Weighing specialist Red Forge has launched a cost effective and simple system that measures gross vehicle weight and payload on tipper bodies, called Omniweigh-T. LAPV met marketing manager Phil Bridge in Redditch, Worcestershire, where he demonstrated how this system could benefit operations.

The Omniweigh-T display has been designed so it is straightforward to use and is self explanatory.

What is a load cell? A load cell is an electronic device (transducer) that is used to convert a force into an electrical signal. In the case of a vehicle weighing system this means that the weight of the vehicle’s body is converted into an electronic signal which is displayed and saved in the weighing system’s memory. Phil Bridge explains that load cells are normally only specified on vehicles over 7.5 tonnes (HGVs) because they tend to add too much weight and would decrease payload on small vehicles too much. “Vehicles under 7.5 tonnes are better fitted with axle load indicators (weight measuring devices placed on the axle), because they are smaller and lighter. They have been designed to provide operators with an indicated weight of the vehicle as a warning device to help protect them from overloading. “The system is designed to indicate within 5% of the actual weight. It does not need to be any more accurate because even VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) maintains this amount of leniency. Load cells, on the other hand are used as a weighing device, and are meant to provide an accurate reading of the vehicle’s load.”

Soon to be launched for other types of vehicles as well, the Omniweigh-T system makes use of rugged load cells, making the weighing system suitable for use in harsh environments such as landfills. Bridge explains that, for tipper applications, two load cells are placed under the pivot of the lifting ram and the other two cells are placed underneath the hinge bar at the rear of the vehicle. “This means that when the vehicle is actually tipping, all of the weight is resting on those two points.”

Omniweigh-T can be installed on new vehicles or as a retrofit, and features an overload warning system in addition to measuring gross vehicle weight and payload. However, Bridge believes the company has got a UK first. “We designed Omniweigh in such a manner that the user can not only use a printer, but can plug a standard memory stick in the USB port, enabling operators to collect all essential data from the system for internal auditing purposes. As far as I know, we are currently the only company offering this feature on a vehicle weighing system in the UK.”

The technological credentials of this system are impressive as the Omniweigh-T weighing system is interoperable with most telematic fleet management systems, enabling remote data capture and diagnostics. Another, unique feature is the sleep mode – activated when the vehicle is in motion – which ensures that the alarm doesn’t disturb the driver’s concentration. Bridge explains how this engineering element works. “When the tipping body’s weight is brought back on the vehicle chassis, the load path automatically changes, and sends a signal for the display to shut down during driving time.

“The display itself is so small that it can be fitted in a radio slot or mounted on to a bracket, and with only three buttons it can be operated by anyone. It features a memory function that stores all relevant data at the press of a button. Our in-house design team designed the display so that it would be selfexplanatory, simple and robust. It requires little or no driver input, and can store up to 250 separate weight readings at one time. Instructions are displayed on the screen, as the idea behind the display is that the driver can operate the system without having to read an instruction manual,” comments Bridge. During the development stage Red Forge asked a large number of tipper operators what they required in a weighing system. The feedback suggested that people were looking for something that was user friendly, easy to operate and featured an option to connect a printer to it. The team came up with a design, which was then scrutinised by the user group, and based on their comments the system was finalised.

Omniweigh-T already has received considerable interest, and a Council in the Midlands has taken the system on. Bridge is excited about the newly launched product. “This market is well-tried and we know there is a requirement for a system such as Omniweigh-T. In contrast to the axle load indicator market which is legislation driven, this product is based on an individual customer requirement, and we believe that Omniweigh-T can provide Local Authorities with a cost-effective and high quality product for this demanding application.”