradation associated with analog cells. Digital load cell systems are much easier to manage due to the lack of a junction box and its associated wiring requirements. Digital load cells can be simply linked to one another in a daisy chain.

Digital truck scale systems, because of their simple design, are very easy to install, maintain, and repair. Since the load cells are more reliable and accurate, costs associated with diagnosis are decreased. Digital truck scale systems have the capability of detecting and diagnosing faults and failures more quickly, efficiently, and precisely.

Digital load cells also offer the highest protection against lightning strikes among electronic load cells due to the transient suppression circuitry that is located directly on each individual digital load cell.

Summing it all up, truck scale construction and technologies are a pretty broad range of choices. Often, the overall cost of ownership can be lowered by purchasing a higher quality hydraulic or digital truck scale that will offer more competitive features than a lower cost traditional analog truck scale. Taking these factors into consideration will improve your overall experience and satisfaction with your truck scale purchase.

New Digital Truck Scales With SmartCell Now Available

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Cardinal Scale Manufacturing recently announced the official launch of the new ARMOR® series digital truck scales with SmartCell® load cells that offer unmatched performance built to last a lifetime of heavy-duty weighing use. Every facet of the digital truck scale weighbridge and electronics have been specifically built for long-lasting endurance, minimal upkeep, and IoT monitoring convenience. Deliveries are scheduled to start in January 2018.

ARMOR® truck scales feature a heavyweight 50-ton CLC, no moving parts below the scale deck (including the load cells), more structural steel than the competition, SmartCell® stainless steel waterproof digital load cells, and IoT-enabled iSite remote monitoring software.

The state-of-the-art, debris-inhibiting axis load cell stand design limits obstructions to the scale’s performance with the digital load cells mounted high within the stand near the scale deck. The load cell stands are fabricated from one-inch-thick steel to minimize rust and corrosion damage and ensure long-term strength and durability. The long-lasting baked-on tan powder coat paint finish ensures a lifetime of trouble-free protection. The Cloud-based iSite remote monitoring software offers e-mail and/or text alerts to ensure your scale is performing at all times.

cardinal scale smartcell digital load cells

ARMOR® steel deck weighbridges utilize a tight concentration of 7.5-inch I-beam spacing which minimizes unsupported deck plate area and ensures that truck tire contact patches are always directly supported by one I-beam. Four rows of welded stiffeners provide maximum structural rigidity and safeguard against I-beam deflection under loads for optimal strength and longevity.

Cardinal Scale’s SmartCell® digital load cells are the newest solution in advanced load cell technology. Messy, time-consuming wiring is no longer necessary, since cables connect plug-and-play to the cell through metal braided rodent-proof cables. Internal cell circuitry eliminates the need for a junction box.

The ARMOR’s SmartCell® load cell pockets are surrounded on both sides by I-beams which run the entire length of the weighbridge. This alleviates any potential structural weakness around the load cell region like in competitors’ truck scales. The no-bolt bridge connections feature interconnecting load blocks and receivers welded directly to the I-beams for strength and durability.

Contact your local Cardinal Scale dealer today to begin taking advantage of the entire gamut of new features and functions of the Cardinal ARMOR® digital truck scale!

Cardinal Pit-Mounted Truck Scales Provide Port of Miami Ability to Weigh Greater Volume of Freight

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Two Additional Cardinal Scale Pit-Mounted EPR Truck Scales Provide Terminal the Ability to Weigh Greater Volumes of Freight. Major ocean transport company adds more Cardinal EPR truck scales and 210 indicators to expedite traffic flow for 600 truck weighments per day at busy Port of Miami.

Traffic congestion was becoming a major issue at the Port of Miami with a steady increase in export freight volumes over the last several years and the completion of a new underground truck tunnel leading into the port. A lengthy line of trucks were typically waiting to be weighed before entering the freight terminals at the port.

It became apparent that a solution was needed to be able to move this increased traffic through the port more quickly and efficiently.

 

Cardinal Scale Pit Type Truck Scale

One of the largest ocean transport companies at the Port of Miami rearranged their container yard and came to Cardinal Scale seeking a solution for its truck scale needs.

Cardinal Scale had several meetings with Port of Miami officials and the ocean transport company’s personnel during which various yard and scale layouts were considered, including above or below ground scales, steel or concrete decks, network connectivity, and weight documentation.

