Every year in New Jersey, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most essential 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 company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This particular system is important for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any type 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 prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to detect many factors which can lead to 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 from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an immediate stability and really lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machine senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many things that can lead to a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machines forward tilt angle control could detect the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that would lessen the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. These safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Using 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 lessens the chances of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.