How to Read a Forklift Propane or LP Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators must understand certain safety considerations when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Operators should know when the forklift is running low on fuel or propane. Some older forklift models are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machine shuts off automatically when it runs out of fuel. This is really not sage and can lead to personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to prevent this from occurring. The operator could utilize a handle that stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Make certain you know where the propane gauge is situated. 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 Always keep the gauge cover clean so that the letters and lines behind the glass are readable.
3 Situated at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. This needle shows you how much fuel is still inside the propane tank.
4 On the gauge: E represents empty and F represents full. When the needle arm arrives at the letter E, it means that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it will mean that the propane tank is completely full.
5 There is a line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle points at the halfway line it means the tank is half full of propane.
6 Normally, there are smaller lines midway between the middle lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle arrives at the quarter mark closest to the F, it would mean that there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle points at the quarter mark closest to E, the tank is a quarter full.