Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are engineered and designed to elevate workers and their tools to a particular height so as to complete a task. The specific model and manufacturer and kind of machine all varies. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks requiring work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept many workers safe.
There are 3 main kinds of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These types of equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units 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 in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. However, during the year 1966, before JLG's very first model, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
During the year 1967, after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove and his wife decided to take a road trip. They decided to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately witnessed 2 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can safely lift employees in the air for them to do construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
Once John returned home from his trip, he purchased a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership with 2 friends. They soon started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.