How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators should know certain safety considerations when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. 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 could cause product damage and personal injury. Newer kinds of forklifts are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The driver can 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 forklift dash where the controls and rest of the gauges are situated or on the valve on the propane tank.
2 Keep the gauge cover clean so that the lines and letters behind the glass are legible.
3 Look for the indicator needle at the bottom of the gauge. This needle will show 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 will mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm arrives at the letter F, it will mean that the propane tank is completely full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle touches the middle line it means that the tank is half full of propane.
6 Normally, there are smaller lines midway between the middle lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark nearest 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.