Aerial Work Platforms
The AWP or aerial work platform is a machine designed and engineered to raise employees and tools to a particular height for the completion of tasks. The type of machinery varies with the specific make and model. Before aerial work platforms were made, all jobs that need work at high levels had to be done with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar tasks and kept numerous workers safe.
There are 3 key kinds of aerial work platforms. They are mechanical lifts, scissorlifts and boomlifts. These machines can 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 units needing 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 developing the aerial work platform. Nonetheless, during 1966, before JLG's very first model, a company known as Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift model.
During 1967, after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing, John L. Grove together with his wife decided to take a road trip. They decided to stop at Hoover Dam. While the couple was there, Grove unfortunately witnessed 2 employees electrocuted while they were working on scaffolding. This tragic event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that can safely raise employees in the air for them to perform construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication company and formed a partnership together with 2 friends, once he returned home from his vacation. The small company soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new business was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their very first aerial work platform during 1970 with the aid of 20 employees.