What Trucks Have To Stop At Weigh Stations In Alberta?

If the truck you’re taking on an Alberta highway isn’t a private passenger vehicle, it’s subject to regulations for commercial vehicles. That means you’ll need to know its weight, especially if you’re carrying a load. To help keep you in compliance on Alberta’s highways, here’s a guide to truck weighing and inspection within the province.

Inspection Stations in Alberta

In Alberta, your vehicle may be inspected for weight but also for dimensions like height, length and width, plus axle spacing. The goal is to ensure your vehicle doesn’t pose a threat to yourself or others on the road.

There are two types of inspection stations in the province, both with weigh scales:

VIS, or vehicle inspection stations, with scales operated by attendants
MIS, or mobile inspection stations, with scales but no attendants on hand

Want to know where the scales are? The province posts a list of all inspection station locations on its website.

When to Stop For Weighing or Inspection

According to Alberta law, if your commercial vehicle weighs over 4,500 kilograms, you must report to an inspection station when the highway lights are flashing. You can avoid needless delays by keeping your truck compliant. The province publishes detailed guidelines on acceptable weights and dimensions for all vehicle types.

How To Proceed Through A Weigh Station

Weigh stations typically have two lanes, one with a scale and one without, plus a lightboard providing instructions like “STOP,” “BACK UP” and “PARK.” If your vehicle is loaded, proceed slowly across the scale lane. If your truck is empty, take the lane beside the scale lane and bypass the scales. In either case, watch the light board and follow directions as they appear.

If the board says “PARK,” you must park your vehicle in the parking lot and bring all vehicle and driver documents into the inspection building.

Compliance Makes Good Business Sense

Inspection and weighing can be a breeze when your trucks are within regulatory limits. You spare yourself penalty fees and costly downtime. By investing in reliable truck scales and keeping them maintained and calibrated, you’re investing in your company’s bottom line.

As accredited scale inspectors, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. is authorized under the Weights and Measures Act by Measurement Canada to assess trade devices for compliance and issue a sticker of government certification. We can keep your truck scales compliant to help your trucks breeze through highway inspections.

Truck Scale Sales, Rentals, Calibration And Certification In Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. is your trusted partner in Alberta for consistent, reliable weighing of loads of all sizes. Ask us about your options for truck scale installation, or consider a portable truck scale for reliable weighing on the move. We also offer a rental service to meet your short-term needs. Contact us today and ask how we can help keep your trucks safe and compliant.

What to Know About a Broken Scale Load Cell

You could think of the load cell as the brain of your scale. It translates force into digital values you can read and record. A failing load cell results in inaccurate readings or an unusable scale, which means costly downtime while waiting for a scale repair. So, knowing when your load cells need attention is vital for your business. Here’s what you need to know.

5 Causes Of Load Cell Malfunction

There are many reasons why your load cell may malfunction, including:

Overloading – If you overload the scale by surpassing the scale’s capacity, you risk causing damage to the load cell.
Moisture – Water encountering the electronic components can cause them to malfunction. Moisture, high humidity and condensation can also lead to corrosion, harming the structural integrity of the load cell and causing errors.
Harsh chemicals – Harsh chemicals can damage a load cell’s electronics, as chemicals can heavily corrode its components and structure.
Power surges – Power surges and lightning strikes can cause significant damage to a load cell. Ensure your scale is grounded and your electronics are surge protected. Plus, don’t overload power supplies.
Mishandling – Load cells are sensitive devices, so drops or improper handling can damage the circuits.

Warning Signs Of A Broken Load Cell

If you observe any of these issues, your scale may have a broken load cell:

The display readings are inconsistent
The display readings fluctuate up and down
The display won’t return to zero after the load is removed
The zero balance changes dramatically
The display incorrectly reads an overload
The display reads “no load” when a load is applied
The display readings don’t change when a load is applied

Checking Your Load Cells For Damage

If you think your load cell isn’t working properly, conduct a visual inspection following these steps:

Disconnect the scale from its power source to avoid shocks or electrocution
Visually check the load cell for damage, wear, deformation or corrosion
Check that all cables are free of kinks and cuts and have good connections
Check for obstructions between the load cell and the weighing platform
Ensure the scale is on a level surface and that all mechanical supports are firmly in place

Additionally, regularly calibrate your scales to ensure accuracy. You can get your scales professionally calibrated by a trusted scale company.

Also, if you sign up for a pre-scheduled maintenance plan, a scale technician will visit your operation and inspect, clean and calibrate your scales to identify and fix minor issues before they become big problems.

