Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine designed and engineered to raise employees and gear to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The type of machine varies with the specific make and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all tasks requiring work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept a lot of employees safe.
The three key types of aerial work platforms are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These kinds of equipment are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated 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 devising the aerial work platform. However, in 1966, prior to the very first model of JLG, a company called Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove together with his wife decided to take a road trip in the year 1967. This was after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing. They decided to stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 2 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which can lift 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, when he returned home from his vacation. The small company immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.