Each year in Northwest Territories, there are a few hundred lift truck mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most essential component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Clearly, the right approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This specific system is really essential for helping lessen the chance of accidents from occurring. 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 injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things that cause possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machine 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 requires to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to sense the numerous factors which can result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control could detect the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that would lessen the possibilities of forward tipping or spilling. These safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.