How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are usually designed to operate utilizing liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders delivered to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on location. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be correctly trained to deal with substances which are extremely combustible.
1 Prior to refueling, you should wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could cause severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 Before doing anything else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in place, open the bleed valve with caution. A hissing sound is normal when the valve is open, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Afterward open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve would release a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. A small amount of gas which is escaping during this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Inspect all valves in order to make sure they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.