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Payload control by Econoweigh

30th April 1992, Page 12
30th April 1992
Page 12
Page 12, 30th April 1992 — Payload control by Econoweigh
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/ The Econoweigh on-board vehicle weighing system is claimed to break new ground by providing an accurate visual display of mde/bogie weights for multi-axled rigid and articulated tippers while allowing for precise payload control.

Existing systems visually display payload from which front to rear load distribution can be estimated, but they do not define the weight for an artic's drive axles or a rigid's second steer axles. In the event of an overload an audible alarm warns the driver and the offending axle weight is displayed.

Econoweigh, which is produced in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, uses 15-tonnecapacity load cells fitted in the ram and hinge mounts.

Once calibrated the original data is held in a permanent memory and can be used to troubleshoot the system or, in the case of a fault with the meter, to preprogramme a replacement.

Information is transmitted through standard truck-type two core cables. Articulated unit and trailer are connected through the spare terminals in the auxiliary suzy, which Econoweigh says are immune to the effects of moisture (the most usual cause of system malfunction).

In case of failure the weigh meter contains a self-diagnostic programme.

A demonstration at the Vehicle Inspectorate's Crick weighbridge, using 4x2, 6x4 and 8x4 rigids chassis and a 4x2+3 artic, showed axle discrepancies of up to 75kg; the largest bogie discrepancy was 101kg. The display, giving a readout in 20kg steps, remained within 1% on individual axles and within 0.5% of total weight.

On-board weighers do not have a wonderful reputation for reliability, but there were no complaints from two Econoweigh users we talked to.

John Vosper of Clophill, Bedford has Econoweigh fitted to one of his three artics working on a dedicated contract: he expects it to pay for itself within two years by ensuring that a maximum legal load is carried on every trip. Steve Thomas of Crick told us that the time it saved his eight-legger was worth an extra load a day; again with a full payload every time.

The system retails at £2,150.

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