On a machine, the scale weighs automatically as the bucket lifts,” says Bundhoo. “The operator sets a target mass and watches the running total, so the last bucket becomes a decision rather than a guess.
SOLAS. Meanwhile, rail loadout represents some of the largest capital enquiries currently being considered. “In-motion rail weighing on the coal, chrome, manganese, and iron ore corridors has changed character entirely since the network opened to private operators,” says Bundhoo. Taking the guesswork out of loading One of the fundamental problems weighing systems address is what Bundhoo describes as “blind loading”. “The operator has no idea what is on the truck until it reaches a weighbridge,” he explains. On many sites, that weighbridge may be several kilometres away or belong to another party. By the time the load is checked, several more trucks may already have been loaded in the same way. Overloading presents another challenge. South Africa limits a vehicle combination to 56 000 kg, while individual axle limits also apply. This means a vehicle can remain within its overall mass limit while exceeding the permissible load on an individual axle. Rail presents a different risk. “The equivalent is eccentric loading, where a wagon sits inside its mass limit but is loaded heavily to one side. That is a derailment risk, not a fine.” Underloading, however, can be just as costly over time. “Nobody is fined for running light. Three per cent under payload is three per cent of your fuel, tyres and driver hours spent moving air.” Weighing where decisions happen Moving measurement to the loading point allows operators to act before a problem becomes a costly correction. “On a machine, the scale weighs automatically as the bucket lifts,” says Bundhoo. “The operator sets a target mass and watches the running total, so the last bucket becomes a decision rather than a guess.” An overload warning can then alert the operator before the truck leaves the loading area. Tamtron publishes accuracy of 0,5 to 2% for its wheel loader scale and
On-board weighing eliminates guesswork, helping operators hit target payloads while avoiding costly overloading and underloading.
Accurate payload data improves fleet utilisation, reducing unnecessary trips, fuel consumption, tyre wear and driver hours.
Connected weighing systems provide actionable information on machines, operators, shifts and materials, revealing opportunities to improve efficiency.
Modern systems integrate with ERP, PLC and SCADA platforms, enabling traceability from mine to port and making weighing part of the wider production process.
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2026
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