Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machinery designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The kind of machine varies with the particular make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks requiring work at high levels needed to be done with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept numerous employees safe.
There are 3 key types of aerial work platforms. They are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These machinery are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of a pinion and rack system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units may be self-propelled with controls located at the platform, they may be unpowered models which need an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. Nonetheless, during the year 1966, before JLG's very first model, a company known as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove and his wife decided to take a road trip during 1967. This was after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing. They opted to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 2 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could safely lift workers in the air for them to do maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership with 2 friends, once he returned home from his trip. The small company soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 workers.