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 driver has to know when the forklift is almost out of gas. Some older forklift models are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machine automatically shuts off when the vehicle runs out of fuel. This is very unsafe and could result in personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from happening. 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 situated. Forklift propane gauge are a lot like an automobile's gas gauge. It is a small round object located either on the forklift dash where the controls and rest of the gauges are situated or on the valve on the propane tank.
2 Make certain to keep the cover of the gauge clean so that information behind the glass is readable.
3 Look for the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle shows you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 There are two letters on the gauge: F for full and E for empty. When the needle arm touches the letter E, it means that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it will mean that the propane tank is completely full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the middle line it will mean the tank is half full of propane.
6 Normally, there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle touches 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 a quarter full.