Selecting the Right Commercial Vehicle Scale for Your Weighing Needs: Understanding the Key Differences Between Axle Load Scales and Truck Scales
Whether you need to weigh commercial vehicles for transport, construction, agriculture or other industries, choosing the proper scale type is crucial. This article will explore axle load scales and truck scales, the two most common options for commercial vehicle weighing. It will compare their features, specifications, applications and installation processes. By understanding the distinctions between axle load scales and truck scales, you can select the solution best suited to your weighing needs.
Table of Contents
What is an Axle Load Scale?
What is a Truck Scale?
Dynamic vs Stable Models
Portable vs Fixed Installations
Typical Applications
Cost Comparison
Factors for Scale Selection
What is an Axle Load Scale?
An axle load scale measures the weight of individual truck axles. It includes two or more scale pads positioned under each axle. The sum of individual axle readings gives the total gross vehicle weight. Axle scales provide weight readings within 0.25% error and can weigh vehicles up to 200,000 pounds.
They are commonly used at demolition sites, shipment terminals, lumber yards and more to check axle loads for transport compliance and load distribution.
What is a Truck Scale?
A truck scale is a large, calibrated weighing platform that digitally calculates and displays the total weight of an entire vehicle. Common in waste disposal, grain, construction and other industries, truck scales are available in dynamic or stationary models.
Dynamic vs Stable Models
Both axle load scales and truck scales come in dynamic or "weigh-in-motion" versions that measure moving vehicles. Stable models take readings of stationary vehicles.
Portable vs Fixed Installations
You can temporarily or permanently install both scale types. Portable axle and truck scales are self-contained for mobility, while fixed installations remain stationary.
Typical Applications
Scale Common Applications
Axle Load Scale Demolition sites, lumber yards, shipment terminals
Truck Scale Waste disposal, construction, aggregate industries, grain transport
Cost Comparison
Axle load scales have a lower material cost due to their smaller footprint. A basic axle scale runs around one-third the price of an equivalent truck scale.
Factors for Scale Selection
Consider your weighing needs, budget, space constraints and local regulations when choosing between portable/fixed, dynamic/static, axle load/truck scale models. An equipment supplier like Truckscale-CN can help evaluate your options.
With support from experienced distributors, the right scale ensures legal-for-trade weights and long-term operational efficiency. Contact Truckscale-CN today for all your commercial vehicle weighing solutions.