Each year within Canada, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital part of preventing workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to preventing lift truck accidents is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This system is really important for helping lessen the risk of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could sense various factors which may result in potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the machine detects instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Then, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help decrease the risk 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 numerous factors that result in potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the possibility 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 mast height sensors and load sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly lessens the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.