Each year in Corona, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most essential part of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the best approach to preventing forklift mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody 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 system is very vital for helping decrease the risk of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind 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 accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous factors which 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 specific situation happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the equipment detects instability occurring, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help reduce the chance 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 many things that could result in a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. 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 possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.