A few hundred forklift mishaps are unfortunately reported within New York every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is certainly amongst the most essential parts. Clearly, the best approach to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is important for helping lessen the risk of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could detect many things which could 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 an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the machinery senses the occurrence of instability. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery requires to help decrease the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous things that can lead to a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really reduces the chances of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.