Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 27

scrap yard scales

| Scrap Business Ethics
  1. #1
    Chuckvanstinkle started this thread.
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    12
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    scrap yard scales

    im a bit new to the whole scrapping thing in terms of a business but i was wondering if anyone could chime in or give some thought towards yards and the accuracy of their scales. i recently dropped off two loads of lead batteries and both times there was a difference from what i had calculated. the first time i had found the weight online from a few different sources. and today when i dropped the second lot off one of the guys helping unload had told me what one of them weighed in at from the day before (confirming the sources online to be accurate). long story short, it seems like i was shorted about 10-7% on my weight. is this something that typically happens? how do you / do you confront a yard discretely if this happens? I'm dealing in the 10's of thousands of pounds range with these batteries so even a slight difference is costing me a lot of money. any help or suggestions would be appreciated.



  2. #2
    Mechanic688's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Warsaw , Ind. In the heart of the lakes, and down the street from the hotel where Al Capone stayed.
    Posts
    9,568
    Thanks
    11,247
    Thanked 10,730 Times in 4,728 Posts
    I don't know about your state, but here the scales and fuel pumps have to be inspected once a year. If it's too far out of tolerance then it is shut down till it's fixed. Truck scales usually run in 20lb increments. There is a big difference in batteries, Don't know what kind your dealing with. But if it's car/truck batt's then they should run from 32 to 76lb average.
    P & M Recycling - Specializing in E-Waste Recycling.
    If you enjoy your freedom, thank a vet.

  3. #3
    armstrt8's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    148
    Thanks
    56
    Thanked 142 Times in 61 Posts
    Your dealing with 10's of thousand of pounds and you arent aware of the weight your carrying? I would love to be in your shoes!

    Weight a battery out then multiply it by what you have. If I found out a yard was ripping me off I wouldnt confront them, but I would just simply go to a different yard

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to armstrt8 for This Post:


  5. #4
    Chuckvanstinkle started this thread.
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    12
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    i did that. that is why i posted this thread. because it is off from what i calculated but instead of running through the yard making a scene i was wondering if there was a proper way of dealing with this

  6. #5
    Chuckvanstinkle started this thread.
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    12
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    how can there be a discrepancy if i had no original weight calculated?

  7. #6
    Chuckvanstinkle started this thread.
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    12
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    ups 140ah 100 pounders. weighed a few myself this evening. 100 lbs is what they weigh.

  8. #7
    EcoSafe's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    May 2011
    Posts
    3,705
    Thanks
    3,713
    Thanked 6,807 Times in 1,954 Posts
    Scales involved in interstate commerce are certified by the department of weights and measures or what ever they call it these days, that said, scales are a delicate instrument and the only truly accurate weight is the first one after calibration.

    The batteries are not a precise weight they can vary a few ounces. with the load you cary that could add up. Be careful how you approach this situation. Yes there are crooked scales, scalemen, managers and owners, but they don't last long when the word gets around. Most are upstanding people and would not take kindly at even an inference they are dishonest. The best way to approach this is by asking him/her for help. Explain your situation 99% of the time he /she will be glad to help a new customer with potential.
    Last edited by EcoSafe; 11-19-2014 at 11:17 PM.
    "anyone who thinks scrappin is easy money ain't doin it right!"

  9. The Following 5 Users say Thank You for This Post by EcoSafe:


  10. #8
    ScrappinRed's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Jan 2012
    Location
    texas
    Posts
    709
    Thanks
    319
    Thanked 710 Times in 342 Posts
    ...if you're talking about large quantities, maybe some of the cells were dry? I would find a way to weigh your actual load before going in, not just calculate it. Estimating that all batteries of the same type weight the same amount is not proof that a yard shorted you.
    ~You have to start somewhere to get anywhere~

  11. The Following 7 Users say Thank You for This Post by ScrappinRed:


  12. #9
    Mechanic688's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Warsaw , Ind. In the heart of the lakes, and down the street from the hotel where Al Capone stayed.
    Posts
    9,568
    Thanks
    11,247
    Thanked 10,730 Times in 4,728 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by ScrappinRed View Post
    ...if you're talking about large quantities, maybe some of the cells were dry? I would find a way to weigh your actual load before going in, not just calculate it. Estimating that all batteries of the same type weight the same amount is not proof that a yard shorted you.
    If you need a scale, go to your nearest co-op or grain elevator, those are state certified. Get an empty weight first then go back and get a loaded weight. Then you have actual proof if/when you talk to them. I think the scales around here charge around $5. to weigh.

