How to Read a Forklift Propane or LP Bottle Gauge
There are important safety reasons for forklift operators to know how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. The operator needs to know when the forklift is almost out of gas. Several types of forklifts that are older are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machinery shuts off automatically when it is out of fuel. This is really not sage and can cause personal injury and product damage. Newer types of forklifts are designed differently to prevent this from occurring. The driver could operate a handle which stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Know where the propane gauge is situated. The gauge looks much like the gas gauge on an automobile. It is a small round object located either on the propane tank's valve or on the forklift dash where the rest of the gauges and controls are situated.
2 Always keep the gauge cover clean so that the lines and letters behind the glass are legible.
3 Look for the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle shows 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 touches the letter E, it would mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it would mean that the propane tank is totally full.
5 In the middle of the gauge, there is a line. When the needle points at the middle line it will mean that the tank is half full of propane.
6 Typically, there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest the F, it means there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest E, the tank is one-fourth full.