A few hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported in Massachusetts every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is certainly one of the most vital parts. Obviously, the best approach to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This particular system is really important for helping reduce the chance of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that can sense various things that could result in 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 happens, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the machine senses the occurrence of instability. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help reduce the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous factors that could lead to a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from happening, 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 detect load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator be 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 really reduces the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.