Several hundred lift truck mishaps are sadly reported in Tempe every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is certainly among the most important parts. Obviously, the right method to preventing lift truck accidents is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of every person in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is very vital for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from occurring. Whenever 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 prevent accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that can sense many different things which may 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 specific situation happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machine detects 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 machine needs to help decrease the chance 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 sense the many factors which may lead to a potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would detect load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be 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 greatly decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.