Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machinery designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The kind of machinery varies with the specific brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks requiring work at high levels needed to be done with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous workers safe and increased the overall productivity of similar tasks.
There are 3 key types of aerial work platforms. They are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via 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 models needing an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle so as to be transported.
The aerial work platform was devised by John L. Grove, an American inventor and industrialist. Nevertheless, in 1966, before JLG's very first model, a company referred to as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove along with 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 terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could lift employees safely in the air for them to perform maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
John purchased a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership together with 2 friends, once he returned home from his trip. The small company immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their first aerial work platform during 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.