Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine engineered and designed to elevate workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of machine varies with the particular brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks needing work at high levels needed to be carried out with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous workers safe and increased the overall productivity of similar jobs.
There are 3 key types of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using a rack and pinion system or by hydraulics or with screws. These models may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered models requiring an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was created by John L. Grove, an American inventor and industrialist. Nevertheless, in 1966, prior to JLG's very first unit, a company known as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
During 1967, after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip. They decided to stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately witnessed 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that could safely lift employees in the air for them to do construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
When John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends. They 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 in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.