Each year in Canada, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps that are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most important part of preventing workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the best approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of every individual in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This particular system is important for helping decrease the chance of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind 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 accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous factors that cause possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation occurs, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the machine senses the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help decrease the possibility 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 lead to possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control is able to sense the load weight and mast height, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that will decrease the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety devices 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 chances of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.