A few hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported within Canada each and every year. Operator training is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is certainly among the most vital components. Clearly, the best method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the SAS or System of Active Stability, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This system is essential for helping decrease the risk of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses 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 avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that can sense many different things that may 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 to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an immediate stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the equipment detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help decrease the possibility 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 which may result in a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: 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 reduce the chance of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Using 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 lessens the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.