Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine engineered and designed to elevate workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The type of machinery varies with the particular brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks needing work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept numerous employees safe.
The three main types of aerial work platforms are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These kinds of machines are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing a rack and pinion system or with screws or by hydraulics. These models may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered units which need an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle so as to be transported.
John L. Grove was an American inventor and industrialist who is widely credited to creating the aerial work platform. Nevertheless, during 1966, before JLG's very first unit, a company referred to as Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
During 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove together with his wife decided to take a road trip. They opted to stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 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 safely raise workers in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance 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 immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 workers.