Every year in South Carolina, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents that are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most vital part of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the right method to preventing forklift mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This specific system is really vital for helping lessen the risk of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous things which result in possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this specific situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift 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 chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the equipment senses the occurrence of instability. After that, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help lessen the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to sense the many things which may result in a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control is able to detect the load weight and mast height, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that would reduce the chances of spilling or forward tipping. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly lessens the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.