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Powered Industrial Trucks eTool
 Types & Fundamentals

   Parts

     Mast and Carriage
     Forks
     Attachments
     Nameplate
     Danger, Warning &
        Caution Labels
     Controls
     Instruments
     Battery
     Overhead Guard
     Tires
     Safety Devices
Parts:
Instruments
Dashboard showing gauges on a forklift.
Figure 1. Dashboard showing gauges on a forklift.
Forklifts have a variety of instruments on the dashboard. Read your operator’s manual and become familiar with each of the warning lights and gauges on the dashboard. Never operate a forklift with a warning light or gauge signaling an unsafe condition.

Instrument Panel
These gauges are representations of common gauges in normal operating condition found on forklifts.
Figure 2. These gauges are representations of common gauges in normal operating condition found on forklifts.
Read your operator's manual and become familiar with each of the warning lights and gauges on the dashboard. Know what each one indicates.

Potential Hazards:
  • Mechanical breakdown
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Turn on the forklift and check all the warning indicators on your dashboard.
     
  • Never operate a forklift with a warning light or gauge signaling an unsafe condition.
     
  • Do not attempt a repair unless authorized to do so.
     
  • Report any abnormality to your supervisor.

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Oil Pressure Gauge
The oil pressure gauge indicates the oil pressure inside the engine. An oil pressure warning light may also be present.

Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Do not operate the forklift if the light comes on or the gauge indicates oil pressure problems.
     
  • Check for leaks. Clean up any spills or mark the hazard area until it can be cleaned.
     
  • Notify your supervisor or maintenance personnel.
     
  • Only trained and authorized personnel may service a forklift.
 
Typical warning gauges.
Figure 3. Typical warning gauges.

 Electronic engine oil gauge, warning indicators.
Figure 4. Electronic engine oil gauge, warning indicators.
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Temperature Gauge/Light
Engine temperature gauge in the normal zone.
Figure 5. Engine temperature gauge in the normal zone.
The engine temperature gauge is similar to the engine temperature gauge found on a car or truck.
  • Low temperature may be indicated by a range "C" for cold or green for safe operating  (as in the figure on the right) and a hot, overheating engine may be indicated by an "H" for hot or red for unsafe operating range (as in the figure on the right).
     
  • Refer to your owner's manual for the appearance and significance of your engine temperature gauge.
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Do not operate a forklift if the light comes on or the gauge indicates an overheated engine.
     
  • Check for leaks. Clean up any spills or mark the hazard area until it can be cleaned.
     
  • Notify your supervisor or maintenance personnel.
     
  • Only trained and authorized personnel may service a forklift.
     
  • Allow an overheated forklift to cool down before removing the radiator cap. When removing the cap, wear leather gloves and eye protection and open the cap slightly to check for stored pressure before completely removing the cap.
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Transmission Temperature
Transmission temperature in normal range.
Figure 6. Transmission temperature in normal range.
The transmission temperature warning light or gauge indicates when the transmission temperature is too high.

Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Do not operate a forklift if the light comes on or the gauge indicates an overheated transmission.
     
  • Check for leaks. Clean up any spills or mark the hazard area until it can be cleaned.
     
  • Notify your supervisor or maintenance personnel.
     
  • Transmission fluid may need to be added. Only trained and authorized personnel may service a forklift.
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Fuel Gauge
Fuel gauge.
Figure 7. Fuel gauge.
The fuel gauge shows the amount of fuel remaining.

Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Do not operate while extremely low on fuel.
     
  • Check the fuel level during your daily inspections.
     
  • Refuel only in designated areas. Clean up any spills or mark the hazard area until it can be cleaned.
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Hour Meter
Hour meter indicating the total time that forklift has been in service.
Figure 8. Hour meter indicating the total time that forklift has been in service.
The hour meter records the number of hours that a truck has been used. It should be recorded in your Daily Inspection Log. Maintenance is often scheduled by hours of truck use, so it is an important indicator.

Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Log the hours of use daily.
     
  • Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended hours in service.
     
  • Properly maintain vehicles according to manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Only trained and authorized personnel may service a forklift.
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Battery Discharge Indicator
Battery low.
Figure 9. Battery low.
Electric forklifts have a battery discharge indicator that shows when a battery charge is low. Some ways that battery gauges on the instrument panel indicate the battery is discharged are:
  • the warning light indicator is on.
     
  • the gauge needle is in the warning zone.
     
  • a percentage indicator shows the battery charge level.
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Return to the battery recharging area if the battery gauge is low.
     
  • Recharge the battery only if you are trained and authorized to do so.
For the procedures, see Battery Charging and Changing Procedures.
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Page last updated: 09/15/2008