BOSCHE Wheel Load Scales – mobile axle load measurement for the highest demands

Mobile vehicle weighing with BOSCHE wheel load scales

A wheel load scale consists of at least two platform-type load receivers. These can be installed stationary, recessed into the floor, or used as a mobile, handy version flexibly at changing locations. In practice, with two platforms, each axle is usually weighed individually and the values are then added to the total weight.

For even more convenience, a weighing terminal can be connected which—depending on the system—automatically totals and documents the individual wheel or axle loads. This gives you fast, reproducible and standards-compliant vehicle weighing.

Ideal for mobile applications: BOSCHE wheel load scales can link up to 16 platforms at the same level. This makes them perfect for:

• Incoming/outgoing goods checks at goods receipt and dispatch
• rapid overload checks of trucks, vans and trailers
• recurring measurements with multiple axles (e.g. tractor–semitrailers, tankers, construction vehicles)
• chassis, motorsport and test bench applications (wheel load balancing, setup verification)

For different use cases, BOSCHE offers wheel load scales in three platform sizes: RWS (compact), RWM (medium) and RWL (large). All variants are designed for mobile use and combine robust construction with precise measurement technology. The main differences are platform size, net weight and weighing range.

Guidance for model selection:

• RWS (compact): Ideal for caravans, camping vehicles, motorcycles, gliders, ultralights and automotive motorsport.
• RWM (medium): For commercial vehicles, vans, articulated trucks and many standard HGV applications.
• RWL (large): For heavy-duty applications with high load reserves, e.g. construction vehicles, special vehicles and high axle loads.

We are happy to support you in selecting the right wheel load scale for your requirements.

Technical details of BOSCHE wheel load scales compared

The overview below helps you to quickly compare the technical features of the individual wheel load scale models and define the appropriate weighing range and platform size.

Feature	RWS (compact)	RWM (medium)	RWL (large)
Typical applications / vehicle types	Caravan/camper Motorcycles Gliders / ultralights Automotive motorsport	Commercial vehicles Articulated trucks Tankers	Heavy-duty applications with high load reserve (depending on version up to 20,000 kg)
Dimensions (W × L)	400 × 565 mm	450 × 750 mm	500 × 950 mm
Load area (W × L)	400 × 500 mm	450 × 750 mm	500 × 900 mm
Height	58 mm	58 mm	59 mm
Net weight (approx.)	18 kg	28 kg	46 kg
Weighing range (short)	1,500 – 15,000 kg	6,000 – 15,000 kg	6,000 – 20,000 kg
Weighing ranges / division (d)	1,500 kg (d=0.5 kg) 3,000 kg (d=1 kg) 6,000 kg (d=2 kg) 15,000 kg (d=5 kg) (for verified version: single platform max. 12,500 kg)	6,000 kg (d=2 kg) 15,000 kg (d=5 kg) (for verified version: single platform max. 12,500 kg)	6,000 kg (d=2 kg) 10,000 kg (d=5 kg) 15,000 kg (d=5 kg) 20,000 kg (d=10 kg)
Load cells	Stainless steel (legal-for-trade)	Stainless steel (legal-for-trade)	Stainless steel (legal-for-trade)
Drawing
Dimensions & weighing range (short)	400 × 565 mm 1,500 – 15,000 kg	450 × 750 mm 6,000 – 15,000 kg	500 × 950 mm 6,000 – 20,000 kg

All dimensions in mm | Technical changes reserved

Measuring methods with wheel load scales: dynamic & static

To determine axle load with a wheel load scale, two basic measuring methods are used: dynamic and static wheel load weighing. The appropriate method is used depending on the application and accuracy requirements.

• Dynamic wheel load weighing: The vehicle drives over the platforms at a constant, low speed (max. 5 km/h). During the crossing, the system determines the wheel or axle loads.
• Static wheel load weighing: The wheels are positioned exactly on the platforms (within the centering bands). The vehicle is then weighed at a standstill (e.g. release brake, switch off engine).

For both methods: Weighing with nearly flat or completely flat tires is not recommended, as this can distort the weighing conditions and thus the measurement results.

Optimal weighing conditions: ground, bearing surface & wheel load balance

For wheel load scales to deliver their full precision potential, the weighing conditions must also be right in addition to the weighing modules. A level, solid bearing surface with a hardness of at least 100 kg/cm² is recommended. Unevenness and soft ground can negatively affect the measurement result.

In addition, a matched height section should be provided before and after the weighing platform, ideally at least twice as long as the longest vehicle to be weighed. This ensures an even approach and departure angle.

If tractor–semitrailers, tankers or construction vehicles with more than two axles are weighed regularly, suitable height modules are recommended. For a flush, ground-level installation of wheel load scales, BOSCHE supplies suitable pit frames on request.

For wheel load balancing, place each wheel on a weighing module. Then the height at the vehicle’s struts can be adjusted so that the values front left/right and rear left/right are comparable. Important: Wheel load balancing is always performed diagonally—for example, if more load is required at the front left, the rear right strut must be raised.

Wheel load scales are precision instruments. To maintain measurement accuracy over the long term, regular maintenance, professional calibration and—where required—verification are essential. BOSCHE supports you throughout the entire life cycle of your scale: from commissioning through periodic testing and documentation to repair.

DAkkS calibration in cooperation with “graviCal”

For applications with high demands on measurement reliability and traceability, we offer DAkkS calibration in cooperation with our accredited calibration laboratory “graviCal”. You receive an internationally recognized calibration certificate with complete traceability of your measuring equipment.

In addition to initial calibration, we also perform DAkkS recalibration of your wheel load scales. This ensures that your measuring equipment consistently operates within the specified tolerances and that quality management, audits and testing requirements are met in the long term.

Depending on the version, wheel load scales can be DAkkS-calibrated up to 12,500 kg—ideal for quality management, testing processes and industries with particularly strict requirements for instrument monitoring.

Verification in accordance with legal requirements

Whenever a wheel load scale is used in regulated (legal-for-trade) traffic, CE-M verification is required. BOSCHE handles the initial or subsequent verification for you and supports the selection of the right version. The verification validity is usually two to three years. With very intensive use, an annual inspection is recommended to identify measurement deviations early and avoid unplanned downtime.

Maintenance & repair – ready for continuous operation

Regular maintenance extends the service life of your wheel load scale and increases operational safety. As part of our service, we inspect, among other things, load cells, electrical connections and indicators, perform functional checks and adjustments, and replace worn components professionally. This keeps your BOSCHE wheel load scale reliable and ready for use even in demanding mobile continuous operation.