Common Problems With Owning a Truck Scale
Truck scales are essential pieces of equipment for many businesses, but they also come with their share of challenges. So it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common problems that come with owning a truck scale and how you can avoid them before making such a big investment.
Here’s what you need to know.
6 Common Problems With Truck Scales
Here are the most typical issues you might face when owning a truck scale:
1. Calibration Drift
No matter how high-end it is, your scale won’t stay calibrated forever. Over time, calibration drift occurs, resulting in diminished accuracy over time. No scales are immune to calibration drift, so it’s important to periodically verify that yours is producing accurate readings.
2. Load Cell Damage
Load cells measure mechanical force and are what actually measure the weight of a vehicle. You can damage these components by overloading your scale, but corrosion or sudden impact can also lead to damage. A malfunctioning load cell often leads to inaccurate weight readings that can’t be fixed through calibration.
3. Foundation Shifts
Any instability in the foundation of your scale can cause uneven weight distribution and inaccurate readings. This problem often stems from soil erosion or an initial poor installation. If you haven’t purchased a scale yet, make sure you partner with a reputable installer to mitigate the risks of foundation problems.
4. Environmental Impact
Weather conditions like heavy rain or freezing temperatures can affect your scales. Moisture buildup may lead to corrosion, while extreme heat or cold can impact the performance of electrical components.
5. Electrical and Wiring Issues
Truck scales rely on complex networks of electrical wiring. Over time, these connections can become loose or corroded.
Poor installation can increase the risk of electrical issues — if access points aren’t sealed properly, you run the risk of rodents and other vermin damaging your scale’s sensitive components.
6. Component Wear and Tear
Over time, truck scales will wear down due to simple use. Components like platforms, hinges, and suspension systems may degrade over time and need to be replaced.
Signs Your Truck Scale Needs Attention
So how do you know that something’s wrong with your truck scale? Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Inconsistent Weight Readings: If your vehicles are regularly seeing variance in weight between scales, you might have a calibration issue or damaged load cells
- Physical Damage: Cracks or other visible damage can indicate an issue that may compromise performance
- Error Messages: Frequent error codes or system shutdowns point to potential electrical problems
- Slow Operation: Delayed responses during weighing could indicate wiring issues
- Unusual Noises: Creaking or grinding sounds during operation are often signs of mechanical wear
If you notice that something’s off with your scale, investigate further to get to the bottom of the problem.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your Truck Scale
The best way to extend the life of your equipment and prevent costly downtime is to perform regular maintenance. By proactively addressing any issues and bringing in expert support when needed, your truck scale will be an invaluable asset for years to come.
With that in mind, here are some tasks that need to be on your preventive maintenance checklist:
Check Its Calibration Often
It’s important to check the calibration of your scale regularly to ensure consistency and reliability, so invest in a few calibrated weights and periodically verify that your scale is producing accurate readings. If something is wrong, you’ll need to have the system professionally recalibrated.
Inspect It Regularly
Make sure the scale is visually inspected at the start of every shift. You’ll also need to conduct a more thorough inspection about once a week, during which you carefully examine all important parts and ensure everything is free of debris. If you’re unsure whether something looks right, don’t hesitate to call the experts.
Keep It Clean
Dirt and debris are only going to build up on your truck scale if not dealt with. And while scales are durable and designed to hold up in rugged conditions, you shouldn’t let all of this grime accumulate. Clean your scale regularly, and make sure that all gaps and moving parts are clear of any blockages.
How Superior Scale Can Help
Superior Scale offers comprehensive services to help you keep your truck scale working like new. We handle everything from maintenance and calibrations to sales and new installations. Whether you already own a scale or are ready to invest in one, we’ve got you covered.