What Are the Types of Truck Scales?

Truck scales play a critical role in industries such as logistics, agriculture, mining, waste management, and construction. Choosing the right type of truck scale is essential for accurate weight measurement, legal compliance, and operational efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of truck scales, comparing their features, applications, advantages, and disadvantages in a detailed, multi-dimensional analysis.

Why Are Truck Scales Important?

A truck scale ensures
✅ Accurate weight measurement – Prevents overloading and underloading.
✅ Legal compliance – Meets government regulations for vehicle weight limits.
✅ Operational efficiency – Optimizes logistics and transportation.
✅ Safety – Reduces accidents caused by overloaded trucks.
✅ Fair trade – Ensures correct billing based on weight.

Now, let’s explore the different types of truck scales!

Main Types of Truck Scales

There are several types of truck scales, classified based on their installation method, weighing process, and portability.

Type of Truck Scale	How It Works	Best For	Advantages	Disadvantages
Weighbridge (Static) Truck Scales	A permanent scale where trucks stop for weighing.	Freight, logistics, agriculture, industrial use.	High accuracy, durable, legal-for-trade.	Space-saving allows easy drive-through.
Portable Truck Scales	Lightweight, mobile scales placed on flat surfaces for weighing.	Temporary work sites, construction, agriculture.	Easy to move, cost-effective.	Lower accuracy, less durable.
Axle Weigh Pads	Measures weight per axle and adds up the total weight.	Fleet management, quick roadside checks.	Continuous weight measurement integrates with conveyors.	Less accurate than full weighbridges.
Onboard Truck Scales	Built into the truck’s suspension system to measure weight during travel.	Fleet management, mining, agriculture.	Real-time weighing, no weigh station needed.	High initial cost, requires calibration.
Pit-Mounted Weighbridges	Installed in a pit so the scale is level with the ground.	Industrial and high-traffic areas.	Quick and easy, no permanent installation is needed.	Requires pit construction and drainage.
Above-Ground Weighbridges	Installed above ground with ramps leading to the platform.	General truck weighing applications.	Easy to install, suitable for most sites.	Needs extra space for ramps.
Belt Weigh Scales	Measures material weight as it moves on conveyor belts.	Mining, agriculture, bulk material handling.	Continuous weight measurement, integrates with conveyors.	Not for whole-truck weighing.

Detailed Analysis of Truck Scale Types

Weighbridge (Static) Truck Scales

Description: Large, permanent scales installed on a concrete foundation. The truck stops completely on the scale for weighing.

Common Uses

• Freight and logistics
• Manufacturing and industrial applications
• Agriculture and grain transport

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ High accuracy	❌ Expensive installation
✅ Durable and long-lasting	❌ Requires large space
✅ Suitable for high-volume weighing	❌ Not portable

Portable Truck Scales

Description: Lightweight, mobile scales that can be set up on any level surface.

Common Uses

• Construction sites
• Temporary weighing needs
• Remote locations

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Easy to transport and set up	❌ Less durable
✅ More affordable	❌ Lower accuracy than weighbridges
✅ No need for a fixed foundation	❌ May require frequent calibration

Axle Weigh Pads

Description: Measures the weight of each axle separately and calculates total weight.

Common Uses

• Fleet management
• Roadside enforcement
• Quick weight checks

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Compact and easy to use	❌ Less accurate than full-truck scales
✅ No installation required	❌ Can’t measure cargo separately
✅ Fast weight measurement	❌ Limited capacity

Onboard Truck Scales

Description: Built into the truck’s suspension system to provide real-time weight monitoring.

Common Uses

• Mining and heavy-duty trucking
• Agriculture and bulk transport
• Fleet management

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ No need for weigh stations	❌ High initial cost
✅ Continuous weight monitoring	❌ Requires regular calibration
✅ Improves load distribution	❌ Limited to equipped vehicles

Pit-Mounted Weighbridges

Description: Installed in a pit, making it level with the road surface.

Common Uses

• Industrial sites
• High-traffic areas
• Limited-space installations

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Saves space, easy access	❌ Requires drainage system
✅ Can handle heavy loads	❌ Expensive to install
✅ More aesthetically integrated	❌ Permanent installation

Above-Ground Weighbridges

Description: A raised platform with ramps for truck access.

Common Uses:

• General-purpose truck weighing
• Logistics and transportation hubs

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Easier to install than pit-mounted scales	❌ Requires space for ramps
✅ Cost-effective for long-term use	❌ Not as visually integrated as pit-mounted scales

Belt Weigh Scales

Description: Weighs bulk materials as they move on conveyor belts.

Common Uses

• Mining
• Agriculture
• Bulk material handling

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Continuous weight measurement	❌ Cannot weigh full trucks
✅ Integrates with conveyor systems	❌ Limited to material handling industries

How to Choose the Right Truck Scale?

To select the best truck scale for your business, consider the following:

Factor	Best Option
Permanent vs. Portable	Weighbridges for permanent, portable scales for flexibility
Budget	Axle weigh pads and portable scales are more affordable
Industry Needs	Onboard scales for fleets, belt weigh scales for mining
Space Availability	Pit-mounted weighbridges save space, above-ground requires ramps
Accuracy Requirements	Weighbridges offer the highest accuracy

Conclusion: The Right Truck Scale for Your Business

Choosing the right truck scale depends on your industry, budget, space availability, and weighing needs. Whether you need a high-accuracy weighbridge, a flexible portable scale, or an onboard monitoring system, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.

Need expert advice on truck scales? Contact us for recommendations tailored to your business!