Several hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported within Canada each and every year. Operator training is not sufficient to lessen the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is definitely amongst the most vital components. Obviously, the best method to preventing forklift mishaps is having the company and organization 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 controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This specific system is very essential for helping reduce the chance of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects 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 avoid injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided 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 stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help lessen the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to sense many things that result in potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control can detect the mast height and load weight, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that will reduce the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. These safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly decreases the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.