Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machinery designed and engineered to elevate workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of equipment varies with the specific make and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks that need 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 jobs and kept many workers safe.
The three main types of aerial work platforms are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These machines can be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These models may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered models which require 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 inventor and industrialist. Nevertheless, in the year 1966, prior to JLG's very first unit, a company called Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
During the year 1967, after selling his previous business 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 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which can safely raise workers in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
Once John returned home from his trip, he purchased a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership together with 2 friends. They soon started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 workers.