Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are designed and engineered to elevate workers and their tools to a particular height in order to complete a job. The particular model and manufacturer and kind of equipment all varies. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks requiring work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept numerous workers safe.
The three key types of aerial work platforms are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These machinery could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a rack and pinion system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered units needing an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle so as to be transported.
John L. Grove was an American industrialist and inventor who is widely credited to devising the aerial work platform. Nonetheless, during the year 1966, before the very first model of JLG, a company called Selma Manlift launched 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 opted to make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which can lift workers 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 company and formed a partnership together with 2 friends. They soon started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 workers.