Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine engineered and designed to elevate workers and tools to a certain height for the completion of tasks. The type of machine varies with the particular brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs requiring work at high levels needed to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept numerous employees safe.
The three main kinds of aerial work platforms are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These kinds of machinery could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered units requiring 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. Nevertheless, in 1966, prior to the very first model of JLG, a company called Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
In 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove together 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 witnessed 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 can safely lift workers in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership along with 2 friends, when he returned home from his vacation. The small company immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.