Every year in Ventura, there are several hundred forklift accidents that are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most essential part of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the best method to preventing lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This system is important for helping lessen the possibility of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many things which lead to potential 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 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 greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the machine senses the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help decrease the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect many things that result in possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machines forward tilt angle control can sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that will decrease the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. These safety devices 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 lessens the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.