Every year within Richmond, there are several hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most important component of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the best method to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, in addition to 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 can electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This system is important for helping lessen the chance of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system detects 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 avoid injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could detect many things which can 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 situation happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machine detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. 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 possibility 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 things that can result in a possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control could sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt which would reduce the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. 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 really reduces the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.