Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The kind of equipment varies with the specific make and model. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks needing work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Therefore, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept numerous workers safe.
The three main types of aerial work platforms are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered units requiring 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. Nevertheless, during 1966, before JLG's first unit, a company known as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove and his wife decided to take a road trip during the year 1967. This was after selling his previous company 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 tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which can raise employees safely in the air for them to do construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
When John returned home from his trip, he bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership together with 2 friends. They soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.