Happy birthday to warehouse innovation
One of the most significant developments in warehouse safety has turned 25 - Toyota’s System of Active Stability
Launched in 1999, the unique solution counteracted the major issue of trucks rolling or tipping over, which were among the most common forklift accidents that occurred within retail warehouses.
The rear axle on Toyota’s four-wheel counterbalance trucks features a swing lock cylinder which provides greater lateral stability when the truck is turning by locking the rear axle.
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.
