A few hundred forklift mishaps are sadly reported in Simi Valley each and every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely among 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 applied the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This particular system is important for helping decrease the possibility of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses 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.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense many things which cause 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 happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machinery detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help lessen the possibility of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous factors that may result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances 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 would sense load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the possibility 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 really lessens the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.