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 running low on gas. Some older forklift models are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machine automatically shuts off when it runs out of fuel. This is very not sage and can lead to personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from happening. 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 situated. Forklift propane gauge are a lot like a car's gas gauge. It is a small round object situated either on the forklift dash where the controls and rest of the gauges are located or on the valve on the propane tank.
2 Keep the gauge cover clean so that the letters and lines behind the glass are readable.
3 Locate the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle shows you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 On the gauge: F represents full and E represents empty. When the needle arm arrives at the letter E, it would mean that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it will mean that the propane tank is totally full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the middle line it would mean the tank is half full of propane.
6 Normally, there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines mean quarters. When the needle arrives at the quarter mark closest to the F, it means there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest E, the tank is a quarter full.