Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are designed and engineered to raise workers and their gear to a certain height in order to complete a task. The specific unit and manufacturer and kind of equipment all varies. Before aerial work platforms were developed, all jobs requiring work at high levels needed to be done with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept numerous workers safe.
The three key types of aerial work platforms are scissor lifts, boomlifts and mechanical lifts. These machinery are able to be operated with pneumatics, mechanically via a pinion and rack system or by hydraulics or with screws. These units 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 inventor and industrialist who is widely credited to creating the aerial work platform. However, in the year 1966, before JLG's first unit, a company referred to as Selma Manlift launched an aerial lift model.
John L. Grove and his wife decided to take a road trip during the year 1967. This was after selling his previous company Grove Manufacturing. They opted to make a 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 which can lift workers safely in the air for them to do construction and maintenance jobs in a better way.
John purchased a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership together with 2 friends, once he returned home from his vacation. The small business soon 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 during 1970 with the aid of 20 workers.