How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Forklifts, or industrial lift trucks, are commonly meant to run on liquid propane. There is the alternative to have cylinders brought to your facility, or to have refueling capabilities on site. Operators who are working with propane-powered forklifts must be trained to handle extremely flammable substances.
1 Personal protective equipment must be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves should be worn to be able to avoid liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could lead to severe burns. Other protective equipment consists of 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 lit cigarettes and no open flames in the area. Remove 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. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when the valve is open, but make certain it is air escaping - and not propane.
3 Open the fill valve on the fill line carefully. Look around the connections and make sure that there are no leaks. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor 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 before closing the bleeder valve. Take the fill line out of the tank carefully. 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 valves to make certain that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.