A few hundred lift truck accidents are sadly reported in Burbank each and every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is certainly amongst the most essential parts. Obviously, the right method to preventing forklift accidents is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This system is important for helping decrease the chance of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system detects any kind 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 avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that can detect many things which can result in possible 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 forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an instant stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the machine detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to sense the many things that may result in a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will detect load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the chance of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.