How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers should know 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 fuel or propane. Some types of forklifts which are older are designed so that the forks slowly lower to the ground and the machine automatically shuts off when it is out of fuel. This is really unsafe and could result in personal injury and product damage. Newer types of forklifts are designed differently to avoid this from happening. The operator could use a handle that stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Make certain you know where the propane gauge is located. Forklift propane gauge are a lot like a car's gas gauge. It is a small round object situated either on the propane tank's valve or on the dash of the forklift where the rest of the gauges and controls are situated.
2 Make sure to keep the cover of the gauge clean so that information behind the glass is legible.
3 Located at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. This needle would show you how much fuel is still inside the propane tank.
4 There are two letters on the gauge: E for empty and F for full. When the needle arm touches the letter E, it will mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm touches 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 means that the tank is half full of propane.
6 Usually, there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle points at 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.