Every year in Lancaster, there are several hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most essential component of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the right method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This system is very vital for helping lessen the possibility of mishaps from occurring. Whenever 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.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which is able to detect numerous things that could 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 situation happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the equipment 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 needs to help reduce the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect numerous factors which result in potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really reduces the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.