[AT] Scales for antique tractors???

[Mike Sloane]

The NJ DOT uses portable scales to operate random truck weighing 
stations on secondary roads, usually in a vacant mall or parking lot. 
They don't weigh the whole truck at once - they weigh them one wheel at 
a time and add up all the weights. The scales are moved around in an SUV 
and apparently can be handled by one or two officers. I don't know what 
they cost, but I would think they would be a LOT cheaper than trying to 
build a foundation and place a full platform scale.

Mike

charlie hill wrote:
> Dean,
> 
> Around here now they have really cracked down on over weight log trucks. 
> The result is the use of portable scales on the job site.  I don't know 
> that much about them but I suspect that a new industry has sprung up for 
> building portable scale units that don't require a lot of complicated 
> setup at the site.  You might want to check with some local timber 
> companies.
> 
> Charlie
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dean VP" <deanvp at att.net>
> To: <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 5:13 AM
> Subject: [AT] Scales for antique tractors???
> 
> 
>> Our local antique tractor club is considering building a portable 
>> platform
>> scale to weigh antique tractors and garden tractors for use during 
>> pulling
>> competition.
>>
>> Having had some professional experience with load cells and associated
>> electronics and observing some rather erratic scales at various antique
>> tractor shows in the area I would like to offer other alternative options
>> for the club to consider before venturing into a possibly ill advised
>> building adventure. There are scales available to rent if the risk of the
>> urge to "do-it ourselves" is properly recognized and tempered.  But 
>> I'm not
>> sure that can be controlled.
>>
>> If there were appropriately skilled scale personnel in the club I 
>> would be
>> less concerned. But, what I see is a possibility of "we can build 
>> anything
>> and make it work" syndrome developing. Not recognizing some of the 
>> inherent
>> risks and financial exposure.  Therefore, I am soliciting advice from any
>> others on the list who may have technical advice and/or experience in 
>> such
>> an endeavor.
>>
>> My gut tells me there are used, commercial, ready made solutions that 
>> have
>> had good design methods used and are probably less expensive than the 
>> cost
>> of doing it ourselves.  MY guess is that there may be surplus platform
>> scales available that no longer fit the needs of today's commercial
>> requirements but would be totally adequate for the clubs needs.
>>
>> I know we do not need certifiable weights and measures accuracy 
>> traceable to
>> the National Bureau of Standards. :-) However, some reasonable level of
>> accuracy is required but consistency is probably even more important.
>>
>> My guess is the scale probably will need to weigh up to 12,000 - 
>> 15,000 lbs
>> but also weigh 500 lbs reasonably accurate as well. That may be more
>> difficult than expected. The inconsistencies I have seen on some of the
>> scales used at local tractor shows has been largely due to temperature
>> variations and loading position sensitivities. These all can be 
>> compensated
>> for with a good design and appropriate electronics. So far I don't see 
>> that
>> kind of collective design skill within the club personnel and therefore I
>> see the us heading for the wonderful experience of kaleidoscope hell 
>> (tweak
>> it until it works) and severe cost overruns. I do see a significant 
>> level of
>> naivety. :-) I currently see the potential of "We can do it for $1500
>> turning into a $5,000 doesn't work so good end result".
>>
>> So... I'm looking for ideas on where one would go to find a low cost
>> commercial solution. I would think there would be used commercial scales
>> available on the market that might fit both our technical requirements 
>> and
>> simultaneously fit our financial budget. I may be wrong.
>>
>> Any suggestions would be appreciated. Help???
>>
>>
>>
>> Dean A. Van Peursem
>> Snohomish, WA 98290
>>
>> Forbidden fruits create many jams!
>>
>> www.deerelegacy.com
>>
>> http://members.cox.net/classicweb/email.htm
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> AT mailing list
>> Remembering Our Friend Cecil Monson 11-4-2005
>> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>>
>>
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> 
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> Remembering Our Friend Cecil Monson 11-4-2005
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
> 
> 

-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
mikesloane at verizon.net
Website: <www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I
learn." -Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790); US politician and scientist.


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