Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine designed and engineered to elevate workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of machinery varies with the particular make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks that require work at high levels needed to be done with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept many employees safe.
There are 3 key types of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These equipment could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered models requiring 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, during the year 1966, before JLG's very first unit, a company referred to 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 company Grove Manufacturing. They opted to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately witnessed 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 could safely lift workers in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
When John returned home from his trip, he purchased a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership along with 2 friends. They immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 workers.