FAQs

A Weighbridge (US-truck scale) is a large, low-profile scale used to weigh both road and off-road vehicles (rigid and articulated lorries, dumper trucks, vans etc) and their contents. The load carried by the vehicle is calculated by weighing the vehicle both empty and loaded. The main weighbridge deck structure can be constructed from steel, pre-stressed concrete or steel-concrete composite.

Installed inside a pit, these weighbridges sit flush with the road surface. As they don’t require ramps, they take up less road surface compared to surface mount installations. Suitable for sites with restricted access.

Installed above ground, these weighbridges incorporate steel or concrete ramps to allow vehicles to drive on and off. One advantage is that the ramps slow down vehicle entry speed. Less foundation works are required when compared with pit mount installations. Surface designs are suitable for temporary/portable installations when used with steel ramps.

It is very important to have your weighbridge regularly calibrated and ideally checks should be made every 12 months. Owners of trade weighbridges have a legal responsibility to ensure their weighbridges are maintained within legal tolerances. Failure to do this can lead to prosecution and fines; trading standards have the power to close down weighbridges that do not comply. The calibration tests will check the zero-point, maximum capacity, eccentric loading, linearity and hysteresis.

Accuracy in terms of kg will depend on working capacity and whether they are operated inside or outside. Standard legal for trade weighbridges have capacities of 50 or 60 tonnes and have a display accuracy of 20 kg (3000 divisions), or 10 kg (6000 divisions).

It is recommended that service visits are carried out every six months.

Yes. At Weightron we understand the importance of maintaining the long-term accuracy of your weighbridge, especially if the equipment is ‘legal-for-trade’ approved. We operate a nationwide network of field-based engineers, ensuring help and support for your weighbridge is never far away. Whatever your make of weighbridge, we can provide service and support for single, site-wide and national installations. We offer three Service Level Agreements, each one designed to suit individual operational and budgetary requirements. Comprehensive software support can be added to any service agreement. For complete peace of mind, we advise customers to take out one of our service support packages.

Yes. We can support & repair most manufacturers’ weighbridges.

Yes. We can support & repair most manufacturers’ weighbridges.

Yes. In addition to regular support, we offer special pre-harvest service & calibration checks.

Typically 1 day (assuming the required foundations are complete and cured). Our delivery contractor will visit the site prior to installation to ensure suitable access. They will also draw up a Lift Plan if required.

Typically 1 week for standard size and finish.

Load cells can be repaired, but this depends on the extent of damage. Some common issues such as cable damage can be repaired. Mechanical damage or damage due to lightning cannot usually be repaired.

Analogue load cells process the electrical voltage signals directly from the strain gauges. These are then amplified and displayed as weight readings on the indicator. Digital cells capture the data from each load cell and convert the values into digital signals. A digital load cell provides a stronger signal than an analogue load cell, making the load cells less susceptible to interference and therefore less prone to weighing errors. In addition, more information from the load cell can be communicated, not just the weight reading but also temperature & performance.

This depends on the application. In many applications, simple sweeping can keep the deck clean, but in harsh environments (e.g. quarries) a jet wash can be used to remove any loose debris or build-up of material beneath it. It is important to avoid direct contact with the load cells. For pit mounted installations the cover plates will need removing. The fitting of ‘T’ section rubber around the pit edge can prevent debris getting underneath the deck. The use of standard salt to clear ice and snow should be avoided in winter. Non-corrosive alternatives are available. Note: It is important to check drainage arrangements around your weighbridge on a regular basis

Yes. Legal for trade weighbridges are, by definition, non-automatic weighing instruments which require the intervention of a person (typically the weighbridge operator) to carry out the weighing. However, the incorporation of driver-operated weight terminals together with peripheral equipment such as automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR), traffic lights, traffic barriers, large display boards and RFID cards provide a good level of ‘automation’ within regulations. These significantly speed up the overall weighing process and provide improved on-site vehicle management. Weightron has extensive experience in the design of such systems for new and existing installations, irrespective of the make of weighbridge.

A maximum speed of 5 mph should be clearly signed. The use of traffic barriers and/or traffic lights significantly reduce entry speed. Excessive braking/acceleration when drivers enter and leave the weighbridge can cause serious damage to weighbridge components and foundations.

Weightron have developed proprietary load cell mounting assemblies that allow weighbridges to be installed on sloping ground with inclines of up to 1 in 20 (5%). This can significantly reduce civil engineering costs and is useful for sites with limited space or access.

Weightron can replace older, existing weighbridges installed in deeper pits using special load cell mounting assemblies. We can build bespoke weighbridges to replace both metric and imperial non-standard sizes.

No. Weighbridges can be used for weighing a range of equipment, including roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) waste skips, shipping containers and much more. Combinations of weighbridges can also be used for R&D projects such as centre of gravity calculations and stability safety tests on a range of off-road machinery.

The majority of Industrial scales fall into two main categories – bench scales and floor scales. In addition, there are forklift scales, pallet scales and crane scales. At the heart of all these scales are one or more load cells, connected to weighing instrumentation.

Typical ranges vary from 6 kg up to 20 tonnes. Crane scales can go up to 50 tonnes or more.

Sizes typically start at 300 x 300 mm for bench scales, going up to above 2000 x 2000 mm for floor scales. Platforms are usually square or rectangular. Standard heights range from 50 mm up to 200 mm, depending on design and capacity. Drive-through scales for weighing wheeled bins have a very low-profile central weighing section.

Scales are usually constructed from either painted steel or stainless steel. Painted steel scales can incorporate a stainless-steel cover for improved environmental protection.

Uses are extremely varied. They include the simple weighing of goods/materials, parts counting, filling, mixing, recipe formulation, check-weighing and inventory control.

This is a complex subject and accuracy can be mixed up with resolution (readability) Legal for trade scales usually have a minimum approved display interval calculated from the scale capacity divided by 3000 or 6000 divisions. For example, a 6000 kg scale may have an approved display accuracy of 2 kg or 1 kg. Accuracy can be affected by factors such temperature changes and how level the scale is.

All industrial scales should be regularly checked for calibration, especially if they are used for critical applications or trade transactions. For certain industries (e.g. aerospace), scales may need to be UKAS certified.

This depends on the scale design, material of construction and sealing of the load cells. Scales used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries should be capable of regular washdown. Fully weld-sealed stainless steel load cells are available for such applications

These scales are used for calculating the quantity of a large number of similar items (pieces), without having to count them individually. A small, known quantity of the pieces to be counted are weighed on the scale, which then determines the average weight per item. The large quantity to be counted is then placed on the scale and the quantity is calculated using the known average weight. The accuracy will depend on the uniformity of the pieces and the quantity of the initial sample. For large quantities or heavier items, a dual scale combination, comprising linked low and high-capacity scales, can be used.

These are scales used in designated areas where explosive materials, gases and dust may be present. Gas filling scales are a good example of this. Special certification (ATEX) is required for scales operating in these areas. Weightron can provide scales for these applications.

Most industrial scales can be moved to another location within a factory or warehouse. However it is very important that if they are moved that they are carefully levelled at the new location.