Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machinery designed and engineered to raise workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The kind of machinery varies with the particular brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs requiring work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Therefore, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept many employees safe and increased the overall productivity of similar jobs.
There are 3 main kinds of aerial work platforms. They are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These equipment could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls located at the platform, they may be unpowered models needing an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
John L. Grove was an American industrialist and inventor who is widely credited to developing the aerial work platform. Nevertheless, in 1966, prior to JLG's first model, a company referred to as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove along 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 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can safely lift employees in the air for them to do maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends, once he returned home from his trip. The small business immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform during 1970 with the aid of 20 workers.