Scale Repair Services In Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a wide variety of load cells and mounts for every industrial and commercial need. We also offer fast, professional scale repair services to keep your downtime to a minimum. Contact us today and ask about our pre-scheduled scale calibration, maintenance and repair services for commercial and industrial clients in Alberta.

The Different Types Of Vehicle Scales

Vehicle scales are used by regulatory authorities to ensure vehicle weights on highways and bridges fall within safe limits. Businesses use them to ensure compliance and to measure load quantities. Here’s a guide to vehicle scales commonly used in commercial and industrial operations.

Truck Scales

When you need to weigh trucks and other heavy vehicles, you need a truck scale, sometimes called a vehicle scale. They consist of a weighbridge, foundation, load cells, junction boxes and indicators, plus other accessories if required. You may choose a flat-top design or add side rails to guard against vehicles rolling off the edge.

Truck scale platforms are typically either durable concrete (BIC) or easy-to-clean steel (BIS). Consider your environment and weighing needs to determine the most appropriate materials for all your truck scale components. A scale expert can examine your facility and processes to recommend the ideal solution.

Portable Truck Scales

A portable truck scale is your solution if you require moveable weighing capabilities. It’s easy to set up and provides accurate weighing wherever — and whenever — you need it. This scale is ideal if you have a large worksite but don’t want to invest in multiple weighing machines. It’s also useful if you need an agile weighing system that you can adapt to your business’s changing needs.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Scales

When you have a specialized industrial operation with extra-heavy loads or oversized vehicles, you need a heavy-duty vehicle scale. It’s built to prevent the weighbridge from bending under high-concentration loads or at least minimize the amount of bending. These scales are individually designed to target your specific needs, accounting for the weight, size and type of vehicle to be weighed, plus the concentrated load capacity (CLC).

Heavy-duty vehicle scales are typically used by industrial operations requiring vehicles for off-road, forestry or mining applications.

Railcar Scales

If you need to weigh loads travelling by train, you need a railroad track scale, also called a railcar scale. These scales are installed directly on the track, and the railcar drives onto it for weighing. Some models can weigh while the train continues moving. Railcar scales can be installed permanently or temporarily mounted on the rails for limited use.

When you need to weigh both truck and railcar weights, invest in a combination truck and rail scale.

Accredited Provider Of Vehicle Scales In Alberta

For delivery and installation of your new vehicle scale, plus ongoing maintenance and calibration, trust Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. for service and expertise that’s certified for reliability. We’re authorized by Measurement Canada to certify weighing devices, and our weigh scale technicians can repair any make or model of scale on the market. Contact us today for advice on the best vehicle scale for your operation.

Rent or Buy? Deciding on Scale Rentals vs Purchases

Although you may use industrial scales daily for your business, you may not necessarily need to buy them. In some situations, renting your scales is a more logical and cost-effective option. But how do you know if it’s better to buy or rent? Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Renting vs Buying a Scale

Available funds – You might want to purchase a weighing system for your company, but do you have the funds to do it? If your business is short on cash, consider renting your scales. You can always buy the equipment later when your business is more profitable.
Overall cost – If you have the funds but are concerned with the overall long-term cost, buying your scales could be the better option. This is particularly true if you plan to use your scales for a long time. The higher upfront cost of the scales could be lower than the cost of renting time and again for several years.
Maintenance – When you rent weighing equipment, you typically don’t need to worry about paying for maintenance. Upkeep is typically part of the rental contract, leaving you with less responsibility and expense.
Fleet management – Purchasing your scales could be the right solution if you operate a fleet of trucks and can manage equipment. You’ll have more control over how you use your weighing systems.
Upgrade capacity – Buying your scales means you won’t be able to upgrade whenever new models with advanced technology arrive on the market. Renting equipment may be a wiser strategy if you upgrade regularly.
Seasonal or temporary need – Consider renting if your business requires a weighing system only for a short time. If the scales are going to sit idle for several months every year, it may not be worth the investment.
Mobility – Renting gives you more flexibility on the location of your weighing scales, as the equipment itself is mobile. Consider your long-term plans before investing in a permanent installation that’ll be costly and cumbersome to move.
Unexpected expenses – Has your weigh scale suddenly died, leaving you with a hefty repair quote? A scale rental may bridge the gap and prevent costly downtime while waiting for your broken scale to get fixed.

Rent Commercial Weigh Scales in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we have a large inventory of commercial and industrial weighing equipment in our rental fleet. We inspect every piece to ensure it complies with all regulations. We serve clients throughout southern Alberta, from Banff to Oyen, and all the communities along Highway 3, from Lundbeck to Medicine Hat. Contact us today at our Calgary location to learn more about renting weigh scales.

