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Towable Light Tower

A towable light tower is a mobile lighting unit mounted on a road-towable trailer, designed to provide temporary high-intensity illumination over large work areas. The equipment features a telescoping or articulating vertical mast that positions multiple lamps above ground level, powered by an integrated generator or battery system. Towable light towers enable 24-hour operations in construction, roadwork, mining, emergency response, and special events.

144
Models
4.9–26.8 ft (1.5–8.2 m)
Mast Height
18
Brands
Towable Light Tower

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

How it works

The operator tows the unit to the work site using a standard ball hitch, then stabilizes it using outriggers or stabilizer jacks. The mast—either manual-crank, electric-winch, or hydraulic—extends vertically from 4.9 to 26.8 ft, positioning the lamp array above obstructions and maximizing coverage area. Lamps typically use metal halide, LED, or other high-intensity discharge technology to produce 104,000 to 660,000 lumens. An onboard generator (1.5 to 29.4 kVA) or battery bank powers the lamps and mast controls. Most units provide 32 to 300 hours of continuous runtime depending on fuel capacity (6.8 to 175.0 gal) and lamp configuration. Some models rotate 360° manually or electrically to direct light precisely where needed, while wind ratings of 72 to 105 mph ensure stability in adverse weather.

Types & variants

Diesel Light Tower
Traditional design with diesel generator (3.0 to 115.8 hp) and metal halide or LED lamps, offering long runtime and high output for extended projects.
LED Light Tower
Energy-efficient design using LED lamp arrays, reducing fuel consumption (0.3 to 1.8 gal/hr) and extending runtime while lowering operating costs.
Solar/Hybrid Light Tower
Solar panels with battery storage or hybrid diesel-battery systems for zero- or low-emission operation in noise-sensitive and environmentally restricted zones.
Compact/Vertical Mast Tower
Smaller footprint units with vertical-only mast deployment for confined spaces, indoor use, or operations under low overhead clearances.
High-Mast Light Tower
Extended-height models reaching beyond 35 ft to illuminate large open areas such as interchanges, parking lots, or mining operations from a single setup.

Key specifications

SpecificationTypical rangeWhat it means
Mast Height4.9–26.8 ft (1.5–8.2 m)Maximum vertical extension of the lamp array; determines coverage area and clearance over obstacles.
Total Lumens104,000–660,000 lumensCombined light output of all lamps; higher values illuminate larger areas or higher ambient light requirements.
Power Output1.5–29.4 kVAGenerator capacity powering lamps and auxiliary systems; matches lamp load and any additional site electrical needs.
Fuel Capacity6.8–175.0 galOnboard fuel tank size; directly affects continuous runtime between refueling.
Runtime32–300 hrsContinuous operation duration at full lamp output before refueling; varies by fuel capacity and lamp efficiency.
Operating Weight551–12,787 lb (250–5,800 kg)Total weight including fuel, generator, mast, and trailer; affects towing vehicle requirements and site mobility.

How the industry sizes it

The industry sizes towable light towers primarily by mast height, measured in feet of vertical extension. Compact and electric towers under 20 ft suit indoor and low-clearance environments such as garages, tunnels, and warehouses. Standard 20–35 ft towers dominate roadwork, site construction, and yard lighting, with 30 ft models representing the most common configuration. High-mast towers exceeding 35 ft illuminate large open areas—parking lots, interchanges, mining sites—from a single setup, reducing the number of units and repositioning labor required.

Applications

  • Nighttime roadwork, paving, and highway construction requiring continuous illumination of travel lanes and work zones
  • Commercial and residential building construction enabling multi-shift operations and winter short-day productivity
  • Mining and aggregate operations lighting haul roads, crusher areas, and load-out zones during 24-hour production cycles
  • Emergency response and disaster recovery providing temporary lighting for search-and-rescue, utility repair, and relief efforts
  • Special events, filming, and security operations requiring temporary high-intensity lighting in outdoor venues
  • Pipeline, utility, and infrastructure projects in remote or unlit areas without permanent electrical service

