How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to operate using liquid propane. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on site or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be properly trained to handle substances that are extremely combustible.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to be able to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and can result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher should be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames in the area and no lit cigarettes. Remove the protective cap on the fill valve and attach the fill line securely to the fill valve. When the fill line is in position, open the bleed valve with caution. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make certain it is air that is escaping - and not propane.
3 carefully 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 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 slowly. The escape of a small amount of gas at this time is normal. Make certain to screw the protective cap back onto the fill valve. Check all valves in order to make certain that they are closed completely. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.