  13. #10
    armygreywolf's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Germantown, WI
    Posts
    1,084
    Thanks
    193
    Thanked 2,065 Times in 650 Posts
    CAT scale. Usually only a few bucks for a state certified weight.

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to armygreywolf for This Post:


  15. #11
    Phantoms001's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    556
    Thanks
    167
    Thanked 529 Times in 243 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by Mechanic688 View Post
    I don't know about your state, but here the scales and fuel pumps have to be inspected once a year. If it's too far out of tolerance then it is shut down till it's fixed. Truck scales usually run in 20lb increments. There is a big difference in batteries, Don't know what kind your dealing with. But if it's car/truck batt's then they should run from 32 to 76lb average.
    I'm sure in all states if you are using a scale for business it needs to be inspected/certified every year. I don't see the scale as the problem, it would be that it only takes a fraction of a second to add a tare to your weight.

    I would NEVER sell something when I didn't know what I had. You can sell batteries as a flat rate which is easy to figure out or by weight, but I'd surely know what they weighed. If they shorted me I wouldn't sell it.

  16. The Following User Says Thank You to Phantoms001 for This Post:


  17. #12
    msmoorad's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Durban, South Africa
    Posts
    690
    Thanks
    715
    Thanked 746 Times in 356 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by olddude View Post
    Scales involved in interstate commerce are certified by the department of weights and measures or what ever they call it these days, that said, scales are a delicate instrument and the only truly accurate weight is the first one after calibration.

    The batteries are not a precise weight they can vary a few ounces. with the load you cary that could add up. Be careful how you approach this situation. Yes there are crooked scales, scalemen, managers and owners, but they don't last long when the word gets around. Most are upstanding people and would not take kindly at even an inference they are dishonest. The best way to approach this is by asking him/her for help. Explain your situation 99% of the time he /she will be glad to help a new customer with potential.
    i agree

    be polite
    and do it something like this:
    "excuse me, i just want to clarify something- these batteries are supposed to weigh 100lbs each & ive weighed them at home just to check - they do weigh 100lbs-according to my scale"
    "maybe im making a mistake somewhere, so please explain to me how u get XXlbs on your scale"

    if u can get hold of the manager/owner-that would be better- i think.

  18. The Following User Says Thank You to msmoorad for This Post:


  19. #13
    eesakiwi's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Dec 2010
    Location
    NZ
    Posts
    2,531
    Thanks
    2,909
    Thanked 2,556 Times in 1,227 Posts
    Dumping stuff hard on the scales can upset them.
    Most work off a piezo load cell. Google it.

    Dry or wet batterys? Just going off a bunch of numbers in a book is not accurate..

    A local yard (the one I told the guy not to go to as he "will get ripped off") we went too.
    I noticed they would look at the sack of metal, pick it up, move it around, put it down & weight it.
    But there was something weird with their movements....
    Then, one day someone tells us to "make sure the metals on the right hand side of the scales"...
    Why? "Because the left hand side is damaged and weighs 1kg less."

    So, I check it out, sure enough...... its a kg less... And the guy shifts it from right to left, weighs a kg less.
    Did we go there again? guess.
    Someone had smacked into the left corner with the forklift.

    Best thing to do, check your weights first. BTW you are not 'topping off' the batterys with water are you?
    Scrapbuyers will deduct weight if you do that.

  20. #14
    Patriot76's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Buffalo Commons
    Posts
    2,949
    Thanks
    10,591
    Thanked 7,221 Times in 2,256 Posts
    If you are dealing with a large enough yard, the solution is simple. Weigh on the truck scale going in and out and then weigh the batteries on the non ferrous scale in the shed. Compare the weights. If they do not match ask what causes the difference on certified scales and ask that they honor the heavier weight. I do this with everything except prepared and unprepared steel.