It was ultimately decided that there would be two new inbound steel deck truck scales installed below grade in deep pits. The deep pit request presented an important challenge: How to ensure that a 4 1/2 foot deep pit would remain dry at just above sea level on an island?

Cardinal Scale had stressed the importance of keeping the pit dry during the design process.

Therefore, the ocean transport company contracted with an engineering company that designed and built an elaborate self-contained underground pump station, which was built adjacent to both scale pits to prevent the pits from flooding.

The ocean transport company decided to purchase two new 13570-EPR truck scales from Cardinal Scale, which were slightly modified to be installed in the pits. The pit design was chosen to save yard space, as well as, producing an easier and safer method for drivers and other personnel to move in and around the trucks. A steel deck was chosen over a concrete deck to avoid delays associated with the curing time of a concrete deck.

The scales were connected to Cardinal Scale model 210 weight indicators fitted with 10/100 Ethernet cards and attached to P500 receipt printers, which were installed in two separate scale houses. The Ethernet cards allow them to communicate the weight data to their remote server and the ticket printers allow them to produce a hard copy for the truck drivers, which not only includes their truck ID, but the time and date of weighment as well.

The ocean transport company’s freight terminal at the Port of Miami operates 24/7, 365 days a year.

It can now weigh more than 600 trucks per day with the addition of the two pit-mounted Cardinal truck scales. The ocean transport company has substantially reduced the weigh-in time for each truck, which in turn allows them to load the freight containers on the cargo ships more efficiently.

The additional truck weighing scales have led to shorter lines of trucks, thus improving the overall traffic congestion at the Port of Miami as well.

You can read more about the case study by clicking the link.

Latin America Beverage Company Uses Cardinal Scale Equipment

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Below is a case study that Cardinal Scale Manufacturing produced recently. The well known scale manufacturer provided weighing equipment including load cells, junction box, and a digital weight indicator to a scale company in Latin America who had actually constructed their own truck scale. All they needed was high quality electronics to finish the project correctly. Let’s take a look below at a few of the highlights.

The Pepsi-Cola factory in Caucagua, Venezuela has recently expanded their production line to include a variety of additional world-renowned brands, such as Gatorade, Yukery Juices, and Lipton Ice Tea. This Caucagua factory is among the three largest soda factories in Latin America. With the increase in production, PepsiCola was looking to install a new 80-ton by 10-kg capacity truck scale. After intensive bidding by local scale dealers, Cardinal Scale’s authorized dealer, Industrias Metarmes, won the bid. They turned to Cardinal Scale Manufacturing for the load cells and junction box, due to the solid reputation Cardinal Scale has built internationally.

Industrias Metarmes fabricated their own truck scale weighbridges and used Cardinal Scale Manufacturing’s electronic components for the application. Industrias Metarmes utilized eight IP68-rated Cardinal Scale model DB 75,000-lb double-ended shear beam stainless steel load cells and 8-cell stainless steel junction box for the scale.

To meet the needs of the Pepsi-Cola factory, the dealer utilized a Cardinal Scale 225 Navigator indicator. This indicator allowed Pepsi-Cola’s logistics operation to store 200 weight IDs, making for a more time-efficient procedure. The 225 indicator can store truck descriptions and material prompts, which makes recalling tare weights quick and simple. The 225 indicator’s RS232 serial port was connected to a printer for printing weight tickets. The alphanumeric keypad was also an important factor in the decision for the 225 indicator making it more convenient for data entry.

Beverage Company Weighs trucks using Cardinal Scale

You can read the entire truck scale case study here. We should also mention that Cardinal does manufacturer truck scales as well and they also provide accessories such as a ticket printer and large remote display with stop/go light.

Maryland State Highway Administration Use Cardinal Scale Weigh-In-Motion Product

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Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Company has been awarded a $2.7 million contract in collaboration with Xerox and the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA) to provide virtual weigh stations and continued maintenance for 13 additional sites in the state of Maryland throughout the next three years. The contract includes Cardinal Scale’s Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) vehicle scale equipment, installation, software, maintenance, and on-call services.

