Vehicle Weigh Pad Systems – Portable Axle & Gross Vehicle Weighing
Our portable vehicle weigh pad systems deliver accurate axle and gross vehicle weight measurements in the field, without the need for a fixed weighbridge. Designed for rapid deployment and ease of use, they can be operational in minutes — making them the practical choice for overload prevention, roadside compliance checks, fleet management, waste management, and agricultural transport operations where a permanent weighing installation is not feasible.
Vehicle weigh pads work by placing individual pads under each axle of the vehicle. Each pad measures the axle load independently, with a central indicator or wireless display calculating and displaying individual axle weights, axle group weights, and gross vehicle weight simultaneously. This makes them particularly valuable for identifying overloaded axles — a common compliance issue where the gross vehicle weight may be within legal limits but individual axle loads exceed permitted maximums. Rugged, weatherproof construction ensures reliable performance in outdoor environments, and wireless connectivity allows weight data to be logged, printed, and transferred to fleet management or compliance systems.
Key Features
- Accurate axle and gross vehicle weight measurement for compliance and overload prevention
- Rapid deployment — operational in minutes with no groundworks or permanent installation required
- Rugged, weatherproof construction for reliable outdoor use in all conditions
- Wireless connectivity between pads and indicator for cable-free operation in the field
- Data logging and printing for compliance documentation and fleet records
- Individual axle and gross weight display simultaneously for full vehicle weight profile
- Portable and lightweight for easy transport between sites in a vehicle or carry case
- Trade and legal metrology compliant models available for enforcement and commercial applications
Common Applications
- Overload prevention — verify vehicle weights before entering public roads or weight-restricted routes
- Law enforcement and compliance — portable roadside axle weighing for transport authority checks
- Waste management — accurate vehicle weighing for waste collection, recycling, and skip hire operations
- Logistics and fleet management — load verification and optimisation for HGV and LGV fleets
- Agriculture — field-ready weighing for tractors, trailers, and bulk produce transport
- Construction and quarrying — on-site vehicle weighing for payload management and compliance
All vehicle weigh pad systems are sourced from leading manufacturers and are available with UKAS-traceable calibration certificates on request. Contact our team for advice on system configuration, capacity requirements, and connectivity options for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between axle weight and gross vehicle weight?
Axle weight is the load carried by a single axle or axle group. Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the total weight of the vehicle including its load. UK road traffic legislation sets legal limits for both — a vehicle can be within its GVW limit but still be overloaded on an individual axle, which is a separate offence. Weigh pad systems measure both simultaneously, giving a complete compliance picture.
How quickly can a vehicle weigh pad system be set up?
Most portable weigh pad systems can be deployed and operational in 5–15 minutes. The pads are placed on a flat surface under each axle, connected wirelessly or by cable to the indicator, and the vehicle is driven onto the pads. No groundworks, power supply, or permanent installation is required, making them ideal for temporary or multi-site use.
Are vehicle weigh pads approved for legal-for-trade and enforcement use?
Some models in our range carry OIML and UK legal metrology approval, making them suitable for use in commercial transactions and enforcement applications. For roadside enforcement by transport authorities, the specific approval class and calibration requirements must be confirmed — contact our team for guidance on approved models for your application.
What surface do vehicle weigh pads need to be used on?
Weigh pads should be used on a firm, level, and stable surface for accurate results. Tarmac, concrete, and compacted hardcore are all suitable. Soft ground, gravel, or uneven surfaces can affect accuracy and should be avoided. Some systems include ramps or approach plates to ensure the vehicle drives smoothly onto the pads without shock loading.
Can weigh pad data be integrated with fleet management systems?
Yes. Most modern weigh pad systems include wireless connectivity and data output options (USB, Bluetooth, or Ethernet) enabling weight records to be transferred to fleet management software, compliance databases, and reporting systems. Contact us for advice on connectivity options compatible with your existing fleet management platform.
