How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift operators must know certain safety factors when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Operators should know when the forklift is running low on propane or fuel. Some older forklift models are designed so that the forks slowly lower to the ground and the machine shuts off automatically when it is out of fuel. This is really unsafe and could lead to personal injury and product damage. Newer models are designed differently to avoid this from happening. The operator can utilize 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 rest of the gauges and controls are located.
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 shows 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 touches the letter E, it will mean that the propane tank is totally empty. When the needle arm arrives at the letter F, it means that the propane tank is totally full.
5 Notice the line in the middle of the gauge. When the needle arrives at the halfway line it means the tank is half full of propane.
6 Also there are smaller lines midway between the halfway lines. These lines mean quarters. When the needle arrives at 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.