Every year within Michigan, there are a few hundred forklift mishaps which are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most essential part of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the best approach to preventing lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the SAS or System of Active Stability, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This system is really vital for helping decrease the risk of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system detects 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 happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors which cause 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 forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machine senses the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help lessen the risk 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 many things which could result in a potential longitudinal instability. When 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 rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle 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 which will decrease the chances of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly lessens the chances of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.