A few hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported within San Bernardino each year. Operator training is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is certainly among the most vital components. Obviously, the best method to preventing lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each individual in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is vital for helping lessen the chance of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things that 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 particular situation happens, the lift truck's stability footprint 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 lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machinery detects instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to sense numerous things that result in potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents 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 reduce the possibility 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 greatly decreases the chances of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.