A few hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported within Louisiana each year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is certainly one of the most vital components. Obviously, the best method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of every person in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This system is essential 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 proper controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous factors that result in potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the equipment senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to sense numerous factors which result in possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All 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 reduces the chances of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.