How to Fill Forklift Cylinders
Industrial lift trucks, or forklifts, are commonly meant to run on 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 deal with substances which are extremely flammable.
1 Personal protective equipment should be put on before refueling. Thick leather gloves must be worn to prevent liquid propane from coming into contact with the hands. The liquid is very cold and could result in serious burns. Other protective equipment includes goggles and a full face shield. A fire extinguisher should always be close at hand.
2 Prior to doing something else, you must first shut down the forklift. Make sure 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 position, carefully open the bleed valve. It is normal to hear a hissing sound when opening the valve, but make sure it is air escaping - not propane.
3 Slowly open the fill valve on the fill line until you are sure there are no leaks around the connection. After that open the valve more and let the propane enter the tank. Monitor the tank while refueling; when it is full, the bleeder valve would emit a spray of white gas. Turn off the fill valve completely first prior to closing the bleeder valve. Carefully take the fill line out of the tank. 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. Inspect all valves in order to make certain that they are completely closed. Your truck is now refueled and ready to be used.