A few hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported in Minnesota every year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely among the most essential components. Clearly, the right method to preventing lift truck accidents is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of every person in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is very vital for helping lessen the chance of accidents from happening. Whenever 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 occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could sense various factors which could 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 particular situation occurs, 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 really reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the equipment detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help reduce the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to sense the many factors that can result in a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would 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 lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay 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 greatly lessens the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.