Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machinery designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a certain height for the completion of tasks. The type of machinery varies with the particular make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks requiring work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept a lot of employees safe.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These kinds of equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using a rack and pinion system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered units that require an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was devised by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. However, during the year 1966, before JLG's first model, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
During the year 1967, after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip. They opted to stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 2 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can lift employees safely in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
Once John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends. They soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform during 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.