a 
10 BULLETIN 978, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
the same amount the tare weight is set at the proper amount and the 
scales are ready to begin the weighing of the hay (fig. 3). 
WEIGHING THE DRAFT. 
As the hay is trucked onto the scales, 3 or more bales at a time, 
the weight is determined and the amount is placed upon a tally 
sheet. While frequently 5 or even more bales are placed upon the 
trucks at some warehouses, the number is usually the same for each 
truck during the weighing of any lot of hay. 

Vig. 5.—Weighing on wagon scaies. Much hay is now weighed on trucks and care 
should be taken to see that the truck is properly located on the scale and that the 
driver is either on or off when obtaining both the gross and tare weight. It is 
considered the better practice to have the driver always off the load while weighing. 
The trucks are wheeled upon the scale and are usually set down, 
so that all bearing points are upon the scale. Instances have been 
noted, however, where the trucker balanced the truck on the scales 
upon the wheels so that it would not be necessary to lift the truckload 
again when it was desired to wheel it away after being weighed. 
Weights obtained in this manner are very likely to be inaccurate, and 
the practice should not be allowed in obtaining either official or un- 
official weights (fig. 4). 
Only when the truckload of hay has come to rest upon the scales 
should it be weighed. The poise weight should then be carefully 
moved upon the beam until the beam comes to a balance. 


