Each year in Huntington Beach, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps which are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most essential component of preventing workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidences. Clearly, the right approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This specific system is important for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from occurring. When 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 injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could sense many different factors that may result in possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an instant stability and really lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machinery senses instability occurring, the SAS engages instantly. After that, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help decrease the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to sense many things which result in potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will detect mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Utilizing 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 really reduces the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.