Several hundred forklift mishaps are sadly reported in Virginia each and every year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is definitely amongst the most essential components. Obviously, the best method to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody 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 control and monitor forklift operations. This specific system is really vital for helping lessen the chance of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system senses any kind 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 prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which can sense many different factors which can 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 specific situation happens, the lift truck's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
When 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 machinery requires to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect many things which lead to potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machines forward tilt angle control could detect the load weight and mast height, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It will also limit the forward tilt which will lessen the chances of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay 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 greatly lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.