Several hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported within Canada every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely amongst the most important parts. Clearly, the right approach to preventing forklift accidents is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of every person in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This particular system is vital for helping lessen the possibility of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to sense many different factors which can result in possible 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 lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an instant stability and really reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
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 could result in a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay 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 decreases the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.