Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machinery engineered and designed to raise workers and tools to a certain height for the completion of tasks. The kind of machine varies with the specific brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were made, all jobs 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 many workers safe.
The three main types of aerial work platforms are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These machines are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a rack and pinion system or with screws or by hydraulics. 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 in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was devised by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. Nevertheless, during 1966, before JLG's first model, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
In 1967, after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove and 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 which could lift employees safely in the air for them to perform maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
Once John returned home from his trip, he purchased a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership together with 2 friends. They soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform during 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.