Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are engineered and designed to raise employees and their tools to a certain height in order to do a task. The particular model and manufacturer and type of machinery all varies. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs needing work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Hence, 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 mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These machinery can be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing a pinion and rack system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units 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 so as 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, before JLG's first unit, a company referred to as 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 terrible incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which can safely raise employees in the air for them to perform maintenance and construction tasks in a better way.
John purchased a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership with 2 friends, once he returned home from his vacation. The small business immediately started designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 workers.