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Purchasing a truck scale is a large undertaking. There are numerous options to consider. Much like choosing options for a car, your truck scale can be customized to fit your specific needs and requirements. Listed below are a number of standard options to consider when ordering your new truck scale.
Sight Rail / Guide Rail
Sight rail is an extremely common option to include with a truck scale purchase. The pipe rail is used as a visual guide to help vehicle drivers stay centered as they enter onto the scale. For most commercial and industrial truck scale installations, standard 8" tall sight rail is a common choice. For most aggregate and mining type operations, 24" tall double pipe sight rail is required for safety. The sight rail assemblies are bolted to the weighbridge so they can be added in the future or easily replaced if damaged by a vehicle. Sight rails can be customized with handrails or gaps in specific locations along the scale length to avoid hopper supports or other structures very close to the scale weighbridge.
Scoreboard
Large, bright outdoor mounted weight displays are known as scoreboards. A scoreboard is placed near a truck scale within the driver's sight so they can verify the scale reads zero prior to entering and verify gross vehicle weight prior to exiting the scale platform. Scoreboards are available in a wide array of digit sizes with 4" being the most popular. Some state's Weight & Measures departments mandate the use of a scoreboard next to a truck scale. Scoreboards can be hard wired to the scale weight indicator located in the scale house / office or connected wirelessly. Another useful feature that can be built into the scoreboard enclosure is a red/green signal that can be used for traffic flow control.
Intercom Systems
Intercom systems allows office persons to communicate directly with a truck driver while on the scale. Systems range from simple hard-wired systems with outdoor PA horns to powerful wireless VHF radio-based systems that can be run by D-Cell batteries, AC line power or solar power. For a more sophisticated system, Voice Over IP (VOIP) indoor and outdoor stations can be integrated into existing on-site phone system.
Manholes
Truck scales installed flush with grade are typically placed in a 48" deep concrete “pit" foundation. To access the inside of the pit area under the scale, 24" x 24" manhole access covers are built into the scale weighbridge. The manhole covers are removable by hand and allow for entry below the scale. Pit foundations will commonly have drains or sump pumps that will need to be serviced.
Riser Blocks
In some industries and geographic locations, under scale clearance is very important for ensuring a truck scale remains operational for long periods of time. Aggregate and mining type applications may want increased under scale clearance to prevent build-up of materials under the scale. The build-up may cause the scale to get bound up or impede accurate weighing, especially in cold weather climates. The extra under scale clearance allows for easier / faster cleanout of built-up debris. The extra clearance is also good for on-scale filling applications such as asphalt where spills and over-fills are possible. Snow and ice in some areas warrant the use of riser blocks to reduce the possibility of winter scale freeze-ups.
Coal Tar Epoxy - Under Side of Weighbridge
While the standard epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat make a super durable and long-lasting paint system, some applications require a more robust coating system. Coal tar epoxy paint is traditionally used for marine and offshore drilling rig environments. Scales installed in pit foundations will almost always have year-round condensation on the bottom of the weighbridge. Coating the bottom of a scale going into a pit foundation is an excellent place for coal tar epoxy paint.
Catwalk / Stairs
Catwalk can be added to any truck scale weighbridge. Catwalk can be as small as 60" in length all the way up to the full length of the truck scale on one or both sides of the platform. Catwalk can attach to the side of the scale hanging on the sight rail or be mounted on the ground next to the scale. Catwalk is a way to safely enter or exit a scale platform with stairs and handrail features.
Custom Paint Color
Customers wanting a custom truck scale color to match with corporate branding or new facility esthetic need only ask. Just supply the Pantone or RAL color code and the scale paint will be supplied as requested.
The number of options and variations can be a bit overwhelming. If you have questions about which option(s) would best suit you and your truck scale, the experts at B-TEK will be happy to assist you.
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