Whether you’re in the forestry or construction industries, weighing loads on job sites is crucial. In fact, these are only two of the many fields relying on such operations. However, scales aren’t one-size-fits-all machines. Instead, the market contains many options to fulfill various needs. As a result, finding the perfect scales takes time. But the process can still be relatively quick if you know the essentials.
Below, we’ll detail the benefits of in-ground vs. portable truck scales and what you need to know about them before purchasing them for your workplace. Use this guide to learn the ins and outs of portable and permanent truck scales so that you can find the perfect one for your needs successfully.
In-Ground Truck Scales
This moniker is no mystery; in-ground scales are permanent weighing tools requiring professional installation to sit unobtrusively in the workplace floor. These types of truck scales are perfect for facilities that must weigh many loads throughout the day. More specifically, they’re best for permanent facilities rather than temporary job sites.
Flexibility and Weight Capacity
Unlike a portable scale, a stationary truck scale is ideal for measuring cumbersome truck loads. These consist of measurements that sit closer to 100,000 lbs. Although some in-ground options can handle more than 100,000 lbs., not all of them will. So, choose wisely.
The big downside to in-ground scales is a lack of flexibility. For example, if you install an in-ground scale and then need to weigh loads at another location, you’ll have to install a new scale at that area or use a portable weighing device. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, swapping a permanent scale for a portable one isn’t that simple.
Another important factor to consider is the terrain your scale will be sitting on throughout the day. Installing permanent scales requires a smooth, level surface. So, uneven terrain like gravel isn’t ideal for these truck scales. Now that you know the essential points about in-ground scales, you should look at their portable counterparts.
Portable Truck Scales
The main benefit of portable truck scales is right there in their name—it’s the portability. Thanks to this attribute, these scales are more flexible and help companies meet specific workplace needs easier than in-ground options.
Of course, in-ground scales serve great purposes to workplaces, weighing high volumes of heavy loads conveniently. However, you may need truck scales on a remote job location, such as a construction site. If so, a portable truck scale will get the job done. Thus, portability makes adjusting to remote job sites easy and more cost-effective, too.
Fantastic Flexibility
A high-quality in-ground scale is a worthy investment. But if you’re weighing loads on a temporary worksite, portable scales make more sense economically. Portable scales are quick, simple, and deliver high-quality performance in the workplace. Thanks to them, companies don’t have to install in-ground weighing devices at every new job site.
Besides their locational flexibility, portable truck scales also offer flexibility in the terrain they can sit on securely. You can typically set up a high-quality portable scale on terrain like gravel without compromising accuracy or reliability. That said, always ask your vendor about product specifications so that you understand everything it can and can’t handle before committing to the purchase. Like any product, portable truck scale attributes vary from product to product.
Varying Attributes
Though they might seem frustrating, the varying attributes create the opportunity to accommodate many workplace needs. For example, among our library of high-quality portable scales is the PS-AX760K axle scale (7’x30” platform with ramps, scoreboard, and printer). The PS-AX760K can handle weights up to 20,000 lbs. on each pad. However, not every weighing application calls for such capacities. For this reason, we also carry the Sterling Portable Weigh System, which is optimal for weighing lighter loads. It has a maximum weighing capacity of 2,000 lbs. per pad.
The Benefits of Both
As you can see, portable and in-ground truck scales differ in distinct ways. However, both options share common attributes you should always look for when buying scales for the workplace.
Accurate Readings
First, you should always expect accurate readings from truck scales. For this reason, stick to reliable brands and vendors for your scales. Furthermore, do a deep dive into the brands and vendors by finding reviews, equipment specs, and certifications.
For example, we carry AX900 axle scales that contain load cells that OIML and the US National Institute of Standards and Technologies have certified for an impressive 5,000 divisions. For those unaware, this level of certification is the highest possible for commercial load cells. Assuming portable scales are less accurate due to their simple installation and maneuverability is understandable. Thankfully, portable scales will deliver the same accuracy as in-ground options if you buy them from reliable suppliers.
Clear Readings
Additionally, consider how easy it is to use and read any given truck scale. After all, jotting down precise load weights requires clearly visible readings on the indicator. Of course, portable scales are inherently easier to use because of their flexible and mobile nature. That said, in-ground scales should be easy to read as well. Therefore, when looking at the specifications for any truck scale, look for details like large screen sizes and LCDs. That way, you can ensure everyone on the job site can read weights without worry.
Finding the Perfect Scale
Buying a scale might sound like a straightforward task, but it requires lots of preparation and research. Thanks to this breakdown of in-ground vs. portable truck scales, what you need to know about these tools before purchasing should be much clearer now. At Prime USA Scales, we carry the Sterling Portable Weigh Systems and PS-AX760K in our collection of truck axle scales for sale, along with many other reliable weighing tools.
Portable and permanent truck scales are great, but they offer different attributes for various worksites. Whether you need to weigh trucks permanently at one location or for brief periods in multiple places, you can find a reliable scale to do the job optimally. Finding the perfect scale might not be a quick process, but it will certainly be successful if you consider all the necessary factors during your search.
