Every year in Portland, there are several hundred lift truck mishaps that are reported. Though operator training is definitely the most vital component of preventing workplace mishaps, it is not sufficient to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the right method to preventing lift truck accidents is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the System of Active Stability or SAS, that is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor lift truck operations. This specific system is essential for helping decrease the risk of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors 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 specific situation occurs, the stability footprint of the lift truck changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and really lessens the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
When 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 lessen the possibility 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 numerous things that could result in a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control is able to sense the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that would lessen the chances of spilling or forward tipping. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be 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 decreases the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.