How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators should understand certain safety considerations when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Operators should know when the forklift is running low on propane or fuel. Several older forklift models are designed so that the forks lower slowly to the ground and the machine automatically shuts off when it is out of fuel. This is very unsafe and can lead to product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The operator could 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 a lot like the gas gauge on an automobile. It is a small round object situated either on the dash of the forklift where the rest of the gauges and controls are situated or on the valve on the propane tank.
2 Always keep the gauge cover clean so that the letters and lines behind the glass are legible.
3 Look for the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle shows you how much fuel is still inside 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 will mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm arrives at the letter F, it would mean that the propane tank is totally full.
5 There is a 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 Note that there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle points at the quarter mark closest to 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.