Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine engineered and designed to raise employees and gear to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The kind of machinery varies with the particular make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks which need work at high levels needed to be done with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept many employees safe.
The three main kinds of aerial work platforms are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These machines are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a rack and pinion system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered units that require 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. However, during 1966, before the first unit of JLG, a company called Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove together with his wife decided to take a road trip during the year 1967. This was after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing. They decided 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 tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which can safely raise employees in the air for them to do 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 trip. The small business soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.