Each year in Vancouver, there are several hundred forklift mishaps which are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital part of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the right method to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the System of Active Stability or SAS, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This particular system is very essential for helping lessen the possibility of accidents from happening. When the SAS system senses 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 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 lead to potential 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 happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machinery detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help reduce the risk 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 detect the many factors which may result in a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control is able to detect the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which will lessen the chances of forward tipping or spilling. These safety mechanisms 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 decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.