How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are normally designed to operate using liquid propane. There is the choice to have refueling capabilities on location or to have cylinders delivered to your facility. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts should be correctly trained to handle substances which are extremely flammable.
1 Before refueling, you must wear personal protective equipment. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to prevent the hands from touching liquid propane. The liquid is extremely cold and could result in severe burns. Other protective equipment includes a full face shield and goggles. A fire extinguisher must be close at hand.
2 The forklift should be shut down first. Make certain there are no open flames within the area and no lit cigarettes. Take off 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 carefully. It is normal to hear a hissing noise when the valve is open, but make certain it is air that is escaping - not propane.
3 carefully open the fill valve on the fill line until you are certain there are no leaks around the connection. Then open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Check the tank during refueling; as soon as it is full, the bleeder valve will emit a spray of white gas. Completely turn off the fill valve first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. A small amount of gas that is escaping 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 they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to drive.