Each year within Canada, there are a few hundred forklift mishaps which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most important component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the right method to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This particular system is important for helping reduce the chance of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind 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 avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many things which 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 happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machine detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help lessen the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to sense many factors that lead to possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would detect load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices 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 greatly lessens the chances of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.