Every year within Ontario, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps which are reported. Though operator training is definitely the most essential component of preventing workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the best approach 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 originated from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This particular system is really vital for helping decrease the chance of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors which result in 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 happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When 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 machine needs to help reduce 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 uses the same patented technology to detect many factors which result in possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms 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 really decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.