Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machinery designed and engineered to raise workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of equipment varies with the specific make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks that need work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous employees safe and increased the overall productivity of similar tasks.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These equipment could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a rack and pinion system or with screws or by hydraulics. These models 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 so as to be transported.
The aerial work platform was created by John L. Grove, an American inventor and industrialist. Nevertheless, during 1966, prior to JLG's first unit, a company known as Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
In 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along 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 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can lift employees safely in the air for them to do maintenance and construction tasks 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 business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their very first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.