Learn more about the types of scales and which you should upgrade to below.
Front end loader scales
Front end loader scales are weighing systems built into the loaders’ hydraulic lift lines and feature an easy-to-read visual display. With front end loader scales, operators can determine the weight of the load simply by lifting the bucket at a constant lift speed, rather than having to drive to the weighbridge, stop, and turn around if loaded incorrectly.
Weighing loads on front end loaders are essential for jobs where dirt is taken from a private property to build a public road and the owner must be compensated, where loaders are moving material to and from garden centres, and in any road grading project. Basically, in any commercial instance or whenever a loader could be overloading.
Using any type of scale, including front end loader scales, to determine a cost, requires the scale to be trade-approved. Learn more about trade-approved scales here.
Getting the load right the first time is important not only for maximising efficiency, but to avoid overloading fines, which can affect everyone from the machine operator to the project manager or garden centre owner due to Chain of Responsibility laws.
The increased efficiency and productivity gained from using front end loader scales can have trickle-down effects that improve reporting inventory and stock levels, load out, pit processing, and other key metrics that project managers use to develop processes and forecasts for the business.
Weighbridges
Weighbridges are installed in the ground for vehicle measurement, usually in container shipping or at waste management facilities.
In all circumstances, weighbridges complete measurements based on the weight of a vehicle with material on or inside it, and the weight of the vehicle without the material on or inside it. By calculating the difference between these two measurements, the weight of the material can be determined.
When operating any type of scale to determine costs, the scale must be trade-approved. Learn more about trade-approved scales here.
Weighbridges have particular associated laws and regulations that must be complied with.
Weighbridge operators must work on a public weighbridge licence when the weighbridge is open to the general public, like in a waste management facility.
Weighbridges used for end-to-end weighing must be tested by a licenced technician and approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI). End-to-end weighing is weighing the front and back sections of a vehicle separately.
Get a Aptella licenced weighbridge tester to your facility from our headquarters in Brisbane.
Other types of scales
Other types of industrial scales include:
Aptella recommends using weighbridges and onboard weighing systems for loaders and excavators in industrial settings where possible. Where bench scales, platform scales, hanging scales, and washdown scales have their uses in medical environments, onboard weighing systems and weighbridges increase efficiency by weighing a load on the machine, rather than adding an extra step before loading.
Scale calibration
Scale calibration requirements are different for different types of scales. Weighbridges must be re-calibrated and verified every 12 months, while other scale types must be re-calibrated and verified only after major hydraulic work has been done on the machine. Learn more about how industrial scale calibration works here.
Aptella provides front end loader scales!
Aptella offers front end loader scales that can be verified for legal trade use across Australia and New Zealand. Check out our front end loader scales for sale here or call us on
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Aptella Pty Ltd
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