Several hundred lift truck accidents are unfortunately reported within Canada each year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is certainly one of the most important parts. Obviously, the right method to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is important for helping lessen the possibility of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which is able to sense many factors which could 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 specific situation happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an immediate stability and greatly reduces the likelihood 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 requires to help lessen 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 utilizes the same patented technology to detect numerous factors which lead to potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle 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 possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be safe.
Utilizing 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 decreases the chances of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.