Aerial Work Platforms
AWP or aerial work platforms are designed and engineered to elevate workers and their tools to a particular height in order to carry out a task. The particular model and manufacturer and type of machine all varies. Before aerial work platforms were made, all jobs requiring work at high levels needed to be carried out with scaffolding. Hence, the invention of aerial work platforms has increased the overall productivity of similar jobs and kept numerous workers safe.
There are 3 main kinds of aerial work platforms. They are boomlifts, mechanical lifts and scissorlifts. These kinds of equipment can be operated with pneumatics, mechanically utilizing a pinion and rack system or with screws or by hydraulics. These units may be self-propelled with controls situated at the platform, they may be unpowered models needing an external force to move them or be mounted to a vehicle so as to be transported.
The aerial work platform was created by John L. Grove, an American industrialist and inventor. Nevertheless, in the year 1966, before the first unit of JLG, a company called Selma Manlift introduced an aerial lift unit.
John L. Grove along with his wife decided to take a road trip during 1967. This was after selling his previous business Grove Manufacturing. 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 terrible event led John Grove to discover an untapped market for a new product that could lift employees safely in the air for them to do maintenance and construction jobs in a better way.
John bought a small metal fabrication business and formed a partnership along with 2 friends, when he returned home from his vacation. The small company soon began designing ideas for the aerial work platform. The new company was called JLG Industries Inc. They proudly released their first aerial work platform during the year 1920 with the aid of 20 employees.