INDICATOR OBSOLETE:
Scale indicators are the real brains of any scale system. Overtime scale indicators will become obsolete. This leads to the parts for them not being available any longer. This becomes a particular problem with digital scale systems. Since digital scale systems use proprietary digital signals to transmit data from the load cells to the indicator you can’t just connect any analog indicator. In particular Mettler Toledo scales face this issue as many of their early digital indicators are now obsolete and require replacement.
STRUCTURAL SCALE DECK ISSUES:
The most obvious reason that you may notice yourself when looking at your scale is the deck or weighbridge is falling apart. This can be cracking in the deck whether steel or concrete. It can also be less noticeable issues such as the deck itself flexing under load, this causes the scale not to repeat or return to zero. Other signs are serious rust or scabbing on the structural I-beams of the scale. Structural deck issues are by far the most serious safety issue; by not addressing it you are risking a truck and its driver falling through the deck.
SCALE FOUNDATION ISSUES:
Key to a quality scale system is a strong scale foundation. Whether above-ground or pit style, scale foundations can deteriorate overtime. A major issue we see is foundation piers sinking. Given the piers support the load cells and therefore the full scale dead load sinking is not uncommon. As the piers sink the scale will no longer be level and will cause serious weighing errors.
