How to Read a Forklift Propane or LP Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers must know some 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 types of forklifts that are older are designed so that the forks lower slowly to the ground and the equipment automatically shuts off when the vehicle runs out of fuel. This is really unsafe and can lead to personal injury and product damage. Newer types of forklifts are designed differently to avoid this from happening. The operator can use 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 propane tank's valve or on the forklift dash where the controls and rest of the gauges are situated.
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 would show you how much fuel is still inside the propane tank.
4 There are two letters found on the gauge: E for empty and F for full. When the needle arm points at the letter E, it will mean that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm arrives at the letter F, it would mean that the propane tank is completely full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the halfway line it means the tank is half full of propane.
6 Also there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark closest to 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.