Each year within Alberta, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most essential component of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the right method to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the business and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of every individual in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This specific system is very essential for helping lessen the risk of mishaps from happening. When 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.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which can detect numerous factors which could result in potential 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 an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the machine senses the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help lessen the chance 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 numerous factors which could lead to a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects 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 machinery forward tilt angle control could sense the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that would decrease the chances of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.