CAT scale accuracy

cabinfever · 09-01-2014, 12:42 PM

We switched to a Hensley this year and I have been working to get the weight correct. Our last trip before this weekend was for a week. This trip was for the long holiday weekend. 1/3 rd the firewood, no canoe, 2 less people , and many other things not onboard the TT or truck. When I weighed my total weight was 200lbs more than last. I have read CAT scales can weigh a car to a big truck accurately. After this experience, I am not so sure about that.

**hankpage** · 09-01-2014, 01:22 PM

The weights should be certified and if you suspect an error give them a call. There is a % of error allowed but it should be nowhere near what you claim.

Ken / Claudia · 09-01-2014, 04:01 PM

On the DOT scales we were trained and taught that they where tested to be within 200 lbs of true weight. When citing trucks and going to court thats what we said. We also had the paper showing the last inspection. Now that was around 10 years ago but, was that way for my 25 years before that time. CAT scales I do not know how or who inspects them.

**JRTJH** · 09-01-2014, 05:34 PM

According to the CAT scale website, all of their scales are certified by the state in which they are located. Here's the "guarantee"

"If you get an overweight fine from the state after our scale showed you legal, we will immediately check our scale. If our scale is wrong, we will reimburse you for the fine. If our scale is correct, a representative of CAT Scale Company will appear in court with the driver as a witness.

It’s that simple, and just another reason why we are your #1 choice.

We guarantee it all! That’s right! We guarantee axle weights to be accurate as well as the gross weight."

hankaye · 09-01-2014, 06:36 PM

cabinfever, Howdy;

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabinfever

We switched to a Hensley this year and I have been working to get the weight correct. Our last trip before this weekend was for a week. This trip was for the long holiday weekend. 1/3 rd the firewood, no canoe, 2 less people , and many other things not onboard the TT or truck. When I weighed my total weight was 200lbs more than last. I have read CAT scales can weigh a car to a big truck accurately. After this experience, I am not so sure about that.

How consistently have you been weighing the combination? Always on the
same scale? Always with the same amount of fuel/gas ??? Did you stop
suddenly on the scale (that might throw it off for everyone till it gets a
re-cert)? If you noticed it at the time did you ask the person at the desk
about your concern?
Most platform scales weigh in 20 lb. increments (I believe), so I wouldn't
expect pinpoint accuracy.

hankaye

cabinfever · 09-02-2014, 04:41 AM

hankaye Always full of fuel, same position on scale, I always stand in the same spot. Everything the same except the load, which was considerably less this time. I did not realize the difference until I compared weigh tickets at home. I am going to call the Pilot I use and see what they say. .

jsmith948 · 09-02-2014, 05:03 AM

I agree with Ken/Claudia. The truck scale tolerance is +/- 200#. That could be a total difference of 400# between two different scales

hankaye · 09-02-2014, 06:35 AM

cabinfever, Howdy;

Along with the Pilot, you may want to let Cat know of the variance too.

hank

cabinfever · 09-02-2014, 10:41 AM

I called CAT and from the conversation I had I would guess it was attendant error when I weighed. The CAT rep said the scales can get off zero many different ways. If the attendant in the building does not notice it needs zeroed, an incorrect weight can occur. He said their scales are accurate on weights from 2000LBS to 300,000LBS.

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