May. 26, 2025
Some construction projects, like road repair or utility maintenance, can only be carried out at night. When project managers don’t have the benefit of sunlight, they rely on light towers to provide adequate lighting to job sites, improving safety and ensuring deadlines are met.
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Also called construction lights or towable light plants, light towers consist of a trailer, a tall mast with lamps mounted to it and a diesel generator. Light towers represent a portable, efficient and dependable way to provide lighting on job sites.
Let’s go over the benefits of portable light towers, how they’re used in industries like construction and what to look out for when purchasing one.
Portable light towers are used to provide lighting in a number of settings like construction sites, mines, warehouses and sporting events. Since they’re portable and generate their own power, light towers are essential in situations where electricity is unavailable.
Here are some of the most popular uses for portable light towers:
The primary advantages of working with portable light towers are that they can be moved around and generate their own power. Therefore, portable light towers can provide lighting in situations where electricity is otherwise unavailable. Portable light towers can be set up and taken down quickly and easily.
Compared to traditional lighting sources, like hard-wired street lamps, portable light towers require considerable maintenance. Since most portable light towers feature diesel engines, they need to be refueled often and the engine needs to be maintained. For long-term use, permanent lighting may be more efficient than using portable light towers.
Most portable light towers are designed as trailers with roadworthy tires and wheels, allowing them to be towed easily using a work truck or utility vehicle. Other light towers are designed not as trailers, but as carts. This type of light tower can be moved around by a human operator without the use of a vehicle.
The most common type of light tower is designed as a trailer. This type of light tower has a simple trailer hitch attachment on one end and an axle with a single set of wheels on the other end.
Light towers designed with roadworthy wheels and tires can be easily connected to any vehicle with a trailer hitch and transported on roads and highways. Like other trailers made for the road, a light tower’s tires need to be maintained and occasionally replaced to keep the trailer safe for the road.
Cart-style light towers are typically lighter and more compact than trailer-style light towers. Unlike trailers, cart-style light towers can be moved around a job site by hand and don’t require a vehicle.
Portable light towers come in a variety of designs. When selecting the best design for your particular application, you’ll want to consider a number of key features. Some features to consider when choosing a portable light tower include:
For large areas, multiple light towers may be used in tandem to provide adequate illumination. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need 30 watts of brightness per square foot of illumination.
For example, if your light tower features 4 lamps with a brightness of 1,000 watts each, it can illuminate up to 133 square feet (4,000 watts divided by 30 watts) on its own.
Like other equipment, portable light towers must be properly maintained in order to keep them in good working condition.
The main areas of a light tower that require maintenance are its lamps, engine and tires.
Metal halide lamps have a life expectancy of around 10,000 hours. They’re relatively easy to replace, but become very hot during operation and need to cool down before they can be handled safely. LED lamps, on the other hand, do not have replaceable bulbs, so the entire element needs to be replaced. In contrast to halide lamps, LED lamps last a long time–with a life expectancy of about 50,000 hours.
A light tower’s diesel engine needs to be properly maintained to avoid unnecessary breakdowns. Generally, maintaining a light tower’s engine will consist of routine tasks like checking coolant and oil levels, changing fuel filters, replacing air filters, routinely inspecting the engine’s belts for wear and using only high quality fuel.
In order to keep your light tower roadworthy, you’ll need to maintain its tires. Like other wheeled equipment, a light tower’s tires are susceptible to balding, punctures and other forms of wear. It’s important to routinely inspect your light tower’s tires for signs of obvious wear and keep them sufficiently inflated.
To get the most out of your portable light tower, be sure to have a preventive maintenance plan in place and operate your light tower according to best practices. Here are some additional tips that will help you get the most out of your portable light tower:
Portable light towers range in price from $10,000 to $25,000. Portable light towers with a greater power output (higher kilowatt rating) are generally more expensive than portable light towers with a lower power output. Light towers can be rented for around $150 per day.
Portable light towers are essential to providing illumination on construction sites and in other situations where traditional lighting is unavailable.
The EquipmentShare Online Parts Store is a one-stop shop for everything you need to keep your portable light tower in prime operating condition. Our extensive online catalog includes OEM and aftermarket parts from popular light plant brands like Wacker Neuson, Generac, Allmand and Terex. Still can’t find the part you need? Reach out to one of our parts experts for personalized assistance.
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Light towers have evolved from simple gas lanterns to sophisticated systems that illuminate massive workspaces. As job site needs have grown, so have the types of light towers available, each designed for specific tasks.
Here’s a look at the most-used light tower types today:
Optimizing nighttime operations hinges on selecting the best lighting solution. With each type of light tower designed for unique environments and power sources, it’s crucial to know which configuration meets your demands.
Continue for in-depth insights into how these towers can transform your workflow…
Light towers are key in many industries, lighting up the night for work. They provide strong light where normal lights can’t reach or are not enough.
A construction light tower has important parts. It has a trailer or base, a mast that can extend, and strong lamps. A diesel generator powers it. Some light towers also have smart controls and energy-saving LED lights.
Industrial light towers are a must-have in many fields. They’re used in building, mining, emergency response, and event planning. These towers let work go on safely and well at night, helping projects stay on track and keeping workers productive.
Portable light towers bring big advantages. They can be placed where they’re needed most. They’re simple to set up and move, perfect for temporary or moving sites. Plus, they have their own power, so they work well in places far from power lines.
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Choosing the right light tower for your construction site is key. Portable light towers are great for moving between jobs easily. They’re perfect for temporary lighting where power isn’t available. Stationary light towers are best for long-term projects and permanent setups.
The choice between a portable light tower and a stationary one depends on several factors. Think about the project length, site access, power options, and how often you’ll move the tower. Portable towers need more upkeep because they move around and use diesel engines. Stationary towers are stable for longer projects but less flexible.
