The WeighPro Wireless Weighing Link represents a precise and dependable weighing system designed specifically for round timber, eliminating the need for re-calibration. This system offers operators minimal maintenance requirements, boasting an impressive battery life of up to two years between recharges.
WeighPro- The road haulage industry faces myriad challenges that can negatively affect delivery success. Factors such as driving hours, traffic conditions, roadworks, and accidents significantly affect operational efficiency and reliability. Adherence to rules and regulations is paramount, as numerous checkpoints are established nationwide to ensure drivers comply with mandated hours, loads are secured properly, and vehicles are roadworthy
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That’s a remarkable amount of work hours for a single machine, the Norcar 600 owned by Erkki Rinne is taken well care of, it even has the original Diesel engine.
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Kieran Anders is a forestry contractor working in the lake district. His work involves hand cutting and extracting timber using a skidder and tractor-trailer forwarder.
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It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
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Arwel takes great pride in the fact that the mill has no waste whatsoever, “the peelings are used for children’s playgrounds, gardens and for farm animals in barns in the winter and the sawdust has multiple uses in gardens and farms as well.
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Timber hauliers need to encourage young blood in, and also look after the hauliers we have, we need make the sector a safe and positive place to work.
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Managing a fleet of lorries presents considerable logistical challenges, particularly with strict delivery schedules.
This complexity is further exacerbated in round timber transportation, where vehicles must navigate often variable conditions on gravel forest roads. These roads may be dusty during dry periods or muddy in adverse weather, making lorries more conspicuous and, consequently, subject to more frequent inspections than general haulage. Additionally, the variability in timber weight poses another challenge, influenced by factors such as species, seasonal changes, and growing conditions.
Given the narrow profit margins in timber haulage, lorries must operate at their maximum allowable load while complying with weight regulations. Weighbridges are scarce in rural forestry areas, so operators must explore accurate alternatives to ensure loads remain both legal and economically viable.
Many different systems have been tried over the years, but manufacturers have found that the weighing link, fitted between the grapple and rotator, offers the best, non-invasive solution.
Based on conversations with hauliers and crane installers, the WeighPro system is among the most accurate and reliable weighing links on the market.
Managing a fleet of lorries presents considerable logistical challenges, particularly with strict delivery schedules.
This complexity is further exacerbated in round timber transportation, where vehicles must navigate often variable conditions on gravel forest roads. These roads may be dusty during dry periods or muddy in adverse weather, making lorries more conspicuous and, consequently, subject to more frequent inspections than general haulage. Additionally, the variability in timber weight poses another challenge, influenced by factors such as species, seasonal changes, and growing conditions.
Given the narrow profit margins in timber haulage, lorries must operate at their maximum allowable load while complying with weight regulations. Weighbridges are scarce in rural forestry areas, so operators must explore accurate alternatives to ensure loads remain both legal and economically viable.
Many different systems have been tried over the years, but manufacturers have found that the weighing link, fitted between the grapple and rotator, offers the best, non-invasive solution.
Based on conversations with hauliers and crane installers, the WeighPro system is among the most accurate and reliable weighing links on the market.
“Three Cranes, all running WeighPro: we wouldn’t use any other system.”
James Forestial, Timber Haulage from Co. Kilkenny
I contacted JP Betts, the designer and owner of WeighPro, to learn more about this innovative system.
JP started his working career as an agricultural engineer, with working experience in both Ireland and Australia. After returning to Ireland from Australia in 2012, he decided to branch out on his own and started the company Late Hose, which specialised in hydraulics. He had found a niche in the market for plumbing trucks and cranes, including offering a repair service for pipes and hoses.
In 2014, a customer confronted him with a weighing link that was proving inaccurate and unreliable, so he stripped it and was surprised by how simple the link system was. JP ventured to build his own system. He had a basic understanding of electronics from his time as a mature student, but needed more education on the software side, so he enrolled in a software course in the UK.
Upon successfully completing the course, JP felt equipped with the requisite knowledge to architect and implement his own system.
Breaking into a market with a new, untried product is no easy task, but JP approached crane dealers and hauliers with enthusiasm, determination and belief in his product. It wasn’t long before the systems were in operation.
The first systems were the wired WeighPro Classic, which connects directly to the hydraulic cylinder fitted between the grab and rotator to a pressure sensor plumbed through the crane. Every time you lift, the hydraulic pressure is read instantly and converted to an accurate weight: no zeroing, no recurring calibration, no delays. Your dealer calibrates the link once at installation, and it never needs recalibration unless you change the grab or rotator.
