Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine designed and engineered to elevate employees and gear to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The kind of machine varies with the particular brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks that need work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Therefore, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept numerous employees safe.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These types of equipment could 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 in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was devised by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. Nevertheless, during the year 1966, before JLG's 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 and his wife decided to take a road trip. They decided to stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 2 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which can raise employees safely in the air for them to do maintenance and construction tasks in a better way.
When John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends. They immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.