How to Read a Forklift Propane or LP Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers must know certain safety factors when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Drivers must know when the forklift is low on fuel or propane. Several older forklift models are designed so that the forks slowly lower to the ground and the equipment automatically shuts off when the vehicle is out of fuel. This is really unsafe and can cause personal injury and product damage. Newer types of forklifts 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 are a lot like an automobile's gas gauge. It is a small round object located either on the forklift dash where the rest of the gauges and controls are located or on the valve on the propane tank.
2 Make certain to always keep the gauge cover clean so that information behind the glass is readable.
3 Locate the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle would show you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 There are two letters on the gauge: F for full and E for empty. When the needle arm points at the letter E, it will mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it means that the propane tank is totally full.
5 In the middle of the gauge, there is a line. When the needle touches the halfway line it means the tank is half full of propane.
6 Usually, there are smaller lines midway between the middle lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark closest to the F, it means there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle arrives at the quarter mark nearest E, the tank is a quarter full.