Owning and operating a truck scale takes knowledge and commitment if you want it to perform well and within budget for years to come. Knowing a truck scale expert can help you do that, keeping you on track with regular maintenance and servicing. If you aren’t already doing it, start with these three tips for better truck scale care.
Stay in Compliance
It’s important to remember scheduled events to stay in compliance with legal for trade truck scales. A weights and measures assessment is legally required by the state within 60 days of installation, although time periods can vary from location to location. Another test is required at designated intervals—usually once a year—to make sure you’re getting correct measurements from your scale. The best way to help the above checkups work to your advantage is to know your manufacturer’s program for suggested preventative maintenance. Following its recommendations can help you keep your truck scale within weighing tolerance. Even better, scale technicians can let you know if any scale parts are getting worn out for potential needed replacement.
Handle Simple Maintenance to Save on Time and Cost Later
Just like you would for a car, it’s definitely an option to conduct some of your own truck scale maintenance. You can start by watching how you maneuver while driving. Hard starts and stops can lead to additional wear and tear on your truck scale’s foundation and parts, leading to unnecessary repairs. Your truck scale supplier can suggest your best entry and exit speeds for improved traffic control. And while you’re in maintenance mode, check out your scale for general cleanliness. If any debris is lodged or has accumulated, clean the area so your scale can do its job. Make a point to perform this regularly so you can watch for wear on other parts, too, like system parts and suspension linkages.
Keep on Top of Preventative Maintenance with Regular Servicing
As mentioned above, following a preventative maintenance plan can help you stay ahead of problems with scale parts and calibration down the road. When scheduling maintenance check-ins for your truck scale, have the technicians conduct the following:
- Check load cells, cables, and lighting grounding to see if they’re all still in good condition
- Tighten mounting plates
- Lubricate mating surfaces when needed
- Inspect the terminal to check weights and measure seals
- Make sure the terminal is properly grounded
- Look for activated weighing error messages
- Inspect approaches for damage
- Look for problems with the weighbridge such as cracks
Learn More About Truck Scale Care and Sales
Having a well-maintained truck scale can make a difference in annual costs and how it performs from year to year. Cleaning, calibrating, and regular servicing are key to keeping it in top form. For expert advice on your current truck scale—or to browse our online catalog of truck scales—contact us today. We can even provide a free quote for servicing and maintenance.