Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machinery engineered and designed to raise workers and tools to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The type of machine varies with the specific make and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, 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 a lot of workers safe.
The three main kinds of aerial work platforms are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These kinds of machinery can be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of a rack and pinion system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units may be self-propelled with controls at the platform, they may be unpowered models requiring an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle so as to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. However, during 1966, prior to the very first model of JLG, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
In 1967, after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove and his wife decided to take a road trip. They opted to 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 could raise employees safely in the air for them to do construction and maintenance tasks in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership 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 released their first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.