Several hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported in Anaheim each year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely among the most important components. Clearly, the right method to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is very important for helping decrease the possibility of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any type 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 prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could detect many things that could cause possible 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 from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the chance 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 machine needs to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
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. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce 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 would sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. 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 greatly lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.