Aerial Work Platforms
Aerial work platforms or AWPs are engineered and designed to raise employees and their gear to a particular height so as to complete a task. The specific model and manufacturer and type of machine all varies. Before aerial work platforms were made, all jobs needing work at high levels had to be carried out with scaffolding. Therefore, the invention of aerial work platforms has kept many employees safe and increased the overall productivity of similar jobs.
The three key types of aerial work platforms are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These types of equipment could be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing 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 need an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle in order to be transported.
The aerial work platform was devised by John L. Grove, an American inventor and industrialist. Nonetheless, during 1966, prior to JLG's first model, a company known as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
In 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove and 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 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product which could safely lift employees in the air for them to do maintenance and construction tasks in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership with 2 friends, once he returned home from his trip. The small business 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 in 1970 with the aid of 20 workers.