Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine engineered and designed to elevate workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of machinery varies with the particular make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all jobs which need work at high levels needed to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous workers safe and increased the overall productivity of similar tasks.
There are 3 main kinds of aerial work platforms. They are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These kinds of machines are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using a pinion and rack system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered models needing 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 inventor and industrialist. However, in 1966, prior to JLG's very first model, a company referred to as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove and 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 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can safely lift workers in the air for them to perform 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 together with 2 friends. They immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.