A few hundred lift truck mishaps are sadly reported in Fremont each and every year. Operator training is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely among the most vital parts. Clearly, the right approach to preventing forklift mishaps is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is vital for helping reduce the risk of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things which result in potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an immediate stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machine senses instability occurring, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help decrease the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to detect numerous factors which lead to possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed 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 forklift forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.