

THE WEIGHING OF MARKET HAY. 13 



of a lot of hay owes it to the other interested parties to so safeguard 

 the weighing and tabulation that he can be certain the weight ob- 

 tained is correct. 



WEIGHING ON WAGON SCALES. 



In some hay-shipping sections practically all the hay shipped is 

 weighed by the wagon or truckload on wagon scales. This method 

 of weighing is used extensively also at terminal markets and in dis- 

 tributing sections. 



AT SHIPPING POINT. 



Some of the factors to be considered in the use of wagon scales at 

 shipping points are the size and capacity of the scale, location, and 

 general condition. Wagon scales may differ somewhat in construc- 

 tion, but the principal factors that might affect the accuracy of the 

 weights are the size of the platform and location of the scale. 



The platforms of most of the farm scales and of many others are 

 about 14 feet long. This is sufficient length to allow for the weigh- 

 ing of almost any wagonload without the team, but unless the team 

 is unhitched from the wagon while the draft is being weighed 

 more accuracy in weighing could be obtained on scales with a plat- 

 form of sufficient length to hold both the wagon and the team. 



The capacity of the wagon scales generally used varies from 2 to 10 

 tons or more. The 5-ton scale is used extensively, but since the advent 

 of the motor truck, scales of larger capacity are more desirable. 

 When loads of greater length or weight than the length or capacity 

 of a scale are to be weighed it is often the practice to weigh one-half 

 of the load at a time. This is done by drawing first one end of the 

 truck or wagon onto the scales and weighing it, then the other end 

 and adding the two weights, taking the sum as the total weight. 

 This is not a desirable practice, because any unevenness of the ground 

 will throw the load out of level and the weight then will not be 

 accurate. 



The location of the scale is also an important factor. It should 

 be located at a well-drained and easily accessible place, preferably in 

 an inclosed building which will protect it from unfavorable weather. 

 Some scales are said not to require a foundation, but whether it is a 

 scale supposed to require a foundation or not, it will give better serv- 

 ice if placed solidly upon a concrete or masonry base that will pre- 

 vent the corners or any part of the frame from getting out of level. 

 Care should be taken that all bearings work freely and that the plat- 

 form does not bind or come in contact with the frame. Loose hay 

 and trash should be kept swept away from the scale, and if there is a 

 pit under the scale it should be well drained and kept free from dirt. 

 The approaches to the scale should be nearly level, with just enough 

 incline to prevent the water from running toward the scale. 



