Spring maintenance for your outdoor scale

Similar to a house or vehicle, an outdoor truck scale requires regular maintenance in the spring to ensure it continues to function optimally. Here are a few tips to help you keep yours in perfect shape.

Why spring maintenance matters

Truck scales tend to get used a lot more between the spring and fall than during the winter. Plus, the snow, ice and cold temperatures of a typical winter in Western Canada can leave your scale a little worse for wear. This is why seasonal scale maintenance is crucial.

One of the biggest problems you’re likely to encounter are cracks in the load cells caused by continual freezing and thawing. Harsh winter weather can also cause bumper bolts to rust, and rodents are known to chew on cabling.

Note that spring maintenance is essential for all types of industrial scales, including warehouse floor scales and crane scales.

Your maintenance checklist

Here are the main components of your scale that require regular maintenance and what types of issues you should be on the lookout for in the spring.

Bumper bolts. Check that the bumper bolts aren’t too tight since steel expands in warm temperatures. If the bolts are already snug in the spring, they’ll likely press against the walls of the abutment and cause the scale to weigh light once the summer weather sets in.

Cabling. Cold weather, de-icing salt, rocks and rodents can damage the scale’s cables. Look for signs of cracks or decay, and make the necessary repairs. Otherwise, the scale’s weights could drift.

Load cells. Continual freezing and thawing during the winter can cause pavement and concrete to break apart. Inspect the load cells for any debris caught inside. To test that your scale is working properly, drive over it with a loader or forklift in both directions. Make sure the tires roll over each set of load cells. Then, compare the weight recorded by each cell to make sure your scale is measuring accurately. You can also use a pickup truck, but this test works better with heavier equipment.

Industrial scale experts in Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers repair and maintenance services to help you keep your outdoor truck scale in optimal condition. Since we’re accredited by Measurement Canada as scale inspectors, we can also calibrate your scales and certify them as legal-for-trade. Based in Calgary, we’re proud to serve clients throughout Western Canada. For more information, contact us today.