One of the most significant developments in forklift truck safety technology has turned 25 this year.
Toyota’s System of Active Stability (SAS) was launched in 1999 as a solution to the problem of trucks rolling or tipping over.
These are among the most common forklift accidents that occur within a warehouse or factory environment.
The SAS deploys several devices that make it considerably harder for trucks to be rolled or tipped as they go about their work.
For example, the rear axle on Toyota’s four-wheel counterbalance trucks features a swing lock cylinder.
This provides greater lateral stability when the truck is turning by locking the rear axle.
On the three-wheel Traigo range, the SAS optimises the driving speed while taking curves. This way the truck's stability always remains under control.
In addition, the SAS uses advanced sensors linked to an on-board controller to monitor and manage the truck’s mast when loads are being put-away or picked.
By automatically restricting the mast’s speed and angle, the risk of ‘mast sway’ and a forklift becoming unbalanced is minimised, allowing faster and safer storage and retrieval of pallets at height.
“When it was launched the Toyota System of Active Stability was an industry first and, 25 years on, the multi award-winning technology remains unique in the industry,” says Toyota Material Handling’s Product Development Manager, Chris Read.
Chris continues: “Toyota has always been at the forefront of the development of new and advanced safety solutions.
"A quarter of a century after we first introduced it the Toyota System of Active Stability is still regarded as one of the most iconic and important developments in the material handling industry.”
The patented System of Active Stability is now a standard feature on every model in Toyota’s extensive counterbalance truck range.