Axle weights don’t add up,

[iain26]

Bit the bullet and visited a weighbridge yesterday. Very pleasantly surprised to find we were 10kg underweight, not a lot but I was expecting a lot worse.
However we also did the individual axle weights and afterwards realised these didn’t add up.
Total was 4250, rear axle 2520, front axle 1680.
I would expect front and rear to add together to equal the total but it is 40kg short.

is this just down-to inaccuracy in the weighbridge or is someone’s eyesight failing,
Any insightful thoughts are welcome.

 

[DBK]

Either inaccuracy of the weighbridge or the MH wasn't level. More likely the former or a combination of both

 

[iain26]

Either inaccuracy of the weighbridge or the MH wasn't level. More likely the former or a combination of both

Thanks. Difficult to get level though when it is a ramp up and down onto the scales.
I suppose the front will be a little light and back a little heavy.

 

[Lenny HB]

Agree with John, if the rear axle reading is correct you appear to be 20kg over assuming you have the standard Al-Ko Maxi chassis rear axle is normally 2500 kg.

 

[iain26]

Agree with John, if the rear axle reading is correct you appear to be 20kg over assuming you have the standard Al-Ko Maxi chassis rear axle is normally 2500 kg.

My rear axle is plated at 2400 so I am showing 120 over. On the plus side the front is 420 under so a little redistribution of a few items is called for.

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[Deneb]

Weighbridges operate in increments, often 20kg but can be more. So at best you could be nearly 30kg under MGW, or at worst nearly 10kg over, depending on the increments and accuracy of the bridge.

Also, if it's a large plate and you can't get individual axles near the plate centre due to the length of your van, it will affect the accuracy of the axle weight readings, as will the axle not being weighed being on a slope, raised above or below the level of the plate. It's best to get the tyres of the axle not being weighed resting on the surround frame of the plate, without touching the plate itself. But it can take time to arrange that properly and the bridge operator won't be happy if he's a commercial operator with other vehicles waiting.

 

[nicholsong]

Bit the bullet and visited a weighbridge yesterday. Very pleasantly surprised to find we were 10kg underweight, not a lot but I was expecting a lot worse.
However we also did the individual axle weights and afterwards realised these didn’t add up.
Total was 4250, rear axle 2520, front axle 1680.
I would expect front and rear to add together to equal the total but it is 40kg short.

is this just down-to inaccuracy in the weighbridge or is someone’s eyesight failing,
Any insightful thoughts are welcome.

I should not let it bother you as any authority will let it go within their enforcement tolerances.

If stil bothered find a weighbridge with flat approache and exit.