A few hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported within Maryland each and every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is certainly amongst the most vital components. Obviously, the best approach to preventing lift truck accidents is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This specific system is essential for helping lessen the possibility of mishaps from happening. When the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could sense many different things which may 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 situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machinery senses the occurrence of instability. After that, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help decrease the possibility 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 uses the same patented technology to sense many things which lead to potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control can sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that will reduce the chances of spilling or forward tipping. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
Utilizing the same mast height sensors and load sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly decreases the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.