How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers must know certain safety factors when figuring out how to read a forklift propane bottle gauge. Operators should know when the forklift is running low on propane or fuel. Several kinds of forklifts that are older are designed so that the forks slowly lower to the ground and the equipment shuts off automatically when the vehicle runs out of fuel. This is really unsafe and can cause personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from happening. 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 much like the gas gauge on an automobile. It is a small round object located either on the forklift dash where the rest of the gauges and controls are situated 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 legible.
3 Located at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. This needle would show you how much fuel is still in the propane tank.
4 On the gauge: F represents full and E represents empty. When the needle arm points at the letter E, it will mean that the propane tank is completely empty. When the needle arm points at the letter F, it means 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 means the tank is half full of propane.
6 Normally, there are smaller lines midway between the middle lines. These lines mean quarters. When the needle touches the quarter mark closest to the F, it would 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.