Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machinery designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The kind of equipment varies with the specific brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks requiring work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous workers safe and increased the overall productivity of similar tasks.
The three main types of aerial work platforms are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These equipment could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing a rack and pinion system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered models needing an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle so as to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. However, in 1966, prior to the very first unit of JLG, a company called Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
In 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip. They opted to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 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 could safely raise employees in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
When John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership with 2 friends. They immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their first aerial work platform during 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.