Several hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported in Alabama each year. Operator training is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely one of the most essential components. Obviously, the best approach to preventing forklift mishaps 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 originated from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This system is essential for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any type 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 avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many factors that lead to possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly 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 result is an instant stability and really lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to sense the many things that may result in a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. 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 really lessens the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.