





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. 
