Several hundred forklift mishaps are sadly reported in Bellevue each and every year. Operator training is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is definitely among the most essential parts. Clearly, the right method to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is essential for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to avoid injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which can detect many factors which 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 specific situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machinery senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
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 which result in potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control could sense the mast height and load weight, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt that would reduce the chances of spilling or forward tipping. These safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really decreases the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.