What Is The Typical Cost Of A Lorry Weighbridge?

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A lorry weighbridge, also known as a truck scale, is a significant investment for businesses involved in logistics, agriculture, construction, mining, and waste management. But before committing to a purchase, many decision-makers ask:

“What is the typical cost of a lorry weighbridge, and what factors influence the total investment?”

In this guide, we’ll break down every cost component associated with weighbridges—from purchase price to installation, maintenance, depreciation, and disposal—to help you make an informed decision.

What Is the Typical Cost of a Lorry Weighbridge?

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Lorry Weighbridge?

Weighbridge Type: Pit-mounted, surface-mounted, or portable.
Platform Size: Longer bridges accommodate multi-axle vehicles.
Load Capacity: Ranges from 30 to 120+ tonnes.
Material Used: Concrete or steel.
Automation: Systems with ANPR cameras, RFID, and ticketing software cost more.

What Is the Typical Cost of a Lorry Weighbridge?

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Lorry Weighbridge?

Typical Purchase Cost Range: $10,000 – $50,000+

Weighbridge Type	Estimated Cost (USD)	Use Case
Portable Weighbridge	$10,000 – $20,000	Temporary or remote sites
Surface-Mounted	$15,000 – $35,000	Logistics, freight yards
Pit-Mounted	$30,000 – $50,000+	Urban or space-limited locations

Larger platforms and high-capacity models increase cost, especially when designed for multi-axle or off-road vehicles.

Lorry Weighbridge Installation Costs: What to Expect

Typical Installation Cost: $5,000 – $20,000

Installation costs include:

Civil engineering (foundation/excavation)
Power supply and cabling
Load cell setup and calibration
Waterproofing and drainage (for pit models)

Installation Type	Cost Estimate (USD)	Notes
Surface-Mounted	$5,000 – $10,000	Minimal groundwork required
Pit-Mounted	$10,000 – $20,000	Complex, requires drainage
Portable	$3,000 – $7,000	Plug-and-play setups

Working with an experienced EPC contractor can optimize both cost and timeline.

Annual Maintenance and Operating Costs of a Truck Weighbridge

Annual Maintenance Cost: $500 – $2,000

Task	Frequency	Typical Cost (USD)
Calibration	Yearly	$500 – $1,500
Load Cell Replacement	Every 5–10 years	$1,000 – $5,000
Software Updates	As needed	$500 – $2,000
Cleaning & Inspections	Quarterly	$200 – $500

Operating costs vary depending on energy use, staffing, and software subscriptions.

How Lorry Weighbridges Depreciate Over Time

Weighbridges typically have a lifespan of 10–15 years, with resale value depending on condition, usage frequency, and material durability.

After 5 years: 40–50% value retention (if well maintained)
After 10+ years: Often recycled or sold for parts
Depreciation should be factored into long-term ROI calculations.

What Is the Cost to Remove or Recycle a Lorry Weighbridge?

End-of-Life Disposal Cost: $1,000 – $5,000

Activity	Typical Cost (USD)
Dismantling	$1,000 – $2,000
Material Recycling	Offset by scrap value
Environmental Handling	$500 – $2,000

Recycling steel or reselling electronics (load cells, junction boxes) can reduce the net cost.

Cost Comparison: Surface vs Pit vs Portable Weighbridges

Type	Total Cost Range (USD)	Pros	Cons
Surface-Mounted	$20,000 – $45,000	Easier install, low maintenance	Needs more space
Pit-Mounted	$30,000 – $60,000+	Compact, flush with ground	Higher installation cost
Portable	$13,000 – $25,000	Mobile, reusable	Lower capacity, not permanent

Real-World Cost Example Based on Industry Application

Industry	Weighbridge Type	Estimated Total Cost (USD)
Logistics Hub	Surface-Mounted	$25,000 – $40,000
Agricultural Farm	Pit-Mounted	$30,000 – $50,000
Mining Site	Extra-Wide Surface	$40,000 – $65,000
Government Station	Certified + Software	$50,000 – $75,000

Final Thoughts: Is a Lorry Weighbridge Worth the Cost?

When correctly selected and maintained, a lorry weighbridge provides:

Legal-for-trade weight compliance
Accurate load management
Reduced overloading fines
Enhanced logistics efficiency

With a total cost ranging from $20,000 to $70,000, it’s essential to weigh purchase and operational costs against productivity and compliance benefits.