Several hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported in Canada each and every year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely amongst the most essential components. Clearly, the best approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is really vital for helping reduce the chance of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses 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 accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which can sense many factors that could cause potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an immediate stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machinery detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help reduce the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous factors which can lead to a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control can sense the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which would decrease the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
Using 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 possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.