A few hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported within Glendale each and every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is definitely one of the most important components. Obviously, the best approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This system is very important for helping lessen the chance of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both 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 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 situation happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck 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 occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the machine detects 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 risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many things which can result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 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 machinery forward tilt angle control can detect the load weight and mast height, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt which would reduce the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.