Every year within Santa Rosa, there are several hundred forklift mishaps which are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital part of preventing workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Clearly, the best method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as 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 can electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This specific system is important for helping decrease the possibility of mishaps from occurring. When 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 injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could detect various factors which can lead to potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this specific situation happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and really lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machinery detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help reduce the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to sense many factors which result in potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control can detect the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt which would lessen 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 really reduces the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.