If you're unsure which vehicle weighing system is best for you, please consider the following points which may help lead you to the right system.

LEGAL FOR TRADE STATUS

One of the first questions we ask is whether you require a legal-for-trade truck scale. Legal-for-trade status is required when data from your scale will influence a monetary transaction such as the sale or puchase price of goods.  Legal-for trade scales are governed by federal agencies and scales must be available for inspection at any time.  In Canada, only weighbridge truck scales can be classified with legal-for-trade status.

AXLE WEIGHING SCALES

Axle weighing systems are not legal-for-trade and are generally used in check weighing applications when drivers wish to avoid overweight tickets, monitor shipping activity, or just require weight data for general operations.  Gathering weight data axle by axle is an inexpensive weighing solution and typically includes two weigh pads that are used under the right and left tire(s) to weigh a single axle or group of axles.  After the first axle weight is recorded, the vehicle then moves forward to weigh the next axle and so on untill all axles are weighed for total truck weight.  Massload specializes in axle weighing and our systems include Standard Wheel Load Scales, Ultraslim Wheel Load Scales, and Axle Pad Scales.

STATIC VERSUS DYNAMIC WEIGHING

Another consideration is whether you wish to weigh vehicles at rest (static weight) or whether the vehicle will be in motion (dynamic weight).  Weighing a vehicle at rest gives the highest degree of accuracy while weighing a vehicle in motion (WIM) is a faster process but sacrifices accuracy.  If you require dynamic weights, we have portable and permanent weight in motion systems available.  All other systems are static weighing systems.

GROUND CONDITIONS

The type of foundation on which you will be weighing influences the scale systems available to you.  Gravel is the poorest foundation but Massload Axle Pad Scales and Standard Wheel Load Scales are designed to work in these environments.  Pavement and concrete is the next best and allows you to consider Massload Ultraslim Wheel Load Scales static or dynamic weighing.  Permanent weight in motion systems and Weighbridge truck scales require the best foundations and are built into new concrete foundations.

ACCURACY

Last but not least, accuracy is an important consideration when selecting the right scale for you.  Weighbridge truck scales have the highest degree of accuracy (and cost) with accuracy within 0.1% of full scale capacity (FS).  Axle Pad Scales and Standard Wheel Load Scales have the next best accuracy at levels of 0.25% FS.  Ultraslim Wheel Load Scales are rated at 0.5% FS and Weight-in-motion systems have the least accuracy at 3% of gross vehicle weight at speeds less than 10 km/hr with 95% CI.