10 Tips for Choosing a Light Tower | Pump & Plant

With many mobile lighting towers on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is best suited to your needs. Different manufacturers offer different features, and it can be both confusing and time consuming to look through all the available options. If you are asking yourself ‘how to choose light towers’, or maybe even ‘how much does it cost to rent a light tower’ then carry on reading. This guide will point out the various factors to consider and what exactly to look out for.

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How to choose a light tower?

Here are 10 tips to help you make an informed decision on which light tower is best for you.

1. Safety

Whilst mobile lighting towers are useful for enhancing safety in hazardous working environments, they are heavy pieces of machinery with their own risks that need to be considered. Such risks include high gusts of wind, unstable ground, and associated electrical hazards.

Although there are mandatory safety requirements and checks that all mobile lighting towers must have, some light towers have additional features and systems that can detect and minimize possible risks. If you are looking to maximize safety, then consider looking into these options. If hiring a mobile lighting tower, choose a reputable company and ensure that all the necessary checks have been completed.

2. Light throw

When it comes to light throw, this refers to how much coverage a portable light tower provides. Both the light throw and the brightness of your power tower light are useful factors to consider, especially when intending to use your lighting tower on large acres of outdoor space.

Check the specifications of your mobile lighting tower, making sure to pay close attention to the area coverage and the illuminance lux value. You’ll want to try and aim for maximum coverage. Metal Halide bulbs are more efficient for lighting up larger surface areas; however, LED bulbs offer a more direct light.

3. Fuel efficiency

When considering fuel efficiency, it’s important to note that diesel-powered light towers are more fuel efficient than petrol-powered ones. Fuel efficiency is important for many reasons – not only does it significantly affect running costs, but fuel-efficient engines have a longer run time meaning they can operate for longer hours before needing to be re-fueled.

Fuel efficiency also affects the environmental impact of your light tower as they reduce fuel consumption. Our fuel-efficient mobile lighting towers offer up to 85 hours of uninterrupted power.

4. Eco-friendliness

Speaking of their environmental impact, if seeking out an eco-friendly option then solar-powered lighting towers are a great choice. Whilst these may be beneficial in areas where electrical power is limited, in areas with less sunlight or in the winter months they may be less effective. If you don’t want to compromise on this, opt for models that use LED lightbulbs. They emit fewer emissions than regular bulbs and last longer, making them the more cost-efficient option.

5. Noise pollution

Lighting towers use generators that create a substantial amount of noise. This shouldn’t be much of an issue when working in remote locations; however, in populated areas or night-time operations, this can cause considerable disruptions and breach noise regulations. This can also interrupt audience viewers when used in outdoor events like concerts or festivals.

Consider investing in a low-noise mobile lighting tower to mitigate these factors. Our range of super silent lighting towers has a reduced noise feature producing just 60db(A) at 7m.

6. Build quality

Lighting towers are most often used outdoors where they have to withstand harsh weather conditions. As such, the quality of your light tower is an essential factor that needs to be considered. Ensure the materials used are durable and non-corrosive. For portable light towers, also check to see if they have been fitted with hardwearing tyres that can withstand long drives between jobs.

7. Canopy integrity

The canopy is the base of the lighting tower and provides a protective structure to the generator, engine, fuel tank, and all the electrical systems. As with the overall build quality of your mobile lighting tower, the canopy design is vital to safeguarding all the internal components. The canopy will need to withstand harsh weather conditions and preferably be constructed with long-lasting materials for maximal usage.

8. Transportation & mobility

Whether you’re investing in a portable light tower for several projects or need it stationed for a long period, the mobility of your lighting tower should be a factor to consider. Investing in a lighting tower that you can easily and efficiently transport between locations is ideal.

Our lighting towers combine durability with a compact design. They can be mounted to a trailer and are also fitted with a single left eye, so they can be moved easily with a crane or other heavy-lifting machinery. Our mobile lighting towers are also hydraulically operated, giving them a quick and easy set-up time.

9. Maintenance intervals & downtime

Your portable light tower will require maintenance checks and the frequency of such depends on the model you opt for. It is recommended for diesel engines to get an oil change every 6 months; however, this entirely depends on your usage. For those using their lighting tower for round-the-clock operations, this may be required on a more consistent basis.

