A few hundred lift truck mishaps are unfortunately reported within West Covina each and every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is certainly one of the most vital parts. Clearly, the right method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has implemented 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 system is vital for helping reduce the possibility of mishaps from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses 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 injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which can detect many different things that can 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 happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from occurring.
Once the machinery senses instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help decrease the possibility 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 may result in a 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 situations 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 will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt which will lessen the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
Using the same mast height sensors and load sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the chances of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.