Each year within Chandler, there are several hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the best method to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, as well as combining the efforts of each and every person in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This particular system is very vital for helping decrease the chance of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses any kind 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 avoid injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things which 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 happens, the forklift'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 greatly reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machinery detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help decrease 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 many things which lead to potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Utilizing 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 greatly decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.