Several hundred lift truck accidents are sadly reported in Hawaii each year. Operator training is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely amongst the most important parts. Obviously, the best approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This system is really essential for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any type 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 accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense many things that result in potential 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 really reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help decrease the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to sense many factors which result in possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen 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 utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really reduces the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.