How to Read a Forklift Propane or LP Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators should understand some safety factors when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Drivers must know when the forklift is running low on propane or fuel. Several kinds of forklifts which are older are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machinery automatically shuts off when the vehicle runs out of fuel. This is really not sage and could cause product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The operator can use a handle which stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Know where the propane gauge is located. The gauge looks much like the gas gauge on an automobile. It is a small round object located 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 cover of the gauge clean so that the letters and lines 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 On the gauge: F represents full and E represents empty. When the needle arm points at the letter E, it will mean that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it would mean that the propane tank is totally full.
5 There is a line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle points at the middle line it would mean that 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 nearest the F, it would mean that there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle points at the quarter mark nearest E, the tank is a quarter full.