WHAT’S NEW Truck Payload Monitor

An electronic payload measurement system, which prevents underloading and over loading of off-highway trucks, has been introduced by Caterpillar (Peoria, Ill.).

The unit measures truck payload through pressure sensors mounted on suspension struts. Information is displayed on a monitor in the operato r’s cab and red and green lights mounted on the truck tell the loader-operator when loading should continue or end. When the truck is one pass from being fully loaded, the red lig ht flashes. Once the preset weight is reached, the red light shines steadily.

The unit can be adjusted to measure weights from 85%-115% of the truck’s rated capacity. Accuracy for each load is +5% or –5%.

Data from each truck can be stored and later downloaded into a variety of computer systems. And data from up to 1,000 loads can be stored.