Every year in Thousand Oaks, there are a few hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most vital component of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not enough to decrease the number of incidences. Obviously, the right method to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each and every individual in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This system is very important for helping decrease the risk of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to sense many different factors which can lead to possible 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 to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machine senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Then, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help decrease the risk of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to detect numerous factors that lead to potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control is able to sense the mast height and load weight, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which will lessen the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be safe.
Using 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 really reduces the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.