Rice Lake Truck Scales - Manual (Page 7)

Introduction 3
1.2.4 Determine Frame Assembly Sequence
The scale assembly sequence can be done in either of two ways: side-to-side or
end-to-end. Analyze your site access, equipment, and manpower to determine
which is better for you. The truck has been loaded in a way that avoids
double-handling beams on site. Main side rail beams and components can be
unloaded and set directly in place on the scale foundation in the order they will
be used. See the truck loading diagram on the first page of this manual.
If using a crane, park the crane beside and parallel to the scale foundation, with
the loaded truck parked on the other side of the crane.
If using a forklift to unload and set beams, you’ll need access to both sides of the truck to unload beams in order to
avoid double handling.
The first assembly step —unloading and setting the first row of side rail beams on one side of the scale—is the
same in both side-to-side or end-to-end assembly sequences.
Assemble Reference Beams on One Side
Main siderails on one side are placed on 8" setting blocks in their final
position on the far (least accessible) side of the scale. The end side rail
is set 1.5" from the concrete approach. If the next side rail is to be
bolted to the end one, set it directly adjacent and bolt it. If any side rail
is to be the start of a separate section, leave a 1" end gap to separate
independent platforms. The final end section is set 1.5" from the other
concrete approach. These beams are aligned straight with a string line
and squared with the foundation approaches. This line of side rail
beams becomes the reference line to which the other side rail and all
cross beams are aligned.
Side-to-Side Assembly Sequence
With this method, the side rail beams on the second side
are next set into position parallel but about 2" wider
than they will be in the final scale. This extra width
allows clearance for the cross beams to be lowered into
p o s i t i o n w i t h a s l i n g o n e i t h e r a c r a n e o r
extension-boom forklift as shown at right.
Lower all cross beams into place on the side rail beam flanges and bolt them only to the first line of side rail beams
you set—the reference line side. When all cross beams are bolted to the reference side rail, check the straightness
of the side rail again with a string line to be certain it hasn’t moved. If it hasn’t, you can start bringing in the
siderails on the second side. Any siderails on the second side that will be end-bolted into a multi-module section
should not be bolted together at the ends yet—they will be too heavy and awkward to move in the required 2" if
combined now.
Begin bolting the cross beams to the siderails on the second side starting at one approach end. Use chain winches
(“comealongs”) to bring in the second side rail beam the extra 2" as you tighten the cross beam bolts. Keep
repositioning the chain winches on the siderails as you bolt down the line of cross beams from the approach end
through all scale sections.
A forklift can be used to slide each side rail section into place rather than step-by-step with chain winches. Your
forklift operator must have a delicate touch though or your reference side rail can be pushed out of alignment.