Several hundred lift truck accidents are unfortunately reported in Canada each year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely amongst the most vital parts. Clearly, the right method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This specific system is important for helping reduce the risk of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller 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 potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an immediate stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once 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 machine needs to help decrease the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous factors that could lead to a possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machines forward tilt angle control could sense the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt which would reduce the chances of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Using the same load sensors and mast height 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 forklift tilt backwards.