Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine engineered and designed to raise employees and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of equipment varies with the specific brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs that need work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Therefore, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous workers safe and increased the overall productivity of similar jobs.
There are 3 key types of aerial work platforms. They are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These machines are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These models may be self-propelled with controls 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. Nonetheless, during the year 1966, prior to JLG's very first model, a company referred to as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove together with his wife decided to take a road trip in the year 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 tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can safely raise workers in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
John purchased a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership along with 2 friends, once he returned home from his vacation. The small business soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.