How to Read a Forklift Propane or LP Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers should understand certain safety factors when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Operators must 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 the vehicle is out of fuel. This is very not sage and could lead to personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The driver can operate 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 looks like a car's gas gauge. It is a small round object located either on the valve on the propane tank or on the forklift dash where the rest of the gauges and controls are located.
2 Keep the gauge cover clean so that the lines and letters behind the glass are readable.
3 Situated at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. This needle would show 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 would mean that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm arrives at the letter F, it will mean that the propane tank is totally full.
5 In the middle of the gauge, there is a line. When the needle points at the halfway line it means 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 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 closest to E, the tank is one-fourth full.