How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators should understand some safety considerations when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Operators should know when the forklift is running low on propane or fuel. Several older forklift models are designed so that the forks slowly lower to the ground and the machine shuts off automatically when it is out of fuel. This is really unsafe and can lead to product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The operator can utilize a handle that stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Make sure you know where the propane gauge is located. Forklift propane gauge looks like an automobile's gas gauge. It is a small round object situated either on the dash of the forklift where the controls and rest of the gauges are located or on the valve on the propane tank.
2 Make sure to keep the gauge cover clean so that information behind the glass is legible.
3 Locate the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle will show you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 There are two letters found on the gauge: E for empty and F for full. When the needle arm arrives at the letter E, it means that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it means that the propane tank is completely full.
5 There is a line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle points at the halfway line it means the tank is half full of propane.
6 Also there are smaller lines halfway between the middle lines. These lines mean quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest the F, it means there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle arrives at the quarter mark closest to E, the tank is one-fourth full.