For your commercial truck scale to work properly and provide accurate readings, it needs the right foundation. The foundation lays the groundwork for operational efficiency, directly affecting scale accuracy and day-over-day efficiency.
Below, let’s dive into the ins and outs of finding the right commercial truck scale foundation for your needs, along with the different types. Accurate Scale is one of Western Canada’s premier commercial truck scale suppliers and manufacturers, trusted locally for nearly 50 years.
#1: Full Pit Foundation
Full-pit foundations are used for permanent truck scales to sit completely below the surface, allowing them to sit flush with the surrounding ground. As a result, full-pit foundations allow trucks to approach from any direction without the need for ramps.
Full pit foundations can be costly due to the several feet of deeper clearance required. These foundations require the highest level of excavation, which can take days to weeks, depending on the surrounding climate and the scale of the project. As a result, full pit foundations are widely used for commercial truck scales that see heavy use and are less likely to need frequent relocation.
#2: Shallow Pit Foundation
As its name suggests, a shallow pit foundation uses a minimal pit design for commercial truck scales. Unlike full pit foundations, which are typically a few feet deep, a shallow pit requires much less depth and is often around a foot or so. As a result, it’s a cost-effective option compared to full pit foundations. It’s a useful solution on sites where space is limited, but some ramp access is still acceptable.
#3: Slab (Pitless) Foundation
Slab foundations are generally the most common foundation type for commercial truck scales. While there are different designs, it’s commonly a concrete slab that’s installed above ground. Instead of the truck driving onto a platform level with the ground, slab foundations will have the driver come up via a ramp.
In many cases, slab foundations are among the most cost-effective options. Unlike pitted foundations, surface-mounted slabs require little to no excavation. As a result, this often also reduces installation costs and time. Instead, it’s crucial to consider ramp clearance, as there must be sufficient space immediately beside the slabs for both on- and offloading.
Case-to-Case Considerations
No two worksites are the same. As a result, the right foundation to suit your commercial truck scale isn’t always a cut-and-dry answer. Factors such as climate, soil, and space all affect which foundation option is most appropriate for your scale and operations.
For example, colder, below-freezing climates may require additional protection against frost and the elements, such as concrete piers, to enhance long-term stability and ensure the commercial truck scale remains operational year-round.
Worksite layout is also a determining factor that affects how easily the scale is accessed during operations. For example, some spaces are too tight to accommodate ramps, leading to full pit preference. It’s also crucial to consider maintenance and upkeep. Given how close it is to the ground, it’s crucial to ensure maintenance requirements are met. Pit-style foundations often require more frequent cleaning, as dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the scale platform if not properly maintained.
No Pit? No Problem with Accurate Scale
Pinpoint-precise readings are a non-negotiable, even when the worksite doesn’t allow for a pit. That’s where Accurate Scale comes in, with our high-quality selection of permanent commercial truck scales designed for reliable use without a pit. From the raised deck eliminator to the flush-deck eliminator, these truck scales are built for reliable daily use.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our selection of commercial truck scales and find the right solution to keep your business compliant, fast, and accurate.