Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine designed and engineered to elevate employees and gear to a certain height for the completion of jobs. The kind of machine varies with the specific brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks which require 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 tasks and kept numerous workers safe.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These machinery could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using a pinion and rack system or by hydraulics or with screws. These models may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered models requiring an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle so as to be transported.
John L. Grove was an American industrialist and inventor who is widely credited to devising the aerial work platform. Nonetheless, during 1966, before JLG's very first unit, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove and his wife decided to take a road trip in 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 witnessed 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 could safely raise employees in the air for them to do maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership with 2 friends, when he returned home from his trip. The small business immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 workers.