Your first big decision when purchasing a truck scale is deciding what type of scale is best for your business and industry, but the hard part isn’t over just yet. You now have to consider the best location to put your new scale (including vehicle manoeuvrability), any project approvals, and above all, the safety of those using the scale.
While this seems like a lot to consider, we’ve put together our list of the top things you need to consider when deciding where your truck scale should go.
1. Scale Automation
Consider adding an automated or driver-operated system to your weigh station so that information can be collected and analyzed automatically without drivers ever leaving the vehicle. This not only helps to streamline your weighing system process but also helps to reduce operating costs. Give us a call if you have specific weighing requirements as many features are customizable to your business needs.
2. Type of Truck Scale
Depending on the type of scale you have, there may be different physical requirements for the location of your new truck weigh scale. If your scale is above ground, it will take up significantly more space since you’ll need to also install ramps in order for the trucks to access it.
A pit weigh scale, however, takes up less surface area but you will need to dig and create the foundation on which the scale will be placed. This option tends to be on the more expensive side, but operators like it due to the ease of access to the scale itself.
3. Physical Restrictions or Complications of the Site
One of the first things you need to consider before even purchasing a pit-mounted scale is the water table.
If you get your land surveyed by an expert, they should be able to determine the height of the water table, any potential drainage issues and the composition of the soil. Failure to assess any of these factors can seriously impact your foundation and cause problems for you later down the road.
Underground utilities like sewers, gas lines and electrical cables can affect where you decide to put your scale. If your scale is pit-mounted, having to navigate and negotiate underground lines can increase the cost quite a bit.
The last physical factor to consider might seem obvious, but you need to address whether there are any overhead power lines. Since weigh scales are often installed with the use of some sort of crane, having to navigate around power lines can seriously restrict access to a worksite.
4. Project Approvals
You’ll want to consult with your local authorities and municipalities early on in the process to ensure you have the proper approvals, permits and zoning before starting any project.
5. Vehicle Maneuverability
Obviously, a lot of the vehicles and trucks you’ll be weighing are going to be quite large, meaning they have a substantial turn radius. You want to ensure that there is enough space for a truck to safely drive on and off of the scale in the event they can’t drive straight on or straight off.
You should also account for clearance for any oversized objects the vehicles might be carrying, in addition to standard truck features like side mirrors, stepping boards and bumpers.
6. Length and Width Requirements
It’s good to keep in mind that there are going to be a variety of vehicles in all shapes and sizes using your scale. One of the first things you should consider is the wheelbase dimensions of the trucks you know you will be weighing and also try to anticipate future needs.
Remember, if your weigh scale requires more length in the future, that is easier to accommodate than width. It’s best to be safe rather than sorry and go a bit wider if possible from the start.
7. Safety
It goes without saying that we want all scale operators to be 100% safe at all times. Determining the location of your scale is an important safety factor to consider.
First, ensure that the location you select is not accessible by pedestrians. You also want to look ahead and anticipate what will happen if your weigh scale is backed up and where the additional traffic will go. If it starts to back up onto busy streets or highways, you might want to consider a different location.
In addition, if the driver will be required to exit the vehicle during weighing, you want to make sure they can easily and safely get in and out of their vehicle.
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Before going through with your truck scale purchase, we always recommend that you carefully consider your options for not only the best type of scale but the location as well. If you need advice on the best truck scale for your business and where it should be located, contact Active Scale’s truck scale experts and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
