Weighbridges, sometimes also known as truck scales, are essential parts of Australian industries where the weight of goods is critical. From logistics centres and mining operations to quarries and waste management facilities, weighbridges play a major role. Not only do they measure the weight of goods coming in and going out of a facility, but they can also provide valuable business insights and ensure regulatory obligations.
So, rather than wondering ‘what is a weighbridge in Australia’, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about these often-overlooked tools.
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What are the benefits of a weighbridge?
Whether it’s checking the weight of a delivery before it leaves a facility or weighing the amount of waste being deposited at the tip, installing a high-quality weighbridge has plenty of benefits. Perhaps most importantly, they allow for the precise measurements of large vehicle loads, but precision isn’t the only benefit. Weighbridges also:
· Ensure legal compliance with road weight regulations.
· Help prevent vehicle damage from overloading.
· Enhance operational efficiency by accurately determining load weights.
· Provide valuable historical data to assist business decisions.
· Assist in Chain of Responsibility tracking.
We’ll touch on some advanced weighbridge technology later, but perhaps one of the hidden benefits is the ability to integrate weighbridges with other systems. The data you collect from a weighbridge isn’t just for compliance reasons; it can also help manage your fleet more effectively.
Different types of weighbridges
Depending on the type of facility you operate, there are several types of weighbridges to choose from. Here are the major types of weighbridges you might consider.
- Pit weighbridges: These are ideal for sites with space constraints. Because a pit weighbridge is level with the ground, there is no need for ramps, which saves space and allows for greater flexibility of use.
- Above-ground weighbridges: Choosing an above-ground weighbridge will definitely save you time and money when it comes to installation. They do require ramps, so they’re better suited to large areas. With all components above ground, though, maintenance is also much easier.
- Portable weighbridges: Portable solutions have increased flexibility and are ideal for temporary sites, like construction or seasonal agricultural operations. Moving the weighbridge easily also means maintenance is easy, and you won’t need any civil work to install it.
As you can see, each system has pros and cons, and each is suitable for different spaces and operations. Always consider all your options before settling on one option.
Weighbridge technology
Surprisingly, there aren’t too many moving parts in a weighbridge. Of course, you have the weighing platform, load cells, junction box and weighing display hardware. But the technology we’re talking about is software. Most weighbridges come with industry-specific software that helps track historical weighing data, manage inventory and control your fleet.
Getting the right software is essential because it’s about much more than mere record-keeping. You can integrate this software with other systems, such as RFID readers, payment terminals, accounting systems and even local camera systems, just to name a few.
So, if you’re considering installing a new weighbridge at your facility, get expert advice. As you can see now, weighbridges are much more than a simple scale.