Regular maintenance will keep the engine running smoothly and avoid any possible complications. The lightbulbs will also need replacing depending on their life expectancy, with LED light bulbs being the optimal choice for this. The maintenance intervals are something you’ll have to look out for to reduce downtime and prevent delays.

10. Connectivity

When it comes to mobile lighting towers, their ability to connect and communicate with external devices or networks is a worthy factor to consider. Connectivity allows for remote monitoring systems which give operators real-time updates regarding the light towers’ functionality. This can include monitoring factors such as fuel levels, engine health, light output, and other relevant data. Again, this further helps in reducing your maintenance intervals and downtime.

How much do light towers cost?

The price of your mobile lighting tower depends on what qualities you are looking for. Machines with advanced features and safety systems will cost more, but they usually come with additional benefits. Atlas Copco’s tower light price may be a worthy investment for those looking to prioritize safety with their SmartMast technology. Other contributing factors are engine size, area coverage, and any noise-minimizing features. It will also depend on if you choose to purchase your portable light tower or hire it. Light tower rental prices again can differ according to your needs and the duration of your contract.

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Why not contact our friendly team who can provide you with a quote according to your needs?

Explore our diesel lighting towers

Advice on how to choose light towers is our specialty. Browse our selection of diesel power light towers to either hire or purchase. We only work with trusted manufacturers across England and Wales and supply quality lighting towers for any need. Our portable light towers are not only competitively priced but they are mobile, hydraulic, and super silent.

Light towers illuminate job sites and enhance visibility, safety, and productivity during nighttime or low-light conditions. Different seasons bring unique visibility challenges, from varying lengths of night to dense fog, smoke, or heavy overcast. Regardless of location or the season, light towers provide reliable illumination to complete the job.

Various light tower options are available on the market. Selecting the right one requires understanding the key questions to ask and features to consider. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on choosing the perfect light tower for your job site requirements.

Assess Your Lighting Needs

Before choosing a light tower for your project, it is essential to assess your lighting requirements. Consider the size of the job site, the level of brightness needed, and any specific lighting regulations or standards that must be met. Other essential factors include fuel capacity and type, lamp type, tower size, and environmental conditions.

Understand Different Light Tower Types

Light towers come in various types, including diesel, solar, and electric-powered models. Each type has its advantages and limitations.

Diesel-Powered Light Towers

Diesel-powered light towers provide high illumination output and long run times, making them ideal for remote job sites with limited access to power sources.

Solar-Powered Light Towers

Solar-powered light towers are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They harness solar energy to illuminate the site, eliminating the need for fuel.

Electric-Powered Light Towers

Electric-powered light towers are suitable for indoor use or job sites with access to electrical outlets. They offer quiet operation and produce zero emissions.

Solar-Hybrid Light Towers

Due to their high fuel efficiency, solar-hybrid light towers are ideal for round-the-clock projects in remote locations. They operate on solar power during daylight hours and switch to electric power at night. 

Consider Portability and Mobility

Portability is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a light tower. Depending on the nature of your job site and mobility requirements, you need to determine whether a stationary or portable unit is more suitable. Portable light towers often come with features such as towable trailers or telescopic masts, enabling easy transportation and setup. This allows you to deploy lighting where it is needed most quickly.

Evaluate Lighting Features

It’s essential to consider the lighting features of different light tower models. Does it have an adjustable mast height? What is the light coverage area? What type of light fixture does it use? LED lights are popular for their energy efficiency, durability, and long lifespan. Additionally, look for features such as remote-control operation, automatic light sensors, and tilt or rotation capabilities for versatile lighting options.

Factor in Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance requirements and durability are essential considerations when selecting a light tower. For industrial purposes, choosing a model built to withstand harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain, and heavy-duty use is crucial. Look for light towers with corrosion-resistant materials, robust construction, low fuel consumption, and easy-access maintenance points. These features help minimize downtime and prolong the lifespan of your equipment.

An important consideration is that diesel/gas powered light towers require significantly more personnel hours than solar light towers due to the frequent refueling requirements.

Budget Considerations

Considering your budget is crucial when selecting a light tower. While opting for the lowest-cost option may be tempting, prioritizing quality, reliability, and long-term value over upfront costs can ultimately save you time and expenses throughout your project. It’s important to evaluate the total cost of ownership, which includes the initial purchase price, fuel or energy costs, maintenance expenses, and potential savings from energy-efficient features.

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