Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine designed and engineered to raise workers and tools to a certain height for the completion of jobs. The kind of machine varies with the specific brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs requiring 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 numerous workers safe.
The three main kinds of aerial work platforms are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These kinds of machines are able to 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 models requiring an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. Nevertheless, during the year 1966, prior to JLG's first model, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
In 1967, after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip. They opted 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 terrible incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that could safely raise employees in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
John purchased a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends, when he returned home from his trip. The small business immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.