Every year in Wyoming, there are several hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most essential component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the best approach to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the System of Active Stability or SAS, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is very important for helping lessen the risk of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind 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 avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could detect various things that could lead to possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help lessen the chance of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many things that can result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
Utilizing 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 really lessens the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.