Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are designed and engineered to elevate employees and their gear to a particular height so as to finish a job. The particular unit and manufacturer and type of equipment all varies. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks that require 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 key types of aerial work platforms are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These machines 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 located at the platform, they may be unpowered models that require an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American inventor and industrialist. Nonetheless, in the year 1966, prior to JLG's first unit, a company known as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove together with his wife decided to take a road trip in the year 1967. This was after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing. They decided to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that could lift employees safely in the air for them to do construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
John purchased a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership together with 2 friends, once he returned home from his trip. The small business soon started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 workers.