How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
There are essential safety reasons for forklift operators to know how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. The operator needs to know when the forklift is almost out of gas. Several types of forklifts which 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 result in product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The operator could utilize a handle which stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Know where the propane gauge is located. The gauge looks a lot like the gas gauge on an automobile. It is a small round object located either on the valve on the propane tank or on the dash of the forklift where the rest of the gauges and controls are located.
2 Keep the cover of the gauge clean so that the letters and lines behind the glass are readable.
3 Located at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. This needle will show 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 points at the letter E, it means that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm points at the letter F, it means that the propane tank is totally full.
5 There is a line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the halfway line it will mean that the tank is half full of propane.
6 Note that there are smaller lines halfway between the middle lines. These lines mean 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 nearest E, the tank is one-fourth full.