Truck Scale Selection

The Great Debate on Truck Scale Selection: Concrete Deck vs. Steel Deck

05.08.2010 | Editor: Marcel Dröttboom

Easy relocation: Steel deck truck scales can be more easily relocated than a concrete deck design due to the physical weight of the product. I.e. the typical physical weight of an OTR7011 scale is 30800 lbs (14 t) compared to an OTR-7011-C with a completed concrete deck at approximately 73000 lbs (33 t).

Better accessibility: As a steel deck truck scale ages, repairs to the deck or weighbridge are generally more accessible on a steel deck than a concrete deck design.

Higher resale value: Steel deck scales tend to have a higher resale value due to their ease of relocation.

The Cons of Steel Deck Scales

Tendency to wear: Steel deck surfaces have a tendency to wear over a period of time especially with heavy traffic volume or in abrasive applications such as aggregate, sand and gravel facilities, etc.

More frequent painting: Steel deck truck scales generally require painting more frequently than concrete deck scales since the driving surface shows wears due to traffic on the platform.

More slippery: Steel deck scales are more slippery in wet or freezing weather than concrete deck designs.

Lower span deflection: The steel weighbridge on steel deck truck scales has a lower span deflection ratio than concrete deck scales. Span deflection ratio for a Rice Lake steel deck truck scale is 1100:1 vs. 1300:1 on concrete deck designs of the same model.

Shorter lifespan: Depending on the truck volume and axle loadings generally a steel deck scale will last 20% to 30% less than a concrete deck scale.

This information will help you find out whether to purchase a steel deck or a concrete deck truck scale. Your next decision is selecting the scale company that will give you the best service.

Mr. Bill Murphy, Heavy Capacity Sales Director, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, USA