Contents 1 Reliability 2 Accuracy 3 Warranty 4 Total Cost of Ownership Upgrading Your Truck Scale? 4 s You Should Consider
s Introduction The Difference in a True Upgrade Upgrade noun / up grade \ˈəp-ˌgrād\ an occurrence in which one thing is replaced by something better, newer, more valuable, etc. (Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of upgrade) If you are considering a load cell upgrade for your current vehicle scale, would a new analog load cell system really be an upgrade, or would it be more of the same? If you have experienced problems with your current analog load cell system, chances are those problems will continue with a replacement analog load cell system. How many times are you willing to invest in technology from the 1970s? Here we will discuss a few things to consider to ensure you are getting a true upgrade, and not more of the same load cell headaches. Learn more and Watch the video If you are frustrated with your weighbridge constantly breaking down. It might be time to consider an upgrade. To learn more about how upgrades work, visit: www.mt.com/upgradetopdx By retro-fitting your weighbridge with new load cells, you have a scale that works like new at a fraction of the cost. 2
1 Reliability Downtime does not have to be Routine Vehicle scales take a beating from their environment and their application. Harsh conditions can damage a load cell system, requiring costly downtime and repairs. Factors that contribute to analog load cell failure include: Water Liquids that get inside junction boxes may corrode the hardware from the inside. Lightning A single lightning strike can damage an entire string of load cells. Stronger Cables Stainless steel braided sheathing protects against rodents, moisture and radio frequency. Physical Damage Rodents, debris and overloading cause additional potential for damage. How POWERCELL PDX combats the issues that face analog load cell systems: Lightning Protection Tested by an independent laboratory and rated for 80K amperes, the POWERCELL PDX protects nearly 3 times the normal lightning strike. Improved Diagnostics Breach-detection technology alerts the scale operator at the first sign of damage. No Junction Box Removing the weak link from the load cell system eliminates many problems. Additionally, the entire system is tested to IP68 and IP69K submerssion ratings. New POWERCELL PDX Load Cell System with No Junction Box Traditional Analog Load Cell System 3
2 Accuracy Discover the Effects of Inaccuracy If you are investing in an upgraded load cell system, is accuracy important? The charts on the right were developed from actual field data, and show the degree of error from analog load cells vs. POWERCELL PDX load cells. Accuracy Matters: Government Legal-for-Trade (NTEP) accuracy requirements were defined in the 1970s for older technology scales. Even small errors per load can add up to huge amounts of product given away. POWERCELL PDX protects your profits by maintaining weighing accuracy, and alerting you at the first sign of problems that cause inaccuracy. Improved accuracy should be a requirement for your upgrade or it is not a true upgrade. Learn more and Watch the video For most operations, the truck scale acts as a cash register where transactions are measured in bulk weight. Profit loss due to inaccuracy can add up quickly. To learn more about vehicle scale accuracy, watch our video at: www.mt.com/veh-accuracy Accuracy Comparison: POWERCELL PDX vs. Analog Load Cells Error 40-60 lb / 20-30 kg Error >60 lb / >30 kg Error 0-12 lb / 0-10 kg POWERCELL PDX Load Cells Traditional Analog Load Cell System Error 0-12 lb / 0-10 kg Error 40-60 lb / 20-30 kg Error >60 lb / >30 kg 4
3 Warranty What does a Warranty Really Tell you? METTLER TOLEDO believes a warranty is a direct reflection of the manufacturer s confidence in the product. A weak warranty may indicate low confidence in the product, and should be a red flag when reviewing your options. If you are considering an analog system upgrade, with the same weak warranty, would this be a true upgrade? METTLER TOLEDO s 10-Year POWERCELL PDX Warranty Covers: 100% Parts for 10 Years 100% Labor for 10 Years 100% Travel and Mileage for 10 Years Full System Lightning Protection for 10 years *Regional restrictions may apply; contact your local MT authorized office for details. Compare to other companies: 5 Years Parts Coverage Labor/Travel/Mileage - First 90 days only, with limits on each Upgrading to a POWERCELL load cell system can save you thousands by eliminating the constant spend on replacement parts and service fees. 5
4 Total Cost of Ownership End the Analog Scale Money Pit Don t let a lower day one cost influence your truck scale upgrade decision, when it is the ongoing costs that have the biggest impact. Think of the service and replacement fees, all adding up over 20 plus years. It is easy to see how the cheaper option upfront, can quickly become a money pit in the long run. Factors Affecting Total Cost of Ownership: Reliability - Actual field data shows that analog load cell systems account for 76% of ongoing maintenance costs over a scale s life. These costs include not only parts and service repair, but profit lost due to downtime and lost business. While analog scales experience endless problems, POWERCELL PDX load cells have a failure rate of less than 0.02% - reliability you can count on. Warranty - 100% coverage for 10 years means you don t pay for replacement parts or service, a huge savings over analog systems. Accuracy - Increased accuracy means less product give away and better inventory control. The savings add up quickly. Learn more and Watch the video A truck scale is an investment that should last you 20 years or more. For this reason, it is important to consider the ongoing costs that will accumulate over time. Visit the link below to learn more. www.mt.com/veh-tco Lifetime cost breakdown of truck scales using analog load cells 4% Software 10% Terminal 5% Accessories 5% 10% 4% 5% 5% Weighbridge Investing in a quality load cell system up front can save you thousands in the long run. 76% Load cell system 76% 6
POWERCELL PDX Load Cells Outperform All Other Vehicle Scale Technologies Technology Problems POWERCELL PDX Advantages Analog Load Cell Weak analog signal: EMI/RFI causes weighing errors No compensation for many external factors, which can lead to inaccurate weights No advanced diagnostics Requires summing junction boxes that are hard to seal and prone to failure Strong digital signal provides accurate weighing On-board microprocessor continually compensates for external factors to achieve highest accuracy Predictive diagnostics Quick-connect cable provides IP68 watertight connection to load cell No junction boxes Digital Junction Box or Sectional Controller Weak analog signal between load cell and junction box Junction boxes not hermetically sealed Sensitive electronics located in junction box that may be easily damaged by moisture Strong digital signal throughout entire scale network No analog-to-digital converter boxes or gathering cards required Electronics protected in hermetically sealed load cell enclosure METTLER TOLEDO Upgrade Kits More than just load cells Kits Include: POWERCELL PDX load cells POWERCELL cables Anti-rotation hardware All necessary mounting hardware Hydraulic Load Cell System Complex and expensive installation Hydraulic fluid leaks cause weighing errors Totalizer relies on weak analog signal Hydraulic system is difficult to troubleshoot Slow system response time delays vehicle processing Maintenance and repair are time-consuming Simple and inexpensive installation No hydraulic fluid to leak Strong digital signal Predictive diagnostics simplify troubleshooting Instant updates Maintenance and repair are quick and easy METTLER TOLEDO Group Industrial Division Local contact: www.mt.com/contacts Subject to technical changes 02/2017 METTLER TOLEDO, All rights reserved Document Number 30388046 Marcom Industrial