How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers should know certain safety considerations when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Drivers should know when the forklift is running low on fuel or propane. Some types of forklifts which are older are designed so that the forks lower slowly to the ground and the equipment 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 prevent this from happening. The driver can operate a handle which 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 an automobile's gas gauge. 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 located.
2 Always 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 shows you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 On the gauge: E represents empty and F represents full. When the needle arm touches the letter E, it would mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm arrives at the letter F, it will mean that the propane tank is totally full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle points at the halfway line it would mean the tank is half full of propane.
6 Typically, there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines mean quarters. When the needle points 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.