  21. The Following 4 Users say Thank You for This Post by Patriot76:


  22. #15
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Jacksonville, NC
    Posts
    4,917
    Thanks
    15,632
    Thanked 5,861 Times in 2,713 Posts
    There are scales available at most truckstops for a fee. Mike
    "Profit begins when you buy NOT when you sell." {quote passed down to me from a wise man}

    Now go beat the copper out of something, Miked

  23. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by miked:


  24. #16
    MattInTheHat's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Sep 2012
    Location
    rock hill, sc
    Posts
    1,464
    Thanks
    1,142
    Thanked 1,396 Times in 703 Posts

    scrap yard scales

    you can always call the county\state department of weights and measures. they will most likely go test the scale if there is a complaint.

    places that sell gravel by the ton should have a scale.....almost anyone that sells by the ton has a truck scale. some farmers even have them.

    most places charge $5-10 for a weight ticket, but I have heard of higher. its best to call ahead instead of just showing up
    Currently looking for a job in or related to scrap/recycling. Relocation is possible for the right offer.

  25. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by MattInTheHat:


  26. #17
    redcrossnj's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Oct 2011
    Location
    central jersey
    Posts
    465
    Thanks
    28
    Thanked 243 Times in 143 Posts
    There are a lot of reasonable answers to your questions.

    did you have these batteries in another container ( EX. Barrel , pallet, Gaylord etc) ?
    Because if you did the yard may have tarred that weight- basically subtracting a few pounds for each container Etc)

    Also if this is your first time going to that yard . You don't know them and they don't know you. I AM NOT saying you are one. But there are some people who try to "Get one "over on the yard because they think The yard is screwing Them. ( these individuals are a disgrace to the industry but that's another thread). Batteries are one thing that people try to manipulate. I have heard and seen it . they will try to open the terminals and fill them with water etc. Some maybe this yard has had experience's with individuals doing this. SO they proceed with caution with people they don't know . So to be safe when you someone they may not know come in with a truckload of batteries . they just wanted to be safe. Its totally understandable

  27. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by redcrossnj:


  28. #18
    hobo finds's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Nov 2010
    Location
    tucson, az
    Posts
    4,758
    Thanks
    6,037
    Thanked 5,912 Times in 2,558 Posts
    Auto batteries have water in them, not sure why filling them up would be frowned upon... Cant put sand, rocks or screws though!

  29. The Following User Says Thank You to hobo finds for This Post:


  30. #19
    1956's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Fort lauderdale FL The Venice of The USA
    Posts
    642
    Thanks
    399
    Thanked 1,276 Times in 348 Posts
    The answer is very simple, if you are dealing in the tens of thousands of pounds why would you sell to a scrap yard????? I would find myself a battery refurbisher, the guys that sell used batteries, most yards resell them to these types of places if the are not shipping full trailers, second option call a commercial battery dealer like interstate they have lots of locations all across the USA. they buy batteries also and if they need lead to ship they pay very high prices for the batteries, you know some thing if you guys have a problem in a yard reguarding weights and you haven't got your payment yet, just tell them to reload your scrap back on your truck that will in most cases resolve the problem , If you are not happy selling your material at a yard for what ever reason don't sell it.

  31. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by 1956:


  32. #20
    1956's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Fort lauderdale FL The Venice of The USA
    Posts
    642
    Thanks
    399
    Thanked 1,276 Times in 348 Posts
    refilling battery posts with water would most likely hurt your reputation
    not to mention
    the acid factor
    hope you wear gloves at least.

  33. The Following User Says Thank You to 1956 for This Post:



  34. Similar threads on the Scrap Metal Forum

    1. Scales???
      By carolinajunkman in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 18
      Last Post: 05-13-2014, 12:55 AM
    2. scales
      By sweeney in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 09-27-2012, 03:41 PM
    3. Scales....
      By thortek in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 9
      Last Post: 04-03-2012, 12:19 AM
    4. scales scales scales
      By WMSTR in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 0
      Last Post: 02-07-2012, 08:00 PM
    5. Scales?
      By DCMinor in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 09-26-2011, 06:25 AM

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

 
Browse the Most Recent Threads
On SMF In THIS CATEGORY.





OR

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

The Scrap Metal Forum

    The Scrap Metal Forum is the #1 scrap metal recycling community in the world. Here we talk about the scrap metal business, making money, where we connect with other scrappers, scrap yards and more.

SMF on Facebook and Twitter

Twitter Facebook