Consistent, accurate weights: saves fuel, prevents overloading and gives my customers the same confidence I have in the system.
Mark Beech, Forestry Engineer & Dealer using the WeighPro Classic Systems.
Both the Cabin and Top-Seat versions use the exact same hydraulic system and give identical load and weight readings. The only difference is that the Top-Seat display screen is housed in a more durable surround for outdoor mounting
When the crane is lifted, hydraulic pressure builds inside the link cylinder. With one press of the button on the crane joystick, it gives a beep; the system reads this pressure in approx. 1 sec. This allows for a very accurate reading of the pressure exerted on the weigh cylinder and shows the weight on screen and then gives two beeps.(The buzzer can be an aid, so a close eye isn’t required on the figures on screen. It also changes from red to green to show the weight has been taken. This all helps the older generation of operator visually see that the weight has been taken. Another safety feature is that it is impossible to weigh the same grab twice until the grab is empty.)
No zeroing tare before each load, no recurring calibration – just lift, press and read.
Once the target weight is confirmed, a single button press generates a weighbridge-style printed receipt on-site. (not “till-roll” type receipts). This system demonstrates a high degree of accuracy, achieving over 99% accuracy in measuring total load weight.)
This system is compatible with all forestry loading cranes, and a straight or Y-link system is available for use with excavators.
The links fitted between the grab and rotators vary between crane manufacturers. All types can be supplied, and unique options can be catered for, as all links are manufactured in Sweden and certified for all of Europe and the UK.
It wasn’t long before word spread and other hauliers and crane manufacturers adopted this system due to its robustness and reliability.
JP’s sales grew steadily, with orders coming from diverse locations, including Austria and Canada. He manufactured and sold approximately 70 units annually with the vast majority been retailed in the United Kingdom. However, sales began to decline after competing manufacturers introduced a wireless link. Consequently, JP was compelled to return to the design phase in order to develop his own wireless system.
We tried two other systems before WeighPro. Neither held calibration on steep alpine terrain. This one reads accurate every time.
Johannes, Salzburg, Austria
Developing the wireless system presented significant challenges, with battery life as a primary obstacle. This issue was effectively addressed by implementing a 15-amp rechargeable battery. Recharging is done using a “C”-type USB (same as a mobile phone charger; it fully recharges in 20 minutes).
The WeighPro system remains off during unloading, driving and idle periods, which doubles the battery life. After extensive testing and an average of 25 lorry loads per week, the battery will last about 2/3 years between charges!
The device is a bolt-on unit fitted to a hydraulic link installed between the grab and the rotator, compatible with all loading cranes with straight or Y link configurations for excavators.
The use of the hydraulic link in the wireless system means there is no calibration drift, unlike other wireless systems, where over time the accuracy can drop, requiring the link to be recalibrated. Also, because the components are individual, if there is an issue it can easily be rectified by your dealer by simply replacing the faulty component.
No zeroing is required before loading, and calibration is never required. The device demonstrates an accuracy exceeding 99% for the weight of a fully loaded lorry and operates effectively across a range of temperatures.
We have 13 Trucks with the WeighPro System and they run at the consistently correct weight
Tony Hughes of Les Hughes and Sons Timber Haulage.
As each grab load is lifted, hydraulic pressure builds up in the link cylinder. When a button on the crane joystick is pressed, the system measures the pressure and displays the corresponding weight on the screen. The screen also shows the total load weight while the timber is being loaded.
Once the target weight is reached, the system prints a weighbridge-style docket, which is universally accepted by both buyers and hauliers.
This system is designed to be non-invasive, eliminating the need for wiring, maintenance, or calibration. The hydraulic cylinder includes two sets of pressure seals integrated into the hydraulic weigh link, ensuring an extended service life. Additionally, it features a low-battery indicator that offers timely notifications when recharging is necessary.
I am convinced that WeighPro is the tool that we need to be more accurate so we get more money from every load
Denis Frenette, New Brunswick, Canada.
Engaging with a salesperson or reviewing promotional materials can help; however, nothing replaces impartial, honest feedback from actual users. Positive reviews and personal recommendations serve as the most effective form of advertising and provide a testament to JP Betts and his company, WeighPro, as evidenced by the sale of over 500 units globally to date.
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