Safety & operation

  • Stabilize the unit fully using outriggers or jacks on firm, level ground before raising the mast to prevent tipping during extension or wind events
  • Maintain clearances from overhead power lines during transport, setup, and mast deployment per OSHA minimum distance requirements
  • Lower the mast and secure lamps before towing to prevent structural damage, lamp breakage, and top-heavy instability during transport
  • Monitor fuel levels and refuel only when the generator is shut down and cooled to avoid fire hazards from fuel spills on hot surfaces
  • Verify wind conditions against the manufacturer's wind rating (72–105 mph) and lower the mast if forecasted winds exceed rated limits

Standards & certifications

OSHA · 29 CFR 1926.56
Requires adequate illumination in construction areas and mandates clearances from energized overhead lines during equipment operation.
SAE · J705
Establishes nomenclature and classifications for construction and industrial equipment, including towable lighting systems.
EPA · Tier 4
Emissions standards for non-road diesel engines; many light tower generators comply with Tier 3 or Tier 4 interim/final levels.
ANSI · ANSI/ASSE A10.31
Addresses safety requirements for boom-supported elevating work platforms, with provisions applicable to telescoping mast stability and operation.

Frequently asked

How is mast height measured and what area does it typically illuminate?
Mast height measures the vertical distance from ground to the lamp housing at full extension, ranging from 4.9 to 26.8 ft in this class. A standard 30 ft tower illuminates approximately 5–7 acres depending on lamp output, terrain, and required lux levels, while high-mast models can cover significantly larger areas from a single position.
What towing vehicle is required for a standard light tower?
Most standard light towers (250–2,500 kg operating weight) can be towed by 1/2-ton or larger pickup trucks with a 2-inch ball hitch, though heavier high-mast models may require 3/4-ton or 1-ton trucks. Operators should verify the towing vehicle's rated capacity against the tower's gross vehicle weight rating and ensure proper trailer brake function.
How does LED technology compare to metal halide in light towers?
LED lamps consume approximately 50% less power than metal halide for equivalent light output, extending runtime and reducing fuel consumption from 0.3 to 1.8 gal/hr. LEDs also offer instant-on capability, longer lamp life, and reduced maintenance, though initial equipment cost is typically higher than metal halide models.
What runtime can be expected from a light tower on a full fuel tank?
Runtime ranges from 32 to 300 hours depending on fuel tank capacity (6.8–175.0 gal), lamp type, and load. A typical 30 ft diesel tower with a 40-gallon tank and LED lamps provides approximately 100–150 hours of continuous operation, while metal halide configurations or smaller tanks yield shorter intervals between refueling.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

ModelPower outputFuel capacity
Allmand Maxi-Lite 17.5 kVA100.0 gal
Allmand Night-Lite V-Series 9.4 kVA45.0 gal
Allmand Night-Lite Pro II V-Series 9.4 kVA30.0 gal
Allmand Night-Lite Pro II LD-Series 9.4 kVA30.0 gal
Generac CUBE 4.0 kVA-
Generac MLT4060MV 6.0 kVA-

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Sources

Every specification is verified against the manufacturer's published data, with the source linked for reference.

All models

144 models · Page 3 of 3 · Every spec cited to source

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Allmand MP45
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Allmand TLB6235
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12.0 gal
5,800 lb (2,631 kg)
Makita DML813
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Multiquip LT-12D50B
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Multiquip LT12DAB
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Multiquip LT6
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Multiquip LT6D
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4,449 lb (2,018 kg)
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Musco Light
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Generac PLT240
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558 lb (253 kg)
Generac MLT6SMDS LED Light Tower
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39.9 gal
7.5 kVA
1,629 lb (739 kg)
Generac MLTB
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2.6 kVA
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Multiquip LT6K
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Multiquip LT6KV
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1,510 lb (685 kg)
Atlas Copco HiLight MI+ 6
Atlas Copco · Mât d'éclairage
2,646 lb (1,200 kg)
Allmand Maxi-Lite
Allmand · Light Tower
100.0 gal
17.5 kVA
5,000 lb (2,268 kg)
Multiquip LT-12D
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1,543 lb (700 kg)
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882 lb (400 kg)
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