Each year within Orange, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most essential part of preventing workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to preventing lift truck accidents is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This particular system is very essential for helping decrease the possibility of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors that cause possible 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 to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the machinery senses instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery requires to help reduce the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to sense numerous things which result in possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control is able to 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 reduce the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Using 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 really reduces the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.