How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators should understand certain safety factors when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Operators should know when the forklift is low on fuel or propane. Several older forklift models are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the equipment automatically shuts off when the vehicle is out of fuel. This is very unsafe and can result in personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The operator could use a handle which stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Know where the propane gauge is situated. The gauge looks a lot like the gas gauge on a car. 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 propane tank's valve.
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 arrives at the letter E, it means 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 arrives at the middle line it would mean 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 touches 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 a quarter full.