Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are designed and engineered to raise employees and their gear to a certain height so as to do a job. The specific model and manufacturer and kind of equipment all varies. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs requiring work at high levels needed to be done with scaffolding. Therefore, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept numerous employees safe.
The three main types of aerial work platforms are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These machines could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using 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 units needing 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 industrialist and inventor. Nevertheless, during 1966, prior to JLG's first model, a company referred to as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
In the year 1967, after selling his previous business 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 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic 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 maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
Once John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication company 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 first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.