Each year within Nebraska, there are several hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most important component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the best approach to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has applied the System of Active Stability or SAS, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS can electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is really important for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses 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 occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to sense various factors that could 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 stability footprint of the lift truck changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the machine detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help lessen the risk 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 sense many things that lead to potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control could sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would 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.
Using 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 possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.