How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators should understand some safety factors when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Drivers must know when the forklift is low on propane or fuel. Some types of forklifts that are older are designed so that the forks lower slowly to the ground and the machinery automatically shuts off when it runs out of fuel. This is really not sage and can cause personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to prevent this from occurring. The driver can operate a handle that stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Know where the propane gauge is located. The gauge looks much like the gas gauge on a car. It is a small round object situated either on the dash of the forklift where the controls and rest of the gauges are located or on the propane tank's valve.
2 Make sure 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 will show 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 would mean that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it means that the propane tank is totally full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the halfway line it means that the tank is half full of propane.
6 Usually, there are smaller lines midway between the middle lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle points at the quarter mark closest to the F, it will mean that there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle touches the quarter mark closest to E, the tank is one-fourth full.