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Concrete Versus Steel: How To Know Which Deck Material Is Best For Your Needs In A Truck Scale

Truck scales from places like Ancoma Scales come in a variety of configurations and sizes, but almost all of them can be broken down into one of two categories: steel decked and concrete decked. When considering which kind of truck scale to buy, the decision to go with either steel or concrete decks is important. There is no one right answer for every prospective buyer; each buyer must choose based on their own needs. Before you can choose, however, you need to understand the advantages offered by each kind. Below is more information so that you can make an appropriate choice:

Steel deck scales

A steel deck scale consists of a hollow platform constructed from checkered steel plating wrapped around steel support beams. The entire platform is then mounted atop a foundation and weighing apparatus. You might prefer to purchase a steel deck scale if the following factors are most important to you:

Portability

Steel deck scales are designed to be easily moved from one location to another. They are much lighter than concrete scales, and they are designed to be transported if necessary. In addition, an added benefit is that their portability also makes them readily resold on the used scale market; a potential buyer will worry much less about damaging a steel deck scale when it is time to relocate it to their site. Concrete scales are more likely to crack if disturbed, and that will necessitate a complete rebuilding of the deck.

Fast installation

Steel deck scales do not need the extensive advanced preparations necessary for concrete deck scales. They are ready-to-go soon after installation and calibration. Concrete deck scales can take over a week to be ready for truck weighing due to concrete's lengthy curing time, and inclement or cold weather may further delay the process.

  Readily repairable

Steel deck scales can be repaired by conventional welding and other fabricating techniques should they be damaged by a truck or other mishap. This means that a scale could conceivably be out-of-action for only a day or two; with concrete scales, an accident could keep the scale out of commission for the time it takes to remove broken material and pour new concrete.

Concrete deck scales

A concrete deck scale consists of a metal deck structure that is filled with poured concrete; the concrete encases structural steel beams that lie inside the deck. As with steel deck scales, the entire assembly rests upon the weighing apparatus and its foundation. There are several reasons that a concrete deck scale might be appealing to you: 

Slip-resistant deck

The concrete slab deck's abrasive surface provides much more grip for the wheels of trucks than the checkered deck on a steel deck scale. In periods of wet and freezing weather, this is important for keeping trucks from sliding off scales and causing damage or injury. Also, concrete decks can be specially shaped by grooving equipment to further increase their slip resistance; steel decks don't offer the same flexibility in this regard.

Inertia advantages

Due to their heavy weight, concrete deck scales are resistant to the motions of trucks as well as external factors such as the wind or vibrations from other sources. This permits faster, more reliable readings than steel deck scales. In addition, the reduction of unnecessary movement, which comes as a result of the concrete deck's heavier mass, protects the scale's weighing mechanisms.

Long lifespan

Concrete deck scales can be expected to outlive steel deck scales due to their durable, slow-wearing surface. While the steel plating of a steel deck scale can wear, bend or warp over time, the concrete deck is practically impossible to wear out. Steel decks will eventually need replacement or significant reshaping; concrete decks should last the lifetime of the scale in many cases.


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