Several hundred lift truck accidents are unfortunately reported within Fullerton each year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely one of the most vital parts. Obviously, the best method to avoiding forklift accidents is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of each individual in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is important for helping decrease the risk of accidents from happening. When the SAS system detects any kind 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 occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that can detect numerous factors which can lead to possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this specific situation happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the machine detects instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help lessen 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 sense many things which result in possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machines forward tilt angle control can sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that will decrease the chances of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be safe.
Using the same load sensors and mast height sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly decreases the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.