A few hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported in Tacoma each year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is definitely one of the most essential components. Obviously, the best approach to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the company and organization 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 is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This specific system is important for helping reduce the risk of mishaps from happening. When the SAS system senses any type 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 prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous factors that 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 specific situation happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the machine senses the occurrence of instability. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help reduce the risk of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many factors that could result in a possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle 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 decrease the possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms 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 greatly lessens the chances of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.