A few hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported within Riverside every year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely one of the most important parts. Obviously, the right method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of each and every individual in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This specific system is very essential for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any type 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 prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense many factors that result in 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 happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and really reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machinery senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help lessen the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
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 sense many factors which result in possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 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 machines forward tilt angle control could sense the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that will reduce the chances of forward tipping or spilling. 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 possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.