Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The type of equipment varies with the particular brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs 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 workers safe.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These kinds of machinery can be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a rack and pinion system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered units that need 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. However, during the year 1966, prior to JLG's very first model, a company known as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
During 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove together 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 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can raise employees safely in the air for them to do maintenance and construction tasks in a better way.
John purchased a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends, once he returned home from his vacation. The small business immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.