Every year in Delaware, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps which are reported. Though operator training is definitely the most essential part of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidences. Clearly, the right approach to preventing forklift mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS can electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This system is important for helping lessen the possibility of accidents from happening. When the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to detect various factors that can lead to possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machine senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help decrease 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 detect many factors which result in possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses 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 can detect the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that will lessen the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. These safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.