A few hundred forklift mishaps are unfortunately reported in Palmdale every year. Operator training is not enough to lessen the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is definitely amongst the most vital parts. Clearly, the best method to avoiding forklift accidents is having the organization and business involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the System of Active Stability or SAS, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This particular system is important for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any type 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 prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could sense various things that can lead to potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the equipment senses the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help reduce the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect many things which lead to potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would sense 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 be safe.
Using 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 really lessens the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.