Each year within Alaska, there are several hundred lift truck mishaps which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most vital component of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each person in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This specific system is very vital for helping reduce the chance of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses 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 avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which is able to sense many different things that may cause 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 happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machinery senses instability occurring, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help decrease the risk 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 detect the many factors which could result in a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control can detect the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that would reduce the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. These safety mechanisms 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 decreases the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.