How to Scale a Truck by Alex? – Complete Guide

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In the modern logistics industry, axle weight measurement is crucial as it impacts transportation safety, legal compliance, and vehicle lifespan. Accurate axle weight measurement not only helps avoid overloading fines but also ensures vehicle stability, reduces breakdowns, and extends its service life.

This guide will help you master how to scale a truck by axle, understand how to use the equipment, and provide some common operational tips to ensure a more efficient and safer transportation process. Ready? Let’s go!

Part 1: What is Axle Weight? Why is Scaling by Axle Important?

1. What is Axle Weight?

Axle weight refers to the weight carried by each individual axle of a vehicle. In the case of trucks, proper weight distribution across axles is necessary to avoid road damage, ensure vehicle stability, and comply with regulatory requirements. Typically, the total weight of a vehicle is derived from measuring the axle weights.

what is axle weight

2. Importance of Axle Weight Scaling

Avoiding Overload Fines

Different regions have specific legal weight limits for each axle of a truck. For example, in the United States, most states set axle weight limits ranging from 20,000 to 34,000 pounds per axle. Overloading truck may result in fines, vehicle detainment, and transport delays.

Ensuring Transport Safety

Improper axle weight distribution can lead to truck instability, increasing the risk of rollovers and affecting braking and turning performance, especially when traveling at high speeds.

Preserving Road Infrastructure 

Excessive weight on a single axle accelerates road damage, particularly on bridges and high-traffic areas. Proper axle weight distribution helps reduce this wear, preserving roadways and bridges.

Regulatory Compliance

Many countries require trucks to undergo axle weight checks to ensure the safety of the roadways and compliance with transport regulations.

Part 2: Types of Truck Weighing Equipment

Choosing the right weighing equipment is crucial when scaling a truck. Different weighing systems are suitable for different needs based on the level of precision required.

1. Portable Axle Weighing Scales

Portable axle weighing scales are mobile scales that can be easily set up and moved to different locations. They are ideal for temporary or mobile weighing operations, allowing quick axle load checks at various sites like weigh stations or construction zones.

portable axle load scales

2. Dynamic Axle Weighing Scales

Dynamic axle weighing scales allow vehicles to be weighed while in motion. They are typically installed on highways or at weigh stations where trucks pass over the scales. These scales offer a quick, non-invasive method for checking axle loads without requiring the vehicle to stop.

3. Platform Axle Weighing Scales

A platform axle scale features a flat surface where the vehicle can be driven onto the scale. It’s used to measure the axle weight of individual wheels or axles when the vehicle is stationary. This type of scale is widely used at commercial weigh stations.

4. Fixed Axle Weighing Scales

Fixed axle weighing scales are permanently installed at specific locations, such as weighbridges or truck terminals. They provide continuous, high-volume weighing and are used for regular inspections of vehicle axle loads.

fixed axle load scales

5. Pitless Axle Weighing Scales

Pitless axle weighing scales are embedded directly into the ground, providing a flush surface for vehicles to drive over. Pitless axle scales are commonly used in locations where space is limited and can handle heavy-duty truck weighing.

Part 3. Steps to Scale a Truck by Axle?

Scaling a truck by axle involves measuring the weight applied to each individual axle of the vehicle. This process is crucial for ensuring that the truck complies with legal weight limits and for preventing damage to roads or bridges. Here’s how to scale a truck by axle:

Step 1. Prepare the Truck and Weighing Equipment

Before weighing, make sure the truck is fully loaded as it would be during transport. At the same time, choose the appropriate type of axle scale (e.g., portable, platform, or in-motion scales) depending on your setup. Ensure the scales are placed on a flat, level surface to avoid inaccuracies.

Step 2. Position the Truck

Drive the truck onto the axle scales so that each axle is fully on the weighing pads or platform. Some systems may require you to position the truck with the wheels of each axle centered over the scale sensors.

If using a platform scale, make sure that all axles are properly aligned over the weighing sensors to get accurate measurements.

Step 3. Weigh Each Axle

For most axle scales, the weight of each axle is measured separately. The truck should be stationary while each axle weight is recorded.

If using a dynamic axle weighing system, the truck will pass over the scales at a constant speed, and the system will record the weight of each axle without the need to stop.

Step 4. Check the Axle Load Results

The scale will provide the weight of each individual axle. This helps ensure that the truck’s load is distributed properly across the axles.

Ensure that the individual axle weights do not exceed the legal weight limits set by local regulations. Overloaded axles can result in fines, damage to infrastructure, and safety risks.

Step 5. Adjust Load if Necessary

If one or more axles are overloaded, you may need to redistribute the cargo to ensure that each axle is within the allowable weight limits. This step may involve shifting cargo or adjusting the trailer’s load balance.

Step 6. Record and Document the Weights

Most modern axle scales have data logging capabilities, which will automatically record and store the axle weight readings for future reference. This is useful for compliance and tracking.

Step 7. Repeat as Needed

If you’re weighing multiple trucks, repeat the process for each vehicle to ensure they are within weight limits.

Part 4. Common Errors & Solutions of Scaling Truck by Axle

Scaling a truck by axle is a precise process, but several common errors can occur during weighing. Here are some of the typical mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Incorrect Truck Positioning

Error: The truck is not properly aligned on the axle scales, which can result in inaccurate readings.

Solution: Ensure that each axle is centered over the scale sensors or pads. For platform scales, check that the truck is positioned so that each axle is fully on the weighing platform. For in-motion scales, make sure the vehicle is traveling at the correct speed and alignment.

2. Uneven Load Distribution

Error: The load is unevenly distributed across the axles, causing some axles to be overloaded.

Solution: Before weighing, ensure the cargo is properly balanced in the truck. If you notice that some axles are heavier than others, redistribute the load to avoid overloading. Use a weight distribution system if possible, and check that the cargo is evenly spread across the vehicle.

scale truck by axle

3. Truck Moving During Weighing

Error: If the truck moves even slightly while on the scale, it can distort the weight readings.

Solution: Ensure the truck is completely stationary while the weight of each axle is being measured. Make sure the driver remains in the vehicle and keeps the truck still until the weighing process is complete.

4. Improper Calibration of Scales

Error: Over time, axle scales can lose their calibration, leading to incorrect readings.

Solution: Regularly calibrate the weighing system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Perform calibration checks before starting daily operations, especially after the scale has been moved or after heavy use.

Wrap Up

By accurately scaling a truck by axle, transportation companies can ensure each axle’s weight is compliant with regulatory requirements, avoiding fines and accidents. Choosing the right weighing equipment and following proper procedures are key to ensuring accurate weight measurements.

If you’re looking for reliable and precise truck axle scales, Bincen Axle Load Scale Manufacturer offers high-quality weighing solutions to help you maintain compliance and safety in your transportation operations.

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