Each year within Everett, there are several hundred forklift accidents which are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most vital part of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the best approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of every person in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is really vital for helping decrease the possibility of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors that lead to possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the machinery detects the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help reduce 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 utilizes the same patented technology to detect numerous factors which result in potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really decreases the chances of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.