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 tasks. The type of equipment varies with the particular brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs requiring work at high levels needed to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept many workers safe and increased the overall productivity of similar tasks.
The three main types of aerial work platforms are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using 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 models requiring an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was devised by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. However, during the year 1966, prior to JLG's very first model, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
During the year 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove together 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 saw 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could safely lift employees in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership together with 2 friends, when he returned home from his vacation. The small business soon started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.