How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers must understand certain safety factors when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Drivers should know when the forklift is low on fuel or propane. Some types of forklifts that are older are designed so that the forks lower to the ground slowly and the machine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is out of fuel. This is really unsafe and can lead to product damage and personal injury. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from happening. The driver could operate 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 an automobile. It is a small round object located either on the valve on the propane tank or on the dash of the forklift where the controls and rest of the gauges are situated.
2 Make certain to keep the gauge cover clean so that information behind the glass is legible.
3 Look for the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle shows you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 There are two letters on the gauge: E for empty and F for full. When the needle arm touches the letter E, it would mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm points at the letter F, it means that the propane tank is completely full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle points at the halfway 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 mean quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest the F, it would mean that there is three-fourths of a tank remaining. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest E, the tank is a quarter full.