Understanding the Different Types of Weighbridge

If you are looking into buying a weighbridge for your business, it is not a small investment. When you are looking to purchase something this costly, it’s important that you understand the different types of weighbridges and how each of them is typically used. When you have a good understanding of all of this, it will be easier to make the right decision as to which one is the right one for you and your company.

What Is a Weighbridge?

The first thing you need to know is what a weighbridge is. A weighbridge is also known as a lorry scale. It is essentially a large industrial platform scale. It is a large set of scales which can be used to weigh bulk items.

Weighbridges are mounted onto a concrete surface. They are most often used to weigh lorries and other large vehicles, but can also be used to weigh other larger materials. Most often, they are mounted on a platform set into the ground so that the top is flush with the road. That way, vehicles can easily drive onto them. There are some, however, a few different types of weighbridges that are used in different ways.

Fully In-Ground Weighbridge

A fully in-ground weighbridge is the kind of weighbridge that is installed so that the weighing surface is level with the ground. This is the most labour-intensive type of weighbridge to install and once it is operational, it is very difficult to remove. In order to install it, there needs to be excavation and building a reinforced foundation in the pit for it. Because of the substantial preparation it requires, it is the most expensive option of all the weighbridges.

A fully in-ground weighbridge is perfect for weighing a lot of traffic quickly. They are also great for any business where vehicles are loaded onto the weighing platform by forklift as you can access it from multiple sides. Another thing to consider is this type of weighbridge has its mechanics more enclosed which means that you will need a specialised mechanic to provide maintenance on it.

Semi-pit Weighbridges

Semi-pit weighbridges are at ground level and can be many different sizes. You can choose between multi-deck, twin deck or single deck. If none of these configurations work well for you, it's also possible to have one custom-made to your exact specifications. No ramps are required for this type of weighbridge, but you will need excavation and must ensure there is good drainage or sumps to keep water out.

Semi-pit weighbridges have retaining walls on each side which means that you will need to carefully calculate the size of the weighbridge needed for your specific operations. If you have some site limitations, a custom semi-pit weighbridge is a great option. They work the same as a regular semi-pit option, but modifications are made to accommodate the constraints of your site.

Above Ground Weighbridges

An above-ground weighbridge is one of the most commonly used because they require the least amount of site preparation and can be moved more easily. They take up the most space with a larger surface area than any other weighbridge option. This means that you really need to have a large space in order to accommodate this style of the weighbridge.

Aside from the surface area of the weighing surface, you also have to accommodate entry and exit ramps. These ramps need to be at least five metres in length. You will also need at least one metre of empty space on either side of the weighbridge.

Above-ground weighbridges can make the maintenance incredibly easy because all of the mechanics are above ground and easy to reach. This also brings down the overall weighbridge cost. Although it takes up a lot of space, the above-ground weighbridge is a much more cost-effective option and comes in a variety of sizes.

Multiple Deck Weighbridge

A multiple deck weighbridge can be installed in a variety of ways. You can choose to put it above ground, semi-pit or even fully in-ground. Rather than being a specific type of weighbridge, it is more of a variation of the design and can be used in a multitude of ways.

You can add in as many decks of whichever length you would like to build a weighbridge that fits your needs specifically. This allows you to be able to weigh both individual axles or axle groups at the same time. This type of weighbridge is what you need if you are needing to break down and record the weight across different axles.

Multiple deck weighbridges are also easier to maintain because when one small section breaks, you can fix or replace just that one section rather than needing to repair the entire weighbridge. Multiple deck weighbridges are more expensive than solid decks, but they are the best tool for the job if you are needing to break down the weights.

Portable Weighbridges

Portable weighbridges are by far the most cost-effective option. These are a much better option for sites that are shorter term. Portable weighbridges are designed very similarly to above-ground weighbridges. A concrete slab is used for the load-bearing locations. They also have a removable frame that acts as a solid support base when needed for the load cells and deck.

Removable weighbridges are typically made entirely from steel. This makes it much lighter than some of the other weighbridge options so that it can be moved from site to site. If you are keeping it at one site, for a bit longer, you also have the option to have a combination of steel and concrete.

Which Weighbridge is Best?

The type of weighbridge that is best for you really depends on what you are wanting to use it for. If you are looking for a lorry weighbridge that can weigh a lot of vehicles quite quickly, you may want to consider a fully in-ground weighbridge.

If you are working on a site for less than 2 years, a portable weighbridge might be a better option for you. If you are hoping to break down the weight of a lorry by each individual, the only weighbridge that would work for you is a multiple deck weighbridge.

Other Things to Consider

When you are purchasing a weighbridge, it is important to be up to date with the local laws and regulations around weighbridges. You will also need to learn how to check the calibration of your weighbridge on a regular basis. This can be done by yourself or a member of your team if you become certified for the self-verification of weighbridges.

You can also bring in a professional to ensure that the calibration is correct. If it is not correct, it can cause inaccurate readings or damage to the weighbridge.

Weighbridges need to be in good working condition no matter what conditions it is working in. This means that a large part of owning a weighbridge is having it regularly serviced and maintained.

You need trained and qualified technicians to work on it which means that often companies hire in outside resources to take care of the maintenance of their weighbridges. This can add an additional cost to your business, but with an investment as expensive as this, it’s important that you take care of it properly to save you money down the road.

No matter what type of weighbridge you are looking for, it’s best to talk it through with a weighbridge supplier. They will be able to talk through your specific needs and come back with recommendations.

A good weighbridge supplier will also be able to help with the installation which will take the complexity out of installing some of the bigger weighbridges. A weighbridge is a huge investment for any company to take on. Find a reputable manufacturer who will be able to demonstrate the quality and service that you need.

Ready to get your own weighbridge? Contact SS&S to learn more.