A few hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported within Canada every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is definitely one of the most vital parts. Obviously, the best approach to preventing lift truck accidents is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has applied the System of Active Stability or SAS, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This specific system is really vital for helping decrease the risk of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind 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 which could detect many different things which could result in possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this specific situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machine senses instability occurring, 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 risk 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 may result in a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control could sense the load weight and mast height, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which will reduce the chances of forward tipping or spilling. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Utilizing the same load sensors and mast height sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.