Every year within Modesto, there are a few hundred forklift accidents that are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most essential component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not enough to reduce the number of incidences. Clearly, the best approach to avoiding lift truck mishaps is having the company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the SAS or System of Active Stability. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This specific system is vital for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from happening. When the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid accidents or injuries happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect numerous factors which result in potential 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 happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an instant stability and greatly reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the equipment senses the occurrence of instability. After that, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help reduce the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to sense many factors that result in possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The machinery forward tilt angle control could detect the load weight and mast height, the would override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that would decrease the possibilities of spilling or forward tipping. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be 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 having the forklift tilt backwards or spilling unsecured loads.