Weighbridges are large commercial scales designed to weigh industrial vehicles and or determine the weight of their onboard goods. Weighbridges do not lift objects, instead are installed on the ground. Trucks drive on and off the scale, resulting in a quick and efficient measurement. This data can be reported though weighbridge software management system. Weighbridges reduce overhead costs by streamlining the weighing process and reducing operator time.
This type of scale is purpose built for a commercial setting and serves two specific purposes. The first purpose is to accurately determine the weight of a truck's onboard goods. This process involves measuring the loaded (gross weight) and unloaded weight (net weight) of the truck and then subtracting the gross weight from the net weight. The second purpose is to check that a truck is carrying the goods within its weight limit and in accordance with the legislation for road vehicles.
Weighbridges are an essential tool for industries that sell bulk goods by weight or transport commercial material. This includes consumer goods like fruit, vegetables and livestock as well as transporting material to a construction site, waste to a treatment plant or scrap metal to a recycling centre.
When choosing a weighbridge there are a number of important considerations to make to ensure all of your needs are met. Initially, these are the two most important:
There are two types of weighing methods that can be performed using a weighbridge. These are direct and end-and-end. Direct weighing is performed by driving the truck completely onto the scale and taking a measurement. This is the most accurate type of weighing and should be used whenever possible. End-to-end weighing can be performed if a truck does not fit on the weighbridge. However, this type of weighing must be approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI) and should not be used as the main form of weight gathering.
A weighbridge can cost between $9,000 - $100,000. The price of a weighbridge depends on a range of contributing factors. These include the material, the weight capacity, the size, the accuracy, the add ons and the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A top of the line weighbridge may be made of galvanised steel that is rust proof, has a maximum capacity of 200 tonnes, an accuracy of 10kgs, with boom gates, a security camera and a 5 year warranty.
As a weighbridge is used for transacting goods and transporting commercial material it must be approved by a servicing licensee appointed by the National Measurement Institute (NMI). It is important to note that a servicing licensee must also verify the weighbridge after each repair or adjustment to ensure it meets industry standards.
A weighbridge is designed to provide accurate weight measurements and requires regular upkeep and maintenance to function properly. The operator should perform daily checks to ensure adequate weighing conditions that do not affect the zero balance of the scale. This includes a visual inspection for loose, rusted or broken components and that there is no foreign matter such as water or debris under the platform. The surface of the platform should also be free of debris and may require regular cleaning to remove rocks, sand and mud.
Weighbridges come in a range of specifications and are designed to meet the needs of commercial vehicles. Here is a variety of capacities, dimensions and accuracy range metrics from some available models.
Maximum capacity (kg) | Dimensions (m) | Accuracy (+/-kg) |
1,000 | 2.5m x 4m | 5 |
10,000 | 20 | 8 |
60,000 | 30 | 10 |
100,000 | 40 | 40 |
200,000 | 50 | 50 |
If you are looking to a buy a Truck Scale & Weighbridge for sale, suppliers on IndustrySearch include ZHYQ IOT PTY LTD, Diverseco, Mettler Toledo, Trakblaze Pty Ltd, Australian Weighing Equipment, Anmar Scales