The weather warming up in Alberta means that not only is the ground thawing, but business is picking up, too. Commercial industries throughout the province are heading into the busy season, most of which rely on trucks and other means of transportation. Whether you’re a heavy haul driver or an equipment operator, ensuring your truck load isn’t overweight is essential.
At Accurate Scale, we carry several types of truck scales ideal for commercial businesses, including portable truck scales and wheel pads. Follow along with us as we explore the key differences between these two truck scale solutions and which may be right for you. Read on!
What is a Portable Truck Scale?
Portable truck scales are large, modular-designed tools which allow trucks to drive up onto them for accurate weights. These truck scales are usually set up at a site temporarily, for an hour to a few days. While set-up takes longer than wheel weigh pads, using portable truck scales cuts down on loading time significantly.
What is a Wheel Weigh Pad?
Wheel Weigh pads, by contrast, are individually placed underneath each truck axle. These scales are sometimes referred to as portable truck scales, which can be confusing. But the key defining difference is that, unlike traditional portable truck scales, wheel pads are significantly easier to transport.
The Difference Between Wheel Weigh Pads and Truck Scales
Though the terms wheel weigh pads and truck scales are used interchangeably, these two solutions are completely different. Here’s our quick-view list for the advantages and disadvantages of both:
Setup and Speed: Wheel weigh pads have a relatively quick set-up time, and can be set up to be used within minutes. Portable truck scales typically take longer, often up to a few hours.
Cost: As wheel weigh pads are smaller, and you need one per wheel, they’re known to be a cost-effective option. Portable truck scales are much more costly, though they’re durable; a large-scale design means it can handle heavier loads, more frequently.
Accuracy: While both options are highly accurate, there’s more room for error when using wheel pads. Uneven ground, tilting, and varied weight distribution across the axles create room for inaccuracies. Portable truck scales, on the other hand, feature a uniform platform that can only be used on even terrain.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Business Needs
When it comes to deciding on a wheel weigh pad or portable truck scale, it all depends on your business’s needs. At Accurate Scale, we carry several types of truck scale solutions that are ideal for any kind of business operation.
If you’re in the market for a pad, the GEC MD 400/500 Portable Wheel Weigh Scales offer complete reliability, with pinpoint accuracy of ± 1% of loads. This truck scale features a low clearance 20-degree ramp, allowing trucks to drive on and off with ease. Another fantastic option is the PT300 Wheel Load Scales from Intercomp, built from premium aluminum, with a weight capacity of 40,000 lbs. The PT300 wheel pads offer gold-standard features, including easy-touch buttons and a large LCD screen for effortless readability.
Let Accuracy Drive the Load with Accurate Scale
When it comes to measuring your load, there’s only one way to do it: with pinpoint precision. At Accurate Scale, we take our time to understand your unique needs, so your truck stays compliant every time it hits the road. Get in touch with us today to experience the Accurate Scale difference and experience why we’ve been trusted in Alberta for almost 50 years.