A few hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported in Maine each year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely one of the most important components. Obviously, the right approach to preventing forklift accidents is having the business and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is really vital for helping reduce the chance of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects 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 accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which is able to sense numerous things which could lead to potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation occurs, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. 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 numerous factors that lead to possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control is able to sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which 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 uses the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.