Each year in Inglewood, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents that are reported. Although operator training is certainly the most vital part of avoiding workplace mishaps, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This system is very important for helping decrease the risk of accidents from happening. When the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which can sense many different factors which may lead to potential 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 occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
When the machine senses instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help lessen the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Like 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 potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would detect mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the chance of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay 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 greatly decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.