Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine engineered and designed to elevate employees and tools to a particular height for the completion of jobs. The type of machine varies with the specific brand and model. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all tasks that need work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept numerous employees safe and increased the overall productivity of similar tasks.
There are 3 main types of aerial work platforms. They are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These machines could 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 which need an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was created by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. However, in the year 1966, prior to JLG's very first model, a company referred to as Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
In 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip. They decided 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 tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could lift workers safely in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
Once John returned home from his trip, he purchased a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership along with 2 friends. They immediately began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was named JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform in the year 1920 with the aid of 20 workers.