A few hundred lift truck accidents are sadly reported within Iowa each year. Operator training is not sufficient to lessen the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is definitely amongst the most essential components. Clearly, the best approach to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This particular system is important for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system detects any type 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 prevent accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many things that 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 specific situation occurs, the forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the equipment senses instability occurring, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help reduce the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
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 detect numerous factors that result in 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 happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machines forward tilt angle control can detect the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which will reduce the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay 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 spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.