Towable light towers offer a good mix of mobility and stability. They’re easy to move to different spots, making them great for changing construction sites. These towers can light up areas from 2,000 to 8,000 square meters, with brightness from 75,000 to 250,000 lumens.
Light towers, whether portable or stationary, boost safety and productivity on construction sites. They improve visibility, cut down on accidents, and let work go on after dark. This helps meet project goals on time.
Light towers come in different types to meet various needs. Each type has its own benefits for certain uses. Let’s look at the main types used in construction, events, and emergencies.
Trailer-mounted light towers are great for moving around. They have wheels and a hitch for easy transport. These are perfect for construction, road work, and big outdoor events that need to be moved often.
Skid-mounted light towers are compact for small spaces. They’re not as mobile as trailer-mounted ones but can be moved with forklifts or cranes. These are ideal for projects that don’t need moving a lot.
Vertical mast light towers have a mast that goes up and down. They set up quickly and are great for short jobs or emergencies. These towers light up a big area fast and are often used in disaster relief.
Balloon light towers spread light evenly. They give off glare-free light, making them perfect for nighttime events, movies, and construction sites where workers need comfort. These towers create a soft light that cuts down shadows and makes things clearer.
Light towers have different power options for various job sites. Diesel light towers are most common in construction and mining. They are reliable and can run for a long time, perfect for remote areas. The U.S. market for light towers was over $1.3 billion in , showing their widespread use.
Electric light towers are becoming more popular for sites close to power sources. They are quieter and cheaper upfront than diesel models. Solar light towers use the sun’s energy, cutting down on carbon emissions and working well off the grid.
Battery-powered light towers are great for places where noise is a concern. They can light up for up to 24 hours straight. These are ideal for city construction sites or events where keeping noise down is important. Hybrid light towers use different power sources for longer run times and flexibility in changing conditions.
LED technology has changed how efficient light towers are. LED towers can produce 75,000 to 250,000 lumens and use much less energy than old lights. They last up to 50,000 hours, cutting down on maintenance costs and replacement needs.
When picking a light tower, think about how portable it is, its storage options, and how well it stands up to the weather. For example, OPTraffic’s hybrid light towers are tough and work well in all kinds of weather. Keeping up with maintenance and following the maker’s advice helps make any light tower last longer and work better.
Light towers are key for nighttime work. We’ll look at metal halide and LED light towers to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Metal halide light towers have been around for a while. They give off about 15,000 lumens per bulb at first. LED light towers can shine with 20-30,000 lumens per bulb.
A Generac 320 Watt Gen4 LED tower lights up with 188,000 lumens. A Watt Metal Halide tower shines with 281,424 lumens when new.
LED light towers use less energy, up to 75% less than metal halide. This means big fuel savings, using about 0.5 liters per hour. This is less than traditional metal halide models.
LED lamps last more than 50,000 hours, which is like 10 years of use. Metal halide bulbs don’t last as long, between 10,000 and 20,000 hours. So, LEDs need less replacing and cost less to maintain.
Metal halide light towers cost less at first, but LEDs save money over time. LEDs use up to 50% less energy. Add in their longer life and lower upkeep, and LEDs are a smart choice for many uses.
Choosing the right light tower size is key for good lighting. High-mast towers can light up to 7 acres, while low-mast ones are better for smaller areas. The area covered depends on the mast’s height and the lamp’s brightness. A 30-foot mast is often used for building sites.
When picking an adjustable height light tower, think about your project’s size and the land. Big projects like building sites or bridge work need tall, strong units. For good lighting, aim for 30 watts per square foot.
Light towers can light up 2,000-8,000 square meters from one machine. They give off 75,000 to 250,000 lumens, with each lamp making 110-120 lumens per watt. Standard lighting levels are 10-20 lux.
For big areas, you might need more light towers. For instance, a football field needs four or more units. Work with local dealers to pick the right light tower for your project.
Light towers have changed to fit different needs across industries. They now offer eco-friendly options and versatile power sources. These solutions meet various project needs and environmental concerns.
Solar light towers are great for remote places. They use sunlight to power LED lights, so there’s no need for fuel or grid electricity. This makes them perfect for off-grid sites, cutting down on carbon emissions and costs.
Hybrid light towers use both traditional and renewable energy. They mix diesel generators with solar panels for flexibility and long-lasting power. This mix ensures lights stay on, even when the weather is bad.
Compact light towers are made for small areas. They pack a big punch in tight spaces without taking up much room. They’re ideal for city construction sites, narrow paths, and places where big towers won’t fit.
These specialized light towers show how the industry is embracing innovation and sustainability. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for a remote area or a compact unit for city projects, there’s a solution just right for you.
Choosing the right light tower means looking at different features for the best performance and safety. Remote-controlled towers let operators change settings from afar. Multi-directional towers shine light on specific areas. Rotating towers light up a bigger area efficiently.
Weather-resistant towers are key for lasting long. The Atlas Copco HiLight H6+ has a HardHat® canopy for tough conditions. These towers start up in 40 minutes, cutting down on lost time. Look for towers that go 600 hours between services to lessen downtime.
Efficiency is important when picking a light tower. LED towers use less power to light up big areas, unlike metal halide options. LED lamps last a long time, over 50,000 hours, for reliable use. Towers with SmartMast prevent them from falling over, making things safer. They also keep noise levels low, protecting workers’ hearing.
Connectivity lets you monitor your towers from afar, saving money and time. Some towers can power up to nine units with one generator. Vertical masts make moving them easier, fitting more units on one truck. Think about these features to find the right tower for your project.
For more information, please visit Towable Light Towers.
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