Time is money, and light towers are essential for productivity and safety when tight construction schedules demand overnight work. Selecting a tower for your site is critical to maximize performance and ROI when your crew must put in overtime to keep clients satisfied.
Light Tower Types
Light towers fall into two categories based on the bulb they use. Knowing the difference can help you choose what works best for your crew and budget.
LED
LED light towers are the go-to choice for many construction teams because they consume significantly less energy than traditional options, yet still deliver powerful, consistent illumination across large coverage areas. Lasting tens of thousands of hours, LED lighting is an energy-efficient investment for long-term use.
Durability is another advantage. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs don’t have fragile filaments, making them more resistant to impact and vibration. That translates to fewer maintenance issues, easier transport and reliable performance — even in harsh conditions.
Halogenuros metálicos
While these light towers are less common today, their lower upfront and rental costs still make them a practical choice for some construction sites. However, metal halide has drawbacks compared to LED light towers.
- Durability: Metal halide light towers are more prone to damage from impact.
- Safety: Metal halide lamps contain hazardous substances such as mercury, which can be dangerous if they break.
- Energy use and cost: Metal halide towers require more energy to operate than LED light towers, so they cost more to use.
Power Options
Whether you choose an LED or a metal halide light tower, you’ll need to decide how you want to power it.
Diesel
Diesel-powered light towers are popular for their flexibility and rugged performance. Because they don’t rely on external infrastructure, they’re ideal for remote sites or projects that require frequent relocation. Their durable design and self-contained power source make them the best light towers for construction sites and other demanding environments.
Runtime and brightness vary by model. Towers with larger fuel tanks can run for 60 to 100 hours on a single fill, while high-output models can deliver up to 462,000 lumens — enough to illuminate several acres. Even lower-output units offer substantial coverage for most construction needs.
Eléctrico
Electric light towers are a reliable, low-emissions lighting solution for worksites with access to power. These towers can operate continuously as long as they remain connected to a generator or standard outlet, making them ideal for projects that prioritize consistency and sustainability.
Some models include onboard batteries, adding flexibility for short-term use in areas without direct power access. However, unless the tower is a hybrid, you’ll need to reconnect it once the battery depletes.
Electric towers produce no on-site greenhouse gases, making them a responsible choice for businesses that must adhere to strict environmental regulations. They may also offer lower operating costs compared to diesel-powered alternatives, depending on your energy setup.
Solar
Solar-powered light towers’ distinct advantages set them apart from diesel and electric models.
- Free energy: Solar energy is renewable and freely available, which can save a significant amount of money on sites that require many hours of illumination.
- Zero emissions: Solar-powered towers emit zero emissions and are an eco-friendly energy source.
- Silent: Light towers powered by solar energy don’t produce noise pollution.
- Minimal maintenance: Since solar-powered light towers do not require a generator, they need little to no upkeep.
However, solar towers have limitations. Since they rely on sunlight, their performance can drop during overcast weather, short winter days or overnight. Even when fully charged, they typically produce less illumination than diesel or electric towers.
Upfront cost is another consideration. Solar-powered models often carry a higher purchase price, which can offset some of the savings from free energy over time.
Híbrido
Hybrid light towers combine the benefits of multiple power sources, offering flexibility and efficiency in one unit. Most models pair a diesel engine with a solar or electric battery. Typically, the tower runs on diesel while the battery charges, then switches over once enough stored energy is available.
This dual-power setup reduces fuel costs, cuts emissions and minimizes noise — making hybrid towers a versatile option for environmentally conscious or noise-sensitive sites.
However, that flexibility comes at a price. Hybrid towers are among the most expensive to purchase or rent, so you’ll need to weigh the upfront costs against long-term savings and operational needs.
What Are Light Towers Used for in Construction?
While many industries rely on light towers, construction remains the most common application. Reliable lighting is essential on jobsites where delays aren’t an option.
- Building construction: To stay on schedule during early mornings, late nights or short days.
- Roadwork: To ensure visibility and safety during overnight projects that minimize daytime traffic disruptions.
- Infrastructure projects: To keep pace with tight timelines and maintain round-the-clock productivity.
How to Choose the Right Light Tower
Each type has pros and cons. Selecting a light tower isn’t about achieving perfection, so the goal is to find the best fit for your site’s specific needs. To do that, weigh the potential advantages and drawbacks while keeping these factors in mind.
- Mast height: The taller your mast, the larger an area you can illuminate.
- Brightness: Your light tower’s brightness, measured in lumens, will affect how well it lights the site.
- Operating costs: The cost of using a light tower will depend on its fuel type and maintenance requirements.
- Mobility: If you need to move your light tower regularly, choose one that’s lightweight and easy to transport.
- Eco-friendliness: Consider environmental standards if your business must comply with green regulations.
- Runtime: How long does the tower operate before you need to refuel or recharge it?
Comprehensive Light Tower Rental Services
You may benefit from renting instead of buying if you only need a light tower for a limited time or a specific occasion. When you choose to rent from Thompson Machinery, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. What’s more, we’ll take care of the tower’s servicing, maintenance and inspections.
Contact us today to learn about our pricing, wide selection and flexible, affordable solutions.