How often does a Weighbridge need to be serviced?

Weighbridges are a highly dependable, versatile solution, which can be implemented across a huge range of different industries.

These technologies are renowned for their durability and consistently high performance. And, when maintained and serviced correctly, weighbridges are an investment that lasts for many, many years to come.

Without a doubt, the best way to ensure that you receive the maximum return on your investment is to implement a regular, comprehensive maintenance schedule.

So, to help you get the most out of your weighbridge, keep reading. Below, our team of weighbridge experts have shared their full guide to weighbridge servicing, maintenance and calibration.

Here at Weightron Bilanciai, we manufacturer, supply, install and maintain weighbridges for clients across the UK – if you are looking for a new weighbridge, or need to book a service, please contact our team to speak to your local sales manager.

Why is regular maintenance important for a weighbridge?

Regular weighbridge maintenance is important for a number of key reasons:

• Eliminate any safety hazards – if a weighbridge is not maintained sufficiently, it can pose a significant safety hazard. This is one of the most important reasons for implementing a regular maintenance schedule.
• Ensure accurate readings – the general wear and tear of daily usage can, gradually, affect the accuracy of the weighbridge’s readings. If left unchecked, this can cause its weight measurements to be incorrect. But through regular maintenance, any issues with its reading can be identified and corrected, before they are allowed to develop.
• Achieve its full lifespan – maintenance is critical to ensuring the longevity of your weighbridge, and keep it operating at peak performance for its entire lifespan.
• Saving costs – since these are expensive pieces of equipment, it is well worth investing in regular maintenance. This is because, not only can maintenance help extend the technology’s lifespan but, by identifying issues before they are allowed to develop, maintenance significantly reduces the risk of costly, extensive repairs being required.
• Legal compliance – weighbridge maintenance schedules will ensure that you are operating in adherence to all the required regulatory standards and legal requirements.

How often does a weighbridge need to be maintained?

As a critical operational system and a piece of equipment that (if left unchecked) could represent a significant safety hazard, a structured, regular and preventative maintenance programme is required.

In the majority of cases, it is advised that operators implement an Annual Service Plan, which includes maintenance once every 12 months, at the minimum.

However, in some cases, a more regular maintenance schedule may be required.

The factors that can affect the frequency of maintenance checks include:

• The operating environment – for example, weighbridges in quarries or construction sites generally require more regular cleaning and maintenance
• How often the weighbridge is used
• The intensity of the weighbridge’s usage
• The type of weighbridge
• Seasonal weather patterns – for example, after periods of heavy rain or snow, a more regular maintenance schedule is required
• Vehicle throughput
• The manufacturer’s recommendations
• If the weighbridge is not operating correctly, or you notice any signs of damage

What is involved in weighbridge maintenance?

The purpose of weighbridge maintenance is to ensure the weighbridge is functioning safely and accurately, and to identify (then address) any flaws or issues.

The specifics of the maintenance programme may vary slightly, depending on the specific type and model of weighbridge, and how it is being used.

But, a regular, standard preventative maintenance programme usually consists of:

• Checking the accuracy of the weight reading and calibrating the weighbridge
• A visual inspection – to identify any damage, corrosion, or areas that have experienced significant wear and tear, damage, or corrosion. This includes visual inspections of the weighbridge decks and entry-exit areas, any equipment (such as driver terminals, end sensors, ANPR cameras and traffic barriers), and cabling, junction boxes and cable pits
• Cleaning – removing any debris, dirt, and excessive moisture from the weighbridge, which could affect its performance. This includes cleaning the weighbridge deck, approach areas, driver terminals, traffic lights and ANPR cameras
• Checks on load cells and drainage
• Lubrication of moving parts
• Repair and replacement of any damaged components (if required)
• Documentation of the maintenance activities, and any repair or replacement work that was required.

What is weighbridge servicing and why is it important?

Weighbridge servicing is a critical part of ensuring that your weighbridge is functioning safely, efficiently and accurately.

This comprehensive service includes a range of key processes, cleaning, lubrication, and the repair or replacement of any damaged components, plus a full weighbridge inspection.

Weighbridge servicing should, generally speaking, take place once every 6 months. This should sit alongside regular visual checks and cleans, to ensure that your weighbridge is consistently working as it should.

What is weighbridge calibration and why is it important?

Weighbridge calibration is the process of checking the accuracy of a weighbridge’s measurements, and then adjusting it (if necessary).

The process works by comparing the readings from the weighbridge, to weights that are known. This is the only way to ensure that the actual weight reading provided by your weighbridge is correct.

Weighbridge calibration needs to be undertaken once every 12 months (minimum) by a certified company, using weights that are traceable to National Standards.

There are a number of key reasons why weighbridge calibration is essential, including:

• Legal compliance – under BS 45501, owners of trade weighbridges have a legal responsibility to conduct calibration, and ensure that their weighbridges weigh within the prescribed legal tolerances
• Safety – inaccurate weighbridges can result in the overloading of vehicles
• Accuracy and reliability of service – flawed weighings can also result in the loss of profits, or customers being short-changed
• Efficiency of operations

If you have any further questions about weighbridge servicing, weighbridge maintenance and weighbridge calibration, or you would like to implement a regular schedule for your weighbridge, the Weightron Bilanciai team is on hand to help. Contact our team today to speak with your local sales managers.