Every year in Sacramento, there are several hundred lift truck mishaps which are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most essential part of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to preventing lift truck accidents is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of each individual in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This particular system is very important for helping lessen the possibility of mishaps from happening. When the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to sense numerous factors that may lead to possible 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 forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machine detects instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help reduce the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many factors that can result in a possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control can sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that will reduce the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be 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 decreases the chances of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.