Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machinery engineered and designed to elevate employees and gear to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of machine varies with the specific make and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs that need work at high levels needed to be carried out with scaffolding. Therefore, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept many employees safe.
There are 3 key kinds of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These equipment can be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using a rack and pinion system or by hydraulics or with screws. These models may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered units needing 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, during 1966, before JLG's very first unit, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip in the year 1967. This was after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing. 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 tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can safely lift employees in the air for them to perform maintenance and construction tasks 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 vacation. The small company soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.