Length Of Time To Install A Truck Scale?

A common question we often get is how long will a new truck scale take to install. Just like many other components of a truck scale project, it really depends. In general a new steel deck truck scale with foundation will take around 7 days, while a new concrete deck truck scale and foundation will take closer to 3 weeks. However, if you are replacing an existing truck scale and reusing the foundation, a new truck scale can be installed in 1 day.

So what drives the length of a truck scale installation projects?

1. Deck Type:

   Steel deck truck scales can be installed in one day or less by an experienced scale installation company. This is because unlike a concrete deck the steel deck scale is ready to use as soon as it is calibrated. A concrete deck scale; however, will require at least 2 weeks after the scale deck has the concrete poured on-site to cure. If you don’t let the concrete deck cure all the way it will risk cracking and cause major structural issues for years to come. Bottom-line concrete deck truck scales take longer to install then steel deck truck scales. Learn More About Truck Scale Deck Types.

2. Foundation Type:

   The type of foundation will also determine the length of the project. Standard above ground foundations can be formed and poured in 2-3 days. They will also require some cure time. A pit foundation requires significantly more work; this means it will take closer to 4-5 days to form and pour. There are ways to shorten these time lines. In projects where it is crucial to minimize downtime we can often pour a high-early concrete mix. This mix will cure much faster than the standard mix although it does cost more because of the concrete additives that have to be used. Bottom-line, pit style foundations take longer to install then above-ground truck scale foundations. Learn More About Truck Scale Foundation Types.

3. Other Site Considerations

   The final item that determines the length of a truck scale installation project is whether all the secondary connections are ready and in place. By this we mean have you had electrical power run to the scale location, is the conduit run from the scale to the scale-house, is the PLC/HMI setup and ready to accept the new scale data, etc. Bottom-line these are all the ankle-biters at the end of project that tend to take much longer than anticipated. The key here is to have a clear game plan of who is responsible for what; meaning what is the scale company responsible for and what are you responsible for. Bottom-line, plan ahead and these tasks wont extend your project timeline, don’t plan ahead and they may become the longest portion of your truck scale installation project.

Steel Deck or Concrete Deck Truck Scales: Which Is Best For Me?

Steel Deck or Concrete Deck Truck Scales

What’s the difference between a steel deck and concrete deck truck scale and which one is best for my application?  

Steel Deck Truck Scale
Steel Deck Truck Scales are built with all heavy duty structural steel.  This will include steel I-beams running the length of each scale module.  Each manufacturer has slightly different designs for their I-beams ranging from the size, number, and shape.  Each manufacturer will claim their design is superior.  In our experience they all perform about the same assuming you are buying from a top-tier scale supplier (B-Tek, Mettler Toledo, Emery Winslow, Rice Lake, Cardinal, Fairbanks). A steel deck typically involves less initial cost – there is no investment in concrete or the labor to pour it. A steel deck scale weighs less, which makes it easier to move or relocate if needed. It can be fully operational within a day at your site, reducing production downtime and operational impacts.

Pros: 

• Faster installation as no concrete cure time is required

• Easier maintenance as the deck modules can be lifted 

• Reduced installation cost as fewer trips to complete job are required by scale dealer

• Higher resale value

• More custom profiles and sizes available (particularly extra low-profile)

Cons:

• Scale surface can be slick when wet

• Higher shipping cost since they are heavier 

Concrete Deck Truck Scale
A concrete deck truck scale is very similar to a steel deck truck scale, but each scale module has an open top for concrete to be poured into each deck, bonding the support beams of each module. A concrete deck needs approximately 21 to 28 days to cure, it offers greater resistance to rust and corrosion from road salt and generally requires less maintenance than steel decks, helping to extend the life of the scale. A concrete surface also provides better traction with rain and snow. Because of their design, concrete decks distribute the load over a wider area than steel decks.  Concrete deck scales were more common 10-15 years ago; however, they are still installed today.  

Pros: 

• Better traction in wet or slippery environments

• Reduced risk of rust or corrosion given there is less metal in the scale

• More mass which means there is less friction and stress on internal parts

• Hold up to acidic and chemical type environments well

Cons:

• Longer installation time as it takes 3-4 weeks for the scale deck concrete to cure to the proper PSI strength

• More difficult to move at a future date if you need to relocate the scale as each panel weighs ~25,000lbs vs ~8,000lbs for a steel deck

• More difficult maintenance due to the weight of the scale which can lead to higher maintenance costs

Conclusion

Choosing between a steel deck or concrete deck will come down to preference. Understanding your work site will help you figure out which scale deck will work for you. Our Learning Hub is a great place to start. For more detailed articles, check out “Truck Scale Foundation Types” or “How Muc A Truck Scale Cost?”. The learning hub is a great resource filled with articles that can help eductae you during your truck scale journey.