Vehicle Scale Basics
- Wheel Load Scales
- In-Ground Scale Installation
- Leveling Ramp Considerations
- Static Wheel Load w/ Levelers
- Dynamic Axle Scales
- Static Axle Weighbridges
Wheel Load Scales
When using wheel load scales, including the PT300™, PT300DW™ and LP600™, Intercomp recommends that an axle group, axles within 10 feet (3 meters), be on the same plane. This means all axles in a group, including dual, triple and spread axles, should be at the same level as the axle on the pad, either supported by another scale pad or a solid object.
System Benefits:
- Portable, Cost-Effective Method to Weigh Vehicles
- Axle Weights Easily Obtained
- Accurate Weights on Multiple Surfaces
- Stop Vehicle and place scale pads just ahead of wheels to weigh
- Drive up onto pads and stop before driving over pads
- Read weights on scale display or RFX® Wireless Weighing indicator
![wheel load scales graphic](includes/work/image_cache/webp/7962a5fa81a77f753d8d3ff46ad04e6c.thumb.webp)
In-Ground Scale Installation
Key Factors to Consider When Planning a Site
- Length of Vehicles to be Weighed
- Speed of Vehicles to be Weighed
- Roadway Approach Distance (Vehicle Length plus Approach Speed Length)
- Roadway Departure Distance (Vehicle Length plus Recovery Speed Length)
LS-WIM Axle Scale Approach & Departure
![In-Ground Scale Installation graphic](includes/work/image_cache/webp/e8b78d138ba8ab45d56e8d0d8a32d98b.thumb.webp)
Pavement Surface Conditions for Installation
![Pavement Surface Conditions for Installation](includes/work/image_cache/webp/0284620eac4a9d5f76defd4de279c535.thumb.webp)
LS-WIM Scale Level
![LS-WIM Scale Level](includes/work/image_cache/webp/a2f791f727c8364766d0edfd945b8cd9.thumb.webp)
Leveling Ramp Considerations
- Standard Semi-Truck configuration consists of three axle groups:
- Semi-Tractor Steer Axle, Semi-Tractor Dual Axle & Semi-Trailer Dual Axle
- When scales are deployed, consider variables like space needed for
- Below are examples of how scales should, and should not, be set up
![Leveling Ramp Considerations](includes/work/image_cache/webp/b3f9aaf98ce1a114a00de4d3b8d2bd6a.thumb.webp)
![Leveling Ramp Considerations](includes/work/image_cache/webp/b64bf558ebae0dc6a22d659fae29e42d.thumb.webp)
![Leveling Ramp Considerations](includes/work/image_cache/webp/85386d0391181fc3875cccd367c6acb4.thumb.webp)
Static Wheel Load w/ Levelers
System Benefits:
- Levelers/Ramps Allow for More Accurate Weights When
- Using only Two Scale Pads
- More Efficient Throughput with Drive-On/
- Drive-Off Capability
- Ideal for Mobile Check Weighing Operations
- Place scale pads, one on each side of vehicle, to accommodate vehicle width
- Install drive-on and drive-off ramps
- Drive vehicle on to scale, stopping on each axle
- Collect weight data for each axle & accumulate to determine GVW
![Static Wheel Load w/ Levelers](includes/work/image_cache/webp/78dc02faf71e4334a90ac9d99f7b571b.thumb.webp)
Dynamic Axle Scales
System Benefits:
- Smaller Footprint than Full-Length Truck Scales
- Axle, GVW and Side Weights Easily Collected
- In-Ground and Portable Options Available
- Saves on Additional Fuel Being Burned by Vehicle Idling While in Line
- Deploy portable pads, levelers and indicator for portable system; or activate in-ground system
- Approach scale at required speed and continue over scale system at a constant speed
- Axle weights collected in real time as vehicle passes over pads
- Access or save automatically accumulated GVW and individual axle weight data
![Dynamic Axle Scales](includes/work/image_cache/webp/1458642c174c5f86bb1599700ccb6a32.thumb.webp)
Static Axle Weighbridges
System Benefits:
- Semi-Portable Design Minimizes Space Needed for Weighing
- More Efficient Throughput with Drive-On/Drive-Off Capability
- Possible to Integrate with Existing Scale Indicators
- Place scale pads, one on each side of vehicle, to accommodate vehicle width
- Drive vehicle on to scale, stopping on each axle or axle group
- Collect weight data for each axle/axle group or accumulate for GVW
![Static Axle Weighbridges](includes/work/image_cache/webp/35492175a177448486e4079f6e843ff9.thumb.webp)