Can A Pallet Scale Be Repaired?

Your pallet scales take a beating. Also called floor scales, pallet scales operate in harsh conditions. Dust, spills, overloads and dropped pallets are just some of the hazards they endure daily. A scale that stops working means costly downtime, so here are some troubleshooting tips to get your scales back online fast.

Problem: Any Weigh Scale Issue

No matter the issue, a practical first step is to unplug the scale from its power source. Wait about one minute, then plug it back in. This simple step can solve many issues and is a quick and straightforward method to reboot your scale and get it operating again.

Problem: Your Scale Isn’t Reading The Weight

If you’re putting loads on the scale and it’s not providing any readings, check to ensure the scale is level and that the supports are in direct and firm contact with the floor.

Additionally, look for objects under the weighing platform. Ensure the scale isn’t pushed against a wall or an object that may prevent the scale platform from moving. Another possible problem may be that the power cable is cut or crimped.

Call a scale repair company for a professional diagnosis if you’ve completed all these checks and your scale still doesn’t work.

Problem: Your Scale Readings Fluctuate

If your scale’s measurements jump back and forth while an object is on the scale, ensure the scale isn’t on a vibrating surface or in a windy area. Moreover, ensure a consistent, clean power source is powering the scale. Another cause of trouble may be two-way radios or any other radio frequency interference that can affect the scale’s electronics. Finally, check the cables for missing pins.

Fluctuating measurements can also indicate a malfunctioning load cell. Try unplugging the load cells one at a time to see if one of the cells is the culprit.

Problem: Areas Of The Platform Provide Different Readings

Scales should give the same readings wherever you place a load on the platform. If you’re noticing discrepancies, ensure you haven’t screwed one of the feet so tightly that it prevents the load sensor from moving. Again, check that all the scale feet are firmly on the floor.

Benefits Of Preventative Maintenance

Have a professional regularly visit your business and tune up your scales. A technician will clean and calibrate your scale to ensure it provides the most accurate measurements possible. They’ll identify and fix minor issues before they become costly.

Scale Repair Services In Alberta

Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. offers timely and dependable scale repair services to commercial and industrial customers. Our highly trained technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also offer scale maintenance to prevent breakdowns. Contact us today in Calgary, and we’ll visit you wherever you are in southern Alberta, from Sylvan Lake to Oyen or Hanna to Banff.

Best Scales For The Recycling And Solid Waste Management Industry

Scales are integral in the waste management and recycling industry. They track the amount of waste collected and monitor the inputs and outputs during material recovery and disposal. There are many types of industrial scales to choose from. Here are some of the scales that can benefit waste management companies.

Floor Scales

Floor scales are used to weigh waste as it moves in and out of a processing facility. Floor scales can sit on level flooring or be installed in a pit where the scale platform is even with the surrounding floor. You can place waste directly on top of the scale or use a forklift to place a pallet on the weighing platform.

Forklift Scales

Forklift scales increase efficiency because you can weigh loads and transport them at the same time. Not only do they measure weight, but they can also provide essential data such as storage location and the origin of the waste products. Using a simple barcode scanner, forklift operators can capture all this data and send it wirelessly to your computer network in real-time.

Truck Scales

Truck scales are essential to capture weight data as trucks carrying waste enter and exit the waste management facility. There are several types of truck scales:

A permanent weighbridge for trucks to drive over
A portable truck scale that can be easily moved to the most convenient location
An onboard truck scale that measures the truck’s load during transport

Truck scales can help track incoming loads and prevent overloading your trucks, which causes excessive wear and tear on your fleet. They can also safeguard against overweight penalties.

Rail Scales

Rail scales are useful for weighing significantly heavy loads, allowing you to weigh loads of more than 154,000 kilograms. You can configure a rail scale for static or in-motion weighing. Rail scales take the form of modular decks, spaced to match the distance between the train’s wheels. They can also be combined with truck scales to increase versatility.

Do Your Research

Waste management facilities are dirty and harsh environments for scales and other electronic equipment. Ensure that the scale you choose is impervious to water and easy to clean and maintain. Consult a scale technician to explore your options and help you find the best scale for your operation.

Floor And Forklift Scale System Installation And Maintenance In Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we specialize in industrial floor and forklift scale system installation and maintenance services for Alberta customers. Our scales and calibration work are certified by Measurement Canada as legal for trade. Contact us today to learn more about our scales and services.