A few hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported in Kansas each year. Operator training is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely amongst the most essential parts. Clearly, the best method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the organization and business involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This specific system is vital for helping decrease the possibility of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors which cause possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the equipment detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. After that, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help lessen the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
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 potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would detect mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the chance of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Utilizing the same load sensors and mast height sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really reduces the chances of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.