Off-road vehicle weighing applications are some of the most demanding in the industry. For these remote and challenging operations, vehicle-scale durability is paramount.
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No matter the industry, vehicle scales take a beating. They are almost exclusively located outside, exposed to the elements 365 days a year, and are subjected daily to varying truck traffic. These scales are designed to be tough. This is especially important for off-road operations, where the trucks are bigger, locations are more remote and downtime can be even more costly.
When considering an off-road vehicle scale solution for your operation, durability should be at the top of your must-have list. In an industry in which every company claims to have the toughest scale, there are two key factors you should research to understand true scale durability.
Weighbridge design
These days, many vehicle scale companies are trying to convince customers that throwing more steel at a truck scale makes it a stronger scale overall. Bigger, heavier I-beams make for a scale that appears hefty and rugged; however, years of real field observations and testing prove that is not the case.
That's why we utilize an orthotropic rib design in our off-road vehicle scale models. This proven design directs the pressure of a heavy load to the point of greatest durability, where there are no welds. Traditional I-beam design scales contain points of extreme pressure where the beam is welded to the deck, leaving the structure prone to failure. There is a reason orthotropic ribs have become the design of choice for modern architecture, such as bridges and roadways, places where durability is a requirement.
Load-cell system
The load-cell system is the heart of the truck scale; if your load-cell system is down your operation cannot function. Especially for operations in remote off-road locations that can be difficult to service, a reliable load-cell system is the key to uptime and profitability.
Traditional analog load-cell systems are tested under those conditions, and often fail to meet expectations. Only one brand of load cell can offer the true durability required by off-road operations, POWERCELL® PDX® load cells. Offering the best in reliability, lightning protection and accuracy, they keep your off-road operation running day in and day out.