How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers must know certain safety considerations when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Drivers should know when the forklift is running low on propane or fuel. Several older forklift models are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machinery automatically shuts off when it runs out of fuel. This is very unsafe and can result in product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to prevent this from happening. The operator could use a handle that 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 situated either on the propane tank's valve or on the forklift dash where the controls and rest of the gauges are located.
2 Make certain to always keep the gauge cover clean so that information behind the glass is readable.
3 Look for the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle will show you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 On the gauge: E represents empty and F represents full. When the needle arm touches the letter E, it means that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm points at the letter F, it means that the propane tank is totally full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the halfway line it will mean that 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 points at 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 a quarter full.