Cardinal Scale is using the company’s quartz sensor weigh-in-motion (QWIM) technology to screen trucks based on weights, dimensions, and credentials. This will allow the MDSHA to enforce commercial vehicle regulations and to collect traffic data. The data systems will provide 24-hour information from each installation point on Maryland’s highways and transmit it wirelessly within seconds. This information can be viewed from any computer via cellular connection in real time.

Cardinal Scale’s virtual weigh stations capture data including a picture of the moving vehicle, individual axle and gross weights, axle spacing, vehicle classification, speed, over-height violations, out-of-balance conditions, license plate, and DOT information, as well as time and date. The system will instantly alert law enforcement of any violations by displaying a diagram of the truck’s axle weights along with other information.

Cardinal Scale’s virtual weigh stations are designed to be minimally invasive using small Kistler LINEAS quartz sensors embedded in the road surface. This method captures data of passing trucks without the need to exit the highway or even reduce speed. It operates unmanned and has no notable impact on traffic flow for optimal efficiency. Continue reading →

Rice Lake Survivor Truck Scales Overview

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Rice Lake Weighing Systems designs and manufactures Survivor truck scales. Survivor scales are known for their superior construction built with 100% North American steel and the finest craftsmanship anywhere. Survivor scales are made to deliver dependable accurate weights for many years. The entire Survivor line has been carefully assembled to answer each of the challenges our business faces every day beginning with the versatile and cost-effective Survivor OTR series including the extreme vehicle strength of the OTR portable version.

The ATV is designed for portability and going from job to job. The Survivor SR integrates massive side rails and ultra low profile and rigid strength. Pit type applications with deep clearance can take advantage of Rice Lake’s PT Series. Many PT’s scales can be custom fit to existing foundations saving thousands of dollars in construction costs. Create multi-platform variations from any model to individual weight each axle within the same foundation. Survivor M series harness electromechanical technology for time-tested reliability.

Survivor scales provide the lowest total cost of ownership for any commercial scale available today and they’re backed by the best warranty in the industry. Whether selecting the standard model customizing one to your application what goes into each Survivor from start to finish is what earns its badge as the toughest truck scale on earth. Survivor scales use up to 30% more steel and competing with heavy-duty I beams strategically placed with flow of traffic guaranteed support regardless of truck position.

Each weigh bridge is thoroughly cleaned prior to painting to remove mill scale and surface imperfections and rustproofing undercoating is applied to the underside of the scale to protect against moisture damage and finally a high-quality finish is applied all visible surfaces for an automobile like finish to protect the scale from the elements.

From your choice of concrete or steel deck; concrete deck scales offer better traction and greater rigidity while steel scales can be delivered and install and placed into service in as little as four to six hours. Steel deck truck scales are also lighter in weight and easier to relocate. Steel deck designs also feature an open bottom for unrestricted air flow, eliminating the possibility of trapped condensation that causes premature rust and corrosion.

Unlike competing models, Survivor scales offer our signature boltless top access plates that’s stay in place during operation yet provide fast and easy access to load cell pockets and are integrated into the steel structure of each sale inside the outer I beam. Rice Lake’s patented G-Force single link suspension system eliminates excess movement and scale ware by using 100% of the loading action against itself returning the scale to dead center without check rods or bumper bolts.

Survivor scales are fabricated with both steel and flexible conduit to protect load cell cables from rodents vandals and environmental hazards. Choose from our standard analog junction box or improved digital diagnostic power of Rice Lake iQube2 with on board diagnostics which will immediately alert operators of functional issues and can be configured to compensate for those issues until repairs can be made. Whether online or digital, these technologies help keep your scale investment safe. Round out one of the most dependable transient protection packages in the industry.

Get the most of your truck scale investment with optional features that improve scale performance and the efficiency of your entire truck scale system. Loop detectors identify approaching vehicles. Vehicle barrier gates prevent unauthorized access and control vehicle movement and high-visibility guide rails provide an added level of safety. Integrated grain dumps speed up vehicle unloading and truck traffic. Indicators and ticketing kiosks with RFID ability promise accurate ticketing and data collection. Stop and go light simplify communication. Remote displays are ideal for better visibility indoors and out. Video surveillance is also available for added visibility and security. Rice Lake offers the largest most experienced engineering and field service network in the industry. They put more into every Survivor scale so that you can get more out. Make Survivor the last truck scale investment you’ll ever make. From start to finish depend on Rice Lake to help choose the right Survivor for your job.