A few hundred lift truck accidents are unfortunately reported in Florida every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely one of the most important components. Obviously, the right method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the business and organization involved, in addition to 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 particular system is very important for helping decrease the risk of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct 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 which can detect various things which may result in 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 occurs, the forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an instant stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the equipment detects instability occurring, the SAS engages instantly. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help reduce the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect many things which lead to potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances 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 load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All these safety mechanisms 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 reduces the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.