Payload measurement system for machine with hauling body

A payload measurement system comprising:

• a walking beam associated with a machine having a hauling body, the walking beam including a first beam end operatively connected to a first axle, a second beam end operatively connected to a second axle, and a center joint pivotally connected to a frame of the machine;
• a plurality of load cell sensors mounted to the walking beam, the plurality of load cell sensors including a first load cell sensor located at the first beam end and a second load cell sensor located at the second beam end, the first load cell sensor and the second load cell sensor each including a symmetrical strain bar having a first mounting end and a second mounting end of an end thickness and having a connecting span extending between the first and second mounting ends, the connecting span having an upper span surface and a lower span surface being parallel to each other;
• an end thickness of the first mounting end and the second mounting end being greater than a span thickness of the connecting span;
• the first mounting end and the second mounting end having upper surfaces aligned in an upper plane and lower surfaces aligned in a lower plane with the connecting span being equally spaced between the upper plane and the lower plane;
• a strain gauge mounted to one of the upper span surface and the lower span surface of the connecting span;
• and
• a potting material encasing the symmetrical strain bar and the strain gauge so as to form a rectangular housing of the load cell sensor;
• wherein each load cell sensor is located so that the connecting span spans a neutral axis of the walking beam located between an upper surface and a lower surface of the walking beam, the neutral axis extending between the first beam end and the second beam end;
• and
• an electronic controller in electronic communication with the first load cell sensor and the second load cell sensor, the electronic controller being configured to determine a material payload in the hauling body.