Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine designed and engineered to raise workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of machine varies with the specific brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks needing 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 many employees safe.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These machinery could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. 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 so as to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American inventor and industrialist. Nevertheless, during 1966, before JLG's first unit, 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 in the year 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 saw 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could lift employees safely in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
When John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication business 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 released their first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.