Truck scales are an integral part of your business operations, affecting everything from your bottom line to day-to-day schedules.
Scale installation requires precision in order to get the most accurate measurements possible, but what happens if you have to relocate your truck scale? We have put together our top six tips to help when you need to move your truck scale.
1. Safety First
No matter what job or task you’re performing, your safety is number one. Nothing is worth your life or an irreparable injury.
First, disconnect any power or electrical cords attached to the scale. It’s also a good idea to double-check that everything is disconnected right before you move, just in case someone unknowingly plugged it back in.
Use pylons, caution tape and/or signage to indicate that the scale is closed to anyone who may be unaware of the scale relocation. The more signage the better to help prevent truck drivers from having to pull any tricky maneuvers to get out of the weighing area and back into traffic or the worksite.
2. What Kind of Scale Do You Have?
Before moving any type of scale, you should consider how your new destination will accommodate your current scale system.
If you have an above-ground scale, you know that it requires a clearance of about 20 feet of approach on both sides of the scale. This allowance is necessary for trucks to have enough space to position themselves correctly on the scale. You should ensure your new location has enough open space to accommodate this.
If you’re moving an in-ground scale to a new location, you will need to establish that there is a concrete foundation ready to support it. You’ll also need to ensure that there is either electric access for a sump pump or a gravity drain in place.
The good news is that an in-ground scale requires a lot less space than an above-ground one so it might make finding the new location a bit easier.
3. Scope Out The New Site
You’ll also want to go out and properly survey the new location for other resources. The cost of your project can vary quite a bit depending on the proximity to resources such as gas, water, electricity and sewage service.
As always, doing more research upfront will help you determine any additional costs or logistical issues you’ll have to work out before you move your scale to its new home. This will help you determine and troubleshoot if there was any damage from the move if you find any issues upon arrival to the new site.
4. Test Then Move
Before you move anything, you’ll want to thoroughly test your scale to ensure everything is working perfectly before it changes locations.
First, inspect and clear the area around the scale. Next, examine the condition of the platform including the level. If you need to, level the platform.
Check that there is no damage to cables or test connectors, then proceed to look over the test indicators and load cells.
If everything looks good, proceed to test the scale using weight standards and then calibrate the scale based on your findings.
5. You Guessed it… Calibrate
It feels like anytime we do an article on scale maintenance, calibration always seems to come up somewhere. This goes to show just how important it is! It may seem obvious but make sure that the scale has been rebuilt properly and everything is in its correct place before you calibrate.
Pro Tip: This time of rebuilding is a great time to give your scale a good cleaning while everything is disassembled.
After the scale is rebuilt and you have checked that all pieces are correctly placed, it’s time to calibrate the scale. Since accuracy is so important and regulated in this industry you want to ensure you are giving the most precise measurements you can.
6. Have Your Scale Inspected
Finally, once you’ve moved your scale, put it together and calibrated it, you should get it inspected by your scale dealer or a certified company to ensure it’s completely up to standards and you have all of the certifications you need in order to operate.
Moving your truck weigh scale is a big job, but if you follow the instructions of your scale and utilize these tips, it should minimize any difficulties you may encounter along the way. If you have questions or need any extra advice when it comes to moving your truck scale, Active Scale is always ready to help. Contact us today!
