When purchasing a large piece of equipment, such as a truck scale, it can be hard to look past the price tag. However, to ensure you are investing in quality equipment that will last your business a generation or more, it is important to understand the factors impacting the total purchase price. Elements such as design, craftsmanship, components, and foundation of a truck scale all impact the final purchase price.
Truck Scale Design
Although the weighbridge (the structural body of a truck scale) can have varying designs depending on the manufacturer, it performs the same basic function across all brands and models: weighing trucks. Manufacturers who use a wide flange I-beam weighbridge design often have a higher steel content in their truck scales than manufacturers who utilize an orthotropic, bent plate, or steel tubing design.
The number and size of beams in a weighbridge can also impact steel content. Designs that place larger beams closer together offer more support for vehicles than designs with smaller beams placed further apart. The support from larger beams means the deck won’t bend as easily, so the truck scale will provide accurate weighments for a longer time.
To better understand the cost of the truck scale steel content, divide the cost of the scale by its shipping weight to get the price per pound of the scale. This can be used to compare the price-per-pound of similar scales from different manufacturers. You may find the scale with higher steel content actually costs less on a price-per-pound basis.
Value in Quality
Quality craftsmanship also contributes to a truck scale’s integrity. Purchasing from a company that invests in engineering and manufacturing ensures that there is a highly-skilled team behind each and every truck scale.
The components that make up a truck scale are just as important as the team behind it. Companies who take the time to source high-quality load cells, steel, cables, and other components often have a higher quality product.
Installation
The installation of the truck scale will also impact the final price. Installation includes excavation, the cost to pour the concrete foundation, off-loading and positioning the scale, installing electronic components, and performing the initial calibration of the scale.
The truck scale installation should be performed by professional scale technicians who have experience working with scales from the manufacturer you chose. This expert installation will ensure proper scale operation and reliable weighments over the life of the scale.
A truck scale is a significant investment, and design, quality, and installation all impact the final price of a truck scale. Choosing a truck scale with a heavy-duty design, superior engineering, and components backed by industry experts gives you a scale that will last for a generation or more.
That’s why at Weigh-Tec we provide the best quality truck scales for sale on the market. We work with our customers to get the specific truck scale they need with all the right accessories and customizations for their installation. Call us at (800)461-4153 to learn more or got to our website at https://www.weightec.com/.