"...actively monitors and controls more than 3,000 lift truck movements
and functions to help keep a vehicle from tipping."

Toyota's System of Active Stability (SAS), a leading-edge, breakthrough electronic-control technology, raises the 8-Series lift truck's material handling performance and safety to new heights. This patented SAS technology, introduced with the 7-Series lift trucks and continuously improved since, actively monitors and controls more than 3,000 lift truck movements and functions to help keep a vehicle from tipping.

SAS's unparalleled success comes from two first-in-the-world breakthroughs in lift truck technology: the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller.

Using four sensors -- height, load, speed and yaw rate -- to monitor key areas, the Active Control Rear Stabilizer greatly improves lateral stability during turns. In the event the lift truck is in danger of tipping or otherwise becomes unstable due to taking a curve too quickly or sharply, the system activates a Swing Lock Cylinder to lock the rear axle and thus widen the lift truck's support area. This almost doubles the lift truck's lateral stability, providing quick and secure manoeuvrability while improving productivity.

The Active Mast Function Controller increases longitudinal stability by regulating two distinct functions: the mast's forward tilt angle and its rear tilt speed. If the forward tilt angle is such that the load is in danger of tipping the vehicle forward, the forward tilt is automatically stopped. To help prevent a load from falling off backwards, the rear tilt speed of the mast is automatically controlled.

Also included is an exclusive automatic fork levelling function, especially useful when inserting or removing the forks from pallets. This function improves productivity with both new and experienced drivers by eliminating the need to manually level the forks.

From providing lateral stability and reducing the risk of a falling load to lowering the chances of accident damage, SAS gives operators ease of mind to perform their job to the best of their abilities without ever compromising on safety, comfort and productivity.