How to Read a Forklift Propane or LP Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers must know some safety considerations when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Operators should know when the forklift is running low on fuel or propane. Several kinds of forklifts that are older are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machine automatically shuts off when it runs out of fuel. This is very unsafe and could cause personal injury and product damage. Newer types of forklifts 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 Make sure you know where the propane gauge is situated. Forklift propane gauge looks like an automobile's gas gauge. It is a small round object situated either on the forklift dash where the controls and rest of the gauges are situated or on the propane tank's valve.
2 Always keep the cover of the gauge clean so that the lines and letters behind the glass are readable.
3 Located at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. This needle shows you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 There are two letters found on the gauge: F for full and E for empty. 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 completely full.
5 In the middle of the gauge, there is a line. When the needle points at the middle line it will mean that the tank is half full of propane.
6 Typically, there are smaller lines midway between the middle lines. These lines mean quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark closest to the F, it would mean that there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle arrives at the quarter mark closest to E, the tank is a quarter full.