Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machinery engineered and designed to raise workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The kind of machine varies with the specific make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks needing work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept numerous workers safe.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These kinds of equipment can be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing 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 units 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 industrialist and inventor. However, during 1966, before the first model of JLG, a company referred to as Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip during the year 1967. This was after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing. They decided to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately witnessed 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could raise employees safely in the air for them to do construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
When John returned home from his vacation, he bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends. They soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.