So you decided on the truck scale for your project, that's great news. Now comes the time to make sure you include the correct options for the truck scale to ensure it works flawless for your application. Read below for eight truck scale options you will want to consider:
Sight Rail / Guide Rail
Sight rail is an extremely common option to include with a truck scale purchase. The pipe rail is used as a visual to help vehicle drivers stay centered as they enter onto the scale weighbridge. For most commercial and industrial truck scale installations, standard 8” tall sight rail is a common choice. For most aggregate and mining type operations, 24” tall double pipe sight rail is required for safety. The sight rail assemblies are bolted to the weighbridge so they can be added in the future or easily replaced if damaged by a vehicle. Sight rails can be customized with hand rails or gaps in specific locations along the scale length to avoid hopper supports or other structures very close to the scale weighbridge.
Manholes
Truck scales installed flush with grade are typically placed in a 48” deep concrete “pit” foundation. To access the inside of the pit area under the scale, 24” x 24” manhole access covers are built into the scale weighbridge. The manhole covers are removable by hand and allows for entry below the scale. Pit foundations will commonly have drains or sump pumps that will need to be accessed.
Riser Blocks
In some industries and geographic locations, under scale clearance is very important for insuring a truck scales remains operational for long periods of time. Aggregate and mining type applications may want increased under scale clearance to prevent build-up of materials under the scale. The build-up may cause the scale to get bound up or impede accurate weighing especially in cold weather climates. The extra under scale clearance allows for easier / faster cleanout of built-up debris. The extra clearance is also good for on-scale filling applications such as asphalt where spills and over-fills are possible. Snow and ice in some areas warrant the use of riser blocks to reduce the possibility of winter scale freeze-ups.
Custom Paint Color
Customers wanting a custom truck scale color to match with corporate branding or new facility esthetic need only ask. Just supply the Pantone or RAL color code and the scale paint will be supplied as requested.
Coal Tar Epoxy – Under Side of Weighbridge
While the standard epoxy primer and polyurethane top coat make a super durable and long lasting paint system, some applications require a more robust coating system. Coal tar epoxy paint is traditionally used for marine and offshore drilling rig environments. Scales installed in pit foundations will almost always have year-round condensate on the bottom of the weighbridge. Coating the bottom of a scale going into a pit foundation is an excellent place for coal tar epoxy paint.
Catwalk / Stairs
Catwalk can be added to any truck scale weighbridge. Catwalk can be as small as 60” in length all the way up to the full length of the truck scale on one or both sides of the platform. Catwalk can attach to the side of the scale hanging on the sight rail or be mounted on the ground next to the scale. Catwalk is a way to safely enter or exit a scale platform with stairs and handrail features
Intercom Systems
Intercom systems allows office persons to communicate directly with a truck drive while on the scale. Systems range from simple hard wired systems with outdoor PA horns to powerful wireless VHF radio based systems that can be run by D-Cell batteries, AC line power or solar power. For a more sophisticated system, Voice Over IP (VOIP) indoor and outdoor stations can be integrated into existing on-site phone system.
Scoreboard / Remote Display
Large, bright outdoor mounted weight displays are known as scoreboards. A scoreboard is placed near the truck scale within drivers sight so they can verify the scale reads ZERO prior to entering and verify gross vehicle weight prior to exiting the scale platform. Scoreboards are available in 1”, 2”, 4” and 6” digit sizes with 4” being the most popular. Some states Weight & Measures departments mandate the use of a scoreboard next to a truck scale. Scoreboards can be hard wired to the scale weight indicator located in the scale house / office or connected wireless transceivers. Another useful feature that can be built into the scoreboard enclosure is a red/green signal that can be used for traffic flow control.
