How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators must know certain safety factors when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Operators must know when the forklift is low on propane or fuel. Some types of forklifts which are older are designed so that the forks slowly lower to the ground and the machinery automatically shuts off when the vehicle runs out of fuel. This is very unsafe and could result in product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to prevent this from happening. The driver can operate a handle that 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 situated either on the propane tank's valve or on the forklift dash where the rest of the gauges and controls are situated.
2 Make certain to keep the cover of the gauge clean so that information behind the glass is readable.
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 on the gauge: E for empty and F for full. When the needle arm points at the letter E, it means that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm arrives 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 arrives at the halfway line it will mean the tank is half full of propane.
6 Also there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines mean quarters. When the needle arrives 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 one-fourth full.