Portable Weigh beams vs Portable Full Size Weighbridge: Cost-Benefit Analysis

Portable weigh beams and portable full size weighbridges are two important weighing solutions for modern industry. Both help businesses weigh vehicles and loads accurately, but they have different strengths. Let’s compare these two weighing solutions, looking at their costs and benefits. We’ll explore things like how much they cost upfront, how much they cost to run, how accurate they are, and their long-term value. This will help businesses choose the right weighing solution for their needs.

Key Takeaways: Portable Weigh beams vs Portable Full Size Weighbridge

Portable Weigh beams: Innovative Weighing Technology

Portable weigh beams are easy to move around and use in different places, which makes them great for many types of businesses. You can use them in construction sites, farms, and other places where you need to weigh things but can’t have a big, permanent scale.

Design and Functionality

Portable weigh beams are made to be flexible. They have two beams placed under the wheels or axles of a vehicle. This makes them easy to move around and set up, which is great for businesses that need to weigh vehicles in different places. You can also change how you set them up to fit different types of vehicles or loads, which makes them useful for many different industries.

Key Features and Benefits

One positive feature about portable weigh beams is that they can still weigh heavy duty things. Even though they’re small, with multiple part weights, they can handle weights up to 60 tonnes or more. They usually come with everything you need, like traffic lights and displays, so you can start using them right away.

Another great thing is that they’re easy to move. You can use a telehandler to pick them up and move them quickly. This is really helpful for businesses that work in different places or need to change their weighing setup often. Being able to move the weigh beams easily can save a lot of time and money, especially if you need to weigh different things in different places. They’re also good if you need to weigh things for a short time.

Cost Considerations

When it comes to money, portable weigh beams are usually cheaper than full-size weighbridges. They cost less to buy at first, which makes them a good choice for small or medium-sized businesses, or those just starting to weigh suitable vehicles such as tractors and trailers or rigid fork axle vehicles. This lower cost can be really helpful for businesses that want to start weighing things but don’t want to invest too much.

But it’s important to think about long-term costs too. While they might cost less at the start, you’ll need to make sure they can weigh all vehicle types that you intend to weigh. Businesses should think about how often they’ll use the weigh beams and exactly what they need to weigh. Sometimes, the fact that weigh beams are easy to move around and cost less at first might be more important than the benefits of a bigger, more permanent and more accurate scale.

Portable Full Size Weighbridge: High Precision Weighing

Portable full size weighbridges are larger scales that you can still move around. They’re more complete than weigh beams and offer a higher level of accuracy. These are good for businesses that need to weigh lots of different vehicles and loads very precisely.

Design and Functionality

Portable full size weighbridges are big platforms that you can move if you need to. They come in different sizes, from 4 meters to 32 meters long. This means businesses can choose the size that fits their biggest vehicles.

Key Features and Benefits

One of the best things about portable full size weighbridges is that they’re extremely durable. They’re made from tough welded steel, so they can handle being used a lot and weighing heavy things. This means they last a long time and might cost less in the long run because they keep working well for a long time. They also work well in different weather conditions, so you can use them inside or outside.

Another good thing is that they come ready to use. The factory sets them up so they’re accurate from the start, which means you can start using them quickly without much setup.

Cost Considerations

Portable full size weighbridges do require more upfront cost than weigh beams. But they might save you money over time because they last longer and can do more. They might be worth the extra cost for businesses that need to weigh a lot of things or need to focus on the highest possible accuracy. When thinking about the cost, it’s important to consider how much more efficient your business might be, how you might make fewer mistakes in weighing, and how you can weigh more types of vehicles and loads.

It’s also good to think about how your business might grow. As you get bigger, being able to weigh more things without needing to buy new equipment can save you a lot of money. But you should also think about how much it costs to set up the weighbridge, keep it working well, and move it if you need to. All of these things affect how much it really costs to have a portable full size weighbridge.

Portability and Installation

Portable weigh beams are easier to set up and move around. You can quickly set them up and move them using simple equipment like a telehandler. This is great for businesses with multiple sites. Because they’re so easy to set up, you can start using weigh beams quickly, which is important for businesses where time matters a lot.

Portable full size weighbridges, while they can be moved, need more equipment and preparation to set up and move. Setting them up usually involves more complicated steps, including getting the site ready and using larger machinery. While this can give you a more stable and long-lasting weighing solution, it also means it’s harder to move the weighbridge. Businesses need to think carefully about how long they’ll need to weigh things and how often they might need to move the scale when choosing between these options.

Accuracy and Precision

Both weighing solutions are very accurate, but full size weighbridges are more precise, especially for bigger vehicles.

Weigh beams, while very accurate for their size, might need to take multiple measurements for larger vehicles, which could lead to differences in the final weight calculation. However, for certain types of vehicles, the accuracy of weigh beams is more than enough, especially when you consider how easy they are to move around.

Maintenance Requirements

Both portable weigh beams and full-size weighbridges are able to operate long term without much maintenance. To ensure they are operating to the required performance there are different checks available. Portable weigh beams can be maintained with simple checks. On the other hand, for full-size weighbridges to be maintained to the highest standard, owners prefer to have them fully tested and calibrated with weights.

Periodic maintenance is really important to make sure full size weighbridges stay accurate and reliable, which might involve more thorough checks and adjustments compared to weigh beams.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Different industries need different things when it comes to weighing, so the choice between portable weigh beams and full size weighbridges should be based on these specific needs. Understanding what each industry requires is really important in picking the right weighing solution. Griffith Elder’s team are happy to help advise on the most appropriate solution on a case-by-case basis.

Agriculture and Farming

In farming, both weighing solutions can be useful. Portable weigh beams are great for farms that need to weigh tractors and trailers in different places, for example near to different stores. They make it easy to weigh harvested crops or inputs at various points in the farming process. This flexibility is especially helpful during harvest times when weighing needs might change quickly based on when crops are ready and field conditions.

Full size weighbridges, on the other hand, might be better for big farms that do all their weighing in one place. They can efficiently handle all road going vehicles and farm tractors and trailers, giving accurate weights for entire truckloads in one go. This can be really useful for farms and agricultural businesses that need to weigh produce both into and out of store, where knowing the exact weight is important for invoicing, financial and keeping track of store levels for planning future sales.

Comparison Summary

Conclusion

When choosing between portable weigh beams and portable full size weighbridges, businesses must carefully consider their specific needs and circumstances. Griffith Elder offers both solutions, with weigh beams providing excellent portability and lower initial costs, making them ideal for businesses requiring flexibility and multiple weighing locations. Full size weighbridges, while requiring higher initial investment, offer superior long-term value for operations needing consistent, high-volume weighing with maximum precision. The choice ultimately depends on factors like frequency of use, location requirements, industry-specific needs, and legislation for trading. For expert guidance on selecting the right weighing solution, contact Griffith Elder to discuss your specific requirements.