A few hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported within Carlsbad every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely among the most important parts. Obviously, the right approach to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of every individual in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, 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 lessen the risk of accidents from occurring. Whenever 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 avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which is able to sense various factors which may cause 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 lift truck'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.
When the equipment senses instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. After that, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help reduce the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to sense numerous things that lead to potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed 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 reduce the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay 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 really lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.