Every year within Visalia, there are several hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most vital part of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidences. Clearly, the right method to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each individual in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This specific system is important for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses 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 occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous things which lead to possible 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 occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the machinery senses the occurrence of instability. 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 chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect numerous things that lead to possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle 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 will also limit the forward tilt that would reduce the chances of forward tipping or spilling. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really lessens the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.