How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
There are essential safety reasons for forklift operators to know how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. The operator needs to know when the forklift is running low on gas. Some kinds of forklifts that are older are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machine shuts off automatically when it runs out of fuel. This is really not sage and could result in product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The operator can utilize a handle which stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Make sure you know where the propane gauge is located. Forklift propane gauge are a lot like an automobile's gas gauge. It is a small round object located either on the dash of the forklift where the controls and rest of the gauges are located 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 readable.
3 Situated at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. 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 arrives at the letter E, it means that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm touches the letter F, it would mean that the propane tank is completely full.
5 There is a line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the middle line it would mean 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 means there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest E, the tank is a quarter full.