Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine designed and engineered to elevate workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of machinery varies with the particular make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks needing work at high levels needed to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous employees safe and increased the overall productivity of similar jobs.
There are 3 key types of aerial work platforms. They are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These kinds of machines are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a pinion and rack system or by hydraulics or with screws. These models 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 in order to be transported.
John L. Grove was an American inventor and industrialist who is widely credited to creating the aerial work platform. Nonetheless, during the year 1966, prior to JLG's very first unit, a company referred to as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip during 1967. This was after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing. They opted 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 incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could raise employees safely in the air for them to do maintenance and construction tasks in a better way.
Once John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership with 2 friends. They immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.