Every year within Los Angeles, there are several hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital part of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to preventing forklift mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This system is very vital for helping decrease the chance of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things that result in 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 forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machinery detects instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. 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 possibility 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 that result in potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machines 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 will lessen the chances of forward tipping or spilling. 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 really reduces the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.