Aerial work platform
Truck with mechanical device for lifting people up to high places / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Aerial work platform?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
An aerial work platform (AWP), also known as an aerial device, elevating work platform (EWP), aerial lift, cherry picker, bucket truck or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) is a mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. There are distinct types of mechanized access platforms and the individual types may also be known as a "cherry picker", "boom lift" or "scissor lift".
This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2016) |
They are generally used for temporary, flexible access purposes such as maintenance and construction work or by firefighters for emergency access, which distinguishes them from permanent access equipment such as elevators. They are designed to lift limited weights ā usually less than a ton, although some have a higher safe working load (SWL)[1] ā distinguishing them from most types of cranes. They are usually capable of being set up and operated by a single person.
Regardless of the task they are used for, aerial work platforms may provide additional features beyond transport and access, including being equipped with electrical outlets or compressed air connectors for power tools. They may also be equipped with specialist equipment, such as carrying frames for window glass.[1] Underbridge units are also available to lift operators down to a work area.[2]
As the name suggests, cherry pickers were initially developed to facilitate the picking of cherries. Jay Eitel invented the device in 1944 after a frustrating day spent picking cherries using a ladder. He went on to launch the Telsta Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA in 1953 to manufacture the device.[3][4] Another early cherry picker manufacturer was Stemm Brothers, Leavenworth, WA.[5] Other uses for cherry pickers quickly evolved.[6][7]