Each year within Tennessee, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital part of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not enough to decrease the number of incidences. Clearly, the right method to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each and every person in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the System of Active Stability or SAS, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This system is essential for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things that cause 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 occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an immediate stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machinery senses instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help decrease 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 factors that can lead to a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control is able to sense the mast height and load weight, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which would decrease the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay 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 reduces the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.