Across the US, there are many different truck weighing stations available, which allows drivers and truck owners to keep in line with legal regulations regarding truck capacity and weight distribution. For that reason, there are different types of equipment used to weigh them – mostly portable truck scales and drive-over truck scales. There are also different methods, such as the following:
Portable Scales
Portable truck scales, or wheel weighers, are used for truck weighing. The truck is driven over single scales and stops when a wheel rests on a scale. They are then weighed. This method takes some time and is one of the slowest methods used, but the readings are accurate, and the scales can be connected, making the process easier and faster. Portable scales are popular because they can be moved to different locations if need be.
Truck Axles
Truck axles are also commonly used, because a single stop is required with strategically placed axle scales, to get the most accurate reading. Combined by a single electronic controller, truck axles can calculate the gross weight of the truck almost immediately. However, this method is also quite slow because the truck needs to come to a complete halt while it’s being weighed.
Slow-Weigh-In-Motion (SWIM)
SWIM is a truck weighing method that uses a series of embedded cardinal scales to calculate and read the weight distribution on each axle. To do this, the truck needs to drive slowly over the sensor pad. The SWIM method and equipment used are known as drive-over truck scales. While driving over the sensor pad, the truck should not come to a complete stop, which means that it’s one of the fastest methods used by the distribution and trucking industry.
When calculating the mass and weight distribution on truck axles, you need quick and accurate readings. Portable truck scales and drive over truck scales like the SWIM method are most commonly used, for efficiency and accuracy.
Related Tag: Axle Scales Portable
