Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machinery designed and engineered to elevate workers and gear to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The kind of machine varies with the specific brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs that need work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept numerous workers safe.
The three main kinds of aerial work platforms are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These equipment could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically making use of a pinion and rack system or by hydraulics or with screws. These models 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 in order to be transported.
John L. Grove was an American inventor and industrialist who is widely credited to devising the aerial work platform. However, in the year 1966, prior to JLG's first unit, a company known as Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove along 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 make a stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately saw 2 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can safely raise employees in the air for them to do maintenance and construction tasks in a better way.
Once John returned home from his vacation, he bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership 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 first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.