What is a weighbridge?
A weighbridge, also known as a truck scale or a railroad scale, is a large scale that is used to weigh vehicles. They are typically used to weigh heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and railway cars.
Weighbridges are usually located at truck stops, trucking terminals, quarries, landfills, or ports.
How are Weighbridges Used?
Weighbridges are used to determine the weight of a vehicle and its contents in order to ensure compliance with weight restrictions and regulations, to assess tolls or other fees, and to monitor the weight of the vehicle for safety reasons.
For example, let’s say a shipping company wants to transport a load of goods from one location to another. Before the truck is loaded, it is driven onto a weighbridge and weighed. The weight data is recorded and stored in the company’s computer system.
The truck is then loaded with the goods and driven onto another weighbridge and weighed again. The weight data is compared to the weight recorded before the goods were loaded to ensure that the truck is not overweight and complies with weight restrictions.
If the weight exceeds the limit, the goods may need to be unloaded and redistributed or additional fees may be required to transport the excess weight. By using a weighbridge, the shipping company can ensure compliance with regulations and avoid potential fines or safety risks associated with overweight vehicles.
What are the Different Types of Weighbridges?
Weighbridges typically consist of a platform made of steel or concrete, which is supported by load cells that measure the weight of the vehicle as it passes over the platform.
They may also be equipped with a computer system to record the weight readings and other data, such as the vehicle identification number and the time and date of the weighing.
There are four common types of weighbridges you can choose from:
- Pit-mounted weighbridges: Pit-mounted weighbridges are installed in a pit that is dug into the ground. The weighing surface is flush with the ground level, making it easier for trucks to drive onto the weighbridge. Pit-mounted weighbridges are ideal for sites with limited space or where a low profile is required.
- Surface-mounted weighbridges: Surface-mounted weighbridges are installed above ground level, and trucks drive onto the weighing surface via a ramp. Surface-mounted weighbridges are easier and cheaper to install compared to pit-mounted weighbridges, but they require a larger amount of space.
- Portable weighbridges: Portable weighbridges are designed to be moved easily from one location to another. They are usually lightweight and made of durable materials such as aluminum or steel. Portable weighbridges are ideal for use in temporary sites or in remote locations.
- Axle weighbridges: Axle weighbridges are designed to weigh individual axles or groups of axles rather than the entire vehicle. Axle weighbridges are commonly used in industries such as mining and construction, where it is important to ensure that individual axles do not exceed weight limits.
Weighbridge Manufacturers
There are many manufacturers of weighbridges, and the specific manufacturer you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
Some common manufacturers of weighbridges include:
- Avery Weigh-Tronix: A leading manufacturer of weighbridges and other weighing equipment, with a range of options including portable, platform, and rail scales.
- Dini Argeo: An Italian manufacturer of a wide variety of weighing equipment, including truck scales, rail scales, and portable scales.
- Giropes: A manufacturer of a range of weighing equipment, including truck scales, rail scales, and portable scales made in Girona in Spain.
- Mettler Toledo: A global manufacturer of weighing equipment, including truck scales and other industrial scales.
How Much Does a Weighbridge Cost?
The cost of a weighbridge can vary anywhere from £12,000 to £25,000, depending on the application and sophistication required. For example, if you require a weighbridge that connects to others internal systems for data capture and management, you should expect to pay more for the solution.
How to Find the Right Weighbridge
Overall, the type of weighbridge you choose depends on factors such as available space, budget, and specific application requirements.
It’s always a good idea to research different manufacturers and compare their products and pricing before making a purchase. You may also want to consider factors such as the reliability and durability of the equipment, as well as the availability of customer support and technical assistance for things like repairs and calibrations.
It’s also important to consider the location of your weighbridge, as this will help determine the type of weighbridge you can use. For example, a pit-mounted weighbridge does not require as much space as a surface-mounted weighbridge, however, it does require groundwork to be completed first.
MWS has a range of high-quality weighbridges for use across various applications, as well as a dedicated support team for service, calibrations and repairs. Speak to one of our specialists today to find the right solution.
