Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are engineered and designed to elevate employees and their gear to a particular height so as to complete a job. The specific unit and manufacturer and kind of machine all varies. Before aerial work platforms were made, all jobs needing work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept many workers safe.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of 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 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 industrialist and inventor. Nevertheless, during the year 1966, prior to JLG's very first unit, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
During 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip. They decided to stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately witnessed 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic 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 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 business immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 workers.