Every year in Wisconsin, there are several hundred lift truck mishaps which are reported. Though operator training is definitely the most essential part of preventing workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the best approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This specific system is really essential for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could sense numerous factors that can 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 specific situation happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machinery detects instability occurring, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many things that can result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control could sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that would reduce the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.