Aerial Work Platforms
The aerial work platform or AWP is a machine designed and engineered to raise workers and gear to a certain height for the completion of jobs. The type of machinery varies with the specific brand and unit. Before aerial work platforms were made, all jobs requiring work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Thus, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept numerous workers safe.
The three key kinds of aerial work platforms are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These machinery could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically using 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 which require an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was developed by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. Nonetheless, in the year 1966, before JLG's first unit, a company called Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
During the year 1967, after selling his previous business 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 saw 2 workers electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic incident led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could lift workers safely in the air for them to do maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
When John returned home from his vacation, he purchased 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 called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly launched their very first aerial work platform in 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.