Each year within Oxnard, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most important component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to lessen the number of incidences. Clearly, the right method to preventing lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This specific system is really important for helping lessen the risk of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could sense many things that can cause possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machine detects the occurrence of instability. 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 risk of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to detect numerous factors which result in possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control can detect the load weight and mast height, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that would lessen the chances of spilling or forward tipping. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay 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 decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.