How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to operate using liquid propane. There is the choice to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be trained to handle substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on prior to refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn in order to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment consists of goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be nearby.
2 Prior to doing anything else, you should first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and securely attach the fill line to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing noise is normal when opening the valve, but make sure it is air which is escaping - and not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank while refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will release a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all of the valves in order to make sure that they are closed completely. Now, your truck is refueled and ready to drive.