Several hundred lift truck accidents are unfortunately reported in Long Beach each and every year. Operator training is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely among the most vital parts. Obviously, the best method to preventing forklift accidents is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each individual in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This system is vital for helping decrease the possibility of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could sense various factors which may lead to potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this specific situation occurs, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and really reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the machine detects the occurrence of instability. After that, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many things which could lead to a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will detect mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All 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 greatly reduces the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.