For those of you who have a weighbridge scale constantly used on your business, this is certainly an essential member on your team. And, as such, it’s also an element that deserves all your attention – for several reasons.
Behind a strong and robust look, truck-scales hide a pretty sensitive side. They work long hours, from sunrise to sunset, and they still have to endure tons of weight. They also get tired. And, in spite of their resistant materials, throughout their career, they show some wear and tear. At least, when one does not have all the care measures to reduce it to the bare minimum.
Set in the goal of helping you on this task, we share with you some tips about the precautions you should take, before and after the installation, to maintain your weighbridge in good conditions, for a long time:
1. Invest on an adequate installation.
Truck scales are equipment with a somewhat of sensitivity (other way, they wouldn’t weigh reliably). So, to a simpler maintenance, your precious weighbridge scale should be comfortably installed on the adequate conditions, since the very beginning, to keep any external factor from interfering on weighing processes. In the case of embedded or semi-embedded truck scales, for example, you should make sure they have a drainage system that allows them to work without errors or interruptions. And don’t forget to check it at least once a year, before the first season of intensive rain.
2. Provide signalization tools for the trucks’ drivers.
Weighbridge scales are quite demanding equipment – with themselves and with those around them. Which means that, in order to maintain its good conditions, the cautions of manufacturers and operator/owner are not enough. The drivers of the vehicles who use them every day should also respect some rules. Having in mind the simplification of the process of explaining the necessary instructions to the users, you can provide them with signalization tools – like muppies – that indicate how they should proceed in each step, avoiding any damage to the platform.
3. Carry out a general check-up regularly.
Weighbridges are high maintenance equipment. Thus, you should carry out a check-up – and cleaning – regularly. Whenever you can, check details like the cabling and the limiters, making sure these keep a distance from 3 to 5 mm. And don’t forget to assure your truck scale is always clean, once that any kind of residue can interfere with its performance as well as on its longevity.
4. Ensure you get your annual verification.
Weighbridges are Non-automatic Weighing Machines. Which means that, in European Union’s countries, and in case they’re used in commercial transactions, they are also subject to a law which demands an annual verification. To ensure everything is in order and that your weighbridge is functioning correctly and legally, you should contact the manufacturer periodically and ask for information on how to proceed.
