Every year within Arizona, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps that are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most essential part of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidences. Clearly, the best method to preventing forklift accidents is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This particular system is really essential for helping lessen the risk of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many factors which lead to potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help lessen the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect many things that lead to potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Utilizing the same mast height sensors and load sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.