Several hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported in Costa Mesa each year. Operator training is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, although, it is definitely among the most essential components. Obviously, the right method to preventing forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling lift truck operations. This specific system is essential for helping reduce the chance of mishaps from occurring. When the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous things which lead to possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation occurs, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, when the equipment detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires 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 many things that may result in a possible longitudinal instability. Whenever 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 detect load weight and mass height, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the possibilities of having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.