Abstract: A load sensor bucket for equipment is operable in a loading mode and a metering mode. In the loading mode, the bucket is disposed to load material. In the metering mode, the bucket is tilted upward with the load sensors oriented to form a vertical metering column that is substantially perpendicular to a ground surface. In the metering mode, the bucket orients a center of mass of the material within the vertical metering column so that the load sensors can measure the bucket load. The measurement can be conveyed to an operator of the machine, who can then determine real time whether the bucket is loaded to a target amount of material. A related method can include detecting a load parameter, such as stress/strain, via the load sensors and displaying output in a cab.

Abstract: A load sensor bucket for equipment is operable in a loading mode and a metering mode. In the loading mode, the bucket is disposed to load material. In the metering mode, the bucket is tilted upward with the load sensors oriented to form a vertical metering column that is substantially perpendicular to a ground surface. In the metering mode, the bucket orients a center of mass of the material within the vertical metering column so that the load sensors can measure the bucket load. The measurement can be conveyed to an operator of the machine, who can then determine real time whether the bucket is loaded to a target amount of material. A related method can include detecting a load parameter, such as stress/strain, via the load sensors and displaying output in a cab.