Several hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported in New Hampshire each and every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is definitely among the most vital components. Obviously, the best method to avoiding lift truck accidents is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring forklift operations. This specific system is very important for helping reduce the risk of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous things that result in possible 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 lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the equipment senses the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment needs to help reduce the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous things that may result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances of rearward and forward tip-over situations from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
Utilizing 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 chances of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.