Every year in South Dakota, there are several hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most important part of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the best approach to preventing forklift mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of every individual in the facility.
Toyota has applied the System of Active Stability or SAS, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This system is really important for helping lessen the possibility of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system detects 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 happening by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors that 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 particular situation happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the equipment senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, 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 happening.
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 detect many things which lead to potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would 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 lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be 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 really reduces the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.