Every year within Santa Ana, there are a few hundred forklift accidents that are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most important part of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Clearly, the best method to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of every individual in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This particular system is vital for helping decrease the risk of mishaps from happening. When the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could sense many things which 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 lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machinery senses instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help reduce the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to sense the many things that can lead to a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms 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 lessens the chances of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.