Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a certain height for the completion of tasks. The type of machine varies with the specific brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks requiring 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 a lot of workers safe.
There are 3 main kinds of aerial work platforms. They are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These kinds of machines could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of 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 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 creating the aerial work platform. However, during the year 1966, before JLG's first unit, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
During the year 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip. They opted to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately witnessed 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that could raise workers safely in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership along with 2 friends, once he returned home from his vacation. The small business immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.