Abstract: An aerial work platform (AWP) includes a base, a retractable lifting mechanism, a platform, an actuator, and a spring. The retractable lifting mechanism has a first end rotatably coupled to the base. The platform is coupled to and supported by a second end of the retractable lifting mechanism. The actuator is pivotally coupled to the retractable lifting mechanism. The actuator has a piston received within a housing that is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, where the piston engages and forces the retractable lifting mechanism away from the base to lift the platform away from the base. The spring biases the retractable lifting mechanism away from the base and provides a variable biasing force to the retractable lifting mechanism that increases as the piston approaches the stowed position.