How to Read a Forklift LP or propane Bottle Gauge
Forklift drivers should know some safety considerations when figuring out how to read a propane bottle gauge on a forklift. Drivers should know when the forklift is low on fuel or propane. Some older forklift models 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 could cause personal injury and product damage. Newer types of forklifts are designed differently to avoid this from occurring. The operator can use a handle that stops the forks from falling when the propane runs out.
1 Know where the propane gauge is located. The gauge looks a lot like the gas gauge on a car. It is a small round object located either on the propane tank's valve or on the dash of the forklift where the rest of the gauges and controls are located.
2 Always keep the gauge cover clean so that the letters and lines behind the glass are readable.
3 Located at the bottom of the gauge is the indicator needle. This needle shows you how much fuel is still inside the propane tank.
4 There are two letters on the gauge: E for empty and F for full. When the needle arm arrives at the letter E, it would 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 In the middle of the gauge, there is a line. When the needle points at the middle line it would mean that the tank is half full of propane.
6 Note that there are smaller lines midway between the halfway 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 arrives at the quarter mark closest to E, the tank is one-fourth full.