A few hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported within Oregon every year. Operator training is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely one of the most important components. Clearly, the best approach to avoiding forklift accidents is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has applied the System of Active Stability or SAS, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This system is important for helping decrease the chance of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses 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 prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could sense numerous things that could result in possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machinery detects instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery requires to help decrease the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous things that could lead to a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machines forward tilt angle control can sense 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.
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 having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.