A few hundred lift truck mishaps are sadly reported in Canada each and every year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is certainly amongst the most vital parts. Clearly, the best approach to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the organization and business involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This system is essential for helping reduce the risk of accidents from happening. When the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many things which lead to 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 added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the equipment senses the occurrence of instability. After that, 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 occurring.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to sense the numerous things that may lead to a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would detect mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety devices 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 really reduces the chances of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.