How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers should understand some safety factors 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 kinds of forklifts that are older 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 really unsafe and could lead to product damage and personal injury. Newer kinds of forklifts are designed differently to avoid this from happening. The driver could operate a handle that stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Know where the propane gauge is situated. The gauge looks much like the gas gauge on a car. It is a small round object located either on the propane tank's valve or on the forklift dash where the rest of the gauges and controls are located.
2 Make sure to keep the gauge cover clean so that information behind the glass is readable.
3 Locate 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 points 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 will mean the tank is half full of propane.
6 Typically, there are smaller lines midway between the middle lines. These lines indicate quarters. When the needle points at 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 one-fourth full.