Every year in Mesa, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital component of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the right method to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone 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 monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This system is very important for helping lessen the possibility of accidents from happening. 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 avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things which result in 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 stability footprint of the lift truck changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the machinery detects the occurrence of instability. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help decrease the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to detect many factors that result in possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control can detect the load weight and mast height, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that will reduce the chances of forward tipping or spilling. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be 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 really decreases the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.