The following is our list of maintenance checks. These will provide you with suggested points on your weighing equipment to have maintained; giving your scale the longest life possible and the greatest return on your investment.

At least twice a year, be sure your scale technician is schedules to visit your weighing equipment. A good reminder is to schedule these visits during the time changes. Just as you change the time on the clock, it's time to service your scale. Your technician needs to view the scales components to be sure it stays in working order. Of course, there is always going to be an emergency situation. Those unplanned days when the scale needs attention are going to occur. Service cannot wait and Brechbuhler Scales service will not make you wait either, we treat your emergency as if it were one of our emergencies.

As a present client, Brechbuhler Scales uses VPI to access your scale calibration reports at the touch of a button. Brechbuhler invests in state of the art technology to quickly review your scale records. Your past records reveal if there is a history of issues with any area of your scale. From calibrations, scale readings, any electronic signal issues and the entire history of your scale is in their hands. The technicians can review these past issues with the scale operators, discuss how the scale is working to date and review any issues that could be reoccurring or beginning since the last maintenance check.

Working from the bottom up, you need to review the foundation first. The site where your scale is used, day after day, can affect the scale's readings. Foundation issues can cause poor scale performance, seen in calibration readings, scale weight miscalculations and scale failure. Take note of any foundation imperfections. From poor flooring support under floor scales to cracked concrete floors that cause the scale to fall unbalanced, the area that your scale is used is just as important as the scale itself.

Scale decks are fabricated from steel, in various thickness and types. From Stainless steel to carbon steel, you should inspect the status of the steel during these maintenance periods. The finish of the deck on a steel scale varies from paint, galvanization, brushed steel, coal tar and many other coatings. Investigate the entire deck and make notes of any cracks, rust areas and thinning of the deck material from wear. Review the support sides of the scale and the locations of the scale and foundation meeting points. Any debris wedged in between these areas can cause issues, so a thorough review and cleaning of these areas are important to be free of any binding or bowing of the scale walls. Many floor scales have adjustable feet to compensate for uneven surfaces. Be sure to level your scale if necessary.

Many floor scales have accessories that are either are attached or are placed near it. Ramps, indicator columns, bumpers and other accessories are important to maintain, so your scale operates properly. Review the location of each accessory, being sure it is in the correct location of the scale. Ramps should be level, bumpers should not impede the function of the scale and indicator columns should hold the indicator properly. Be sure to check for any debris from the industry, as the work environment could present waste build up around the scale and components.

6  Load up on load cell inspections

Review all of the bolts, anti-rotation pins, and plates surrounding each load cell. Check cable connections and open spaces around each cell for invasive creatures. Rodents find areas in and around scales appealing, so thoroughly rid the spaces of anything foreign in and around the scale. Next, check the cables themselves for cable damage from rodents, environment or just age. Replace any bad cables and possibly use conduit to protect the cables themselves.

Invest time in checking the seals of the load cells, the gathering boxes, and the shields of the home run cable. Built up condensation is the biggest predator with gathering and junction boxes. Normal warmth from the air that eventually cools, causes the moisture. Fiberglass materials that many boxes are made with, will help with condensation issues. Other options to battle this are gaskets and their proper alignment. Be sure the bolts and closures are correctly used, to avoid distorting the box over time. Heavy water areas that surround these boxes could merit a complete board replacement. Properly insure there is no corrosion, moisture being held near the seals or inside the shields. Replace any moisture ridden home run cables. If any cables leading to the load cells seem to be holding moisture, create a curve in the cable by bending it just before it enters the cell, creating a reservoir to hold any errant moisture.

The original manufacturer of the scale should offer peace of mind in the components and fabrication of your scale. From any installation type, construction and use for the scale, the manufacturer should be willing and able to provide a complete scope of materials used to construct and finish your scale, including the warranty behind the product. Brechbuhler Scales offer B-TEK Scale as their #1 scale product. B-TEK Scales was born from the need of a quality scale fabricated with superior materials and provide an industry leading warranty.