Portable Light Towers Help Keep Worksites and Emergency Zones Operational Around the Clock
As the second installment in our National Preparedness Month series (read the first one here), this article highlights the essential role portable light towers play in enabling effective disaster response. They provide the powerful illumination needed to guide individuals to safety, enhance visibility for first responders and support continuous operations when the grid is down. Their mobility and ability to be quickly positioned wherever needed makes them indispensable assets in a crisis.
Key Applications in Emergency Scenarios
When a disaster strikes, portable light towers are deployed to support a range of critical operations. They illuminate vast, debris-filled areas to aid in search and rescue efforts, help establish continuous light for temporary medical tents and emergency command posts and provide well-lit workspaces for utility crews performing round-the-clock infrastructure repair. Most light towers also have a duplex receptable outlet where in addition to running the lights you can power your computer, charge your mobile device, power a small fan or appliance and more. Additionally, they offer a sense of security in evacuation zones and temporary shelters, providing essential community support.
Selecting the Right Light Tower
When planning for disaster response or extended operations, it’s important to understand how and where light towers will be used. Key considerations include runtime and light coverage. For example, a unit with an extended runtime is critical for multi-day outages, while a tower with a 360-degree rotating mast and adjustable lamps offers versatile coverage for large or complex work zones. You should also consider maneuverability for fast deployment across rough terrain and the need for simultaneous power capabilities to run other essential tools.
Finally, remember that proper planning extends beyond the equipment itself. Having a supply of accessories like extension cords, spare bulbs or maintenance kits can keep operations running smoothly.
Light Tower Maintenance and Readiness
To ensure your light towers are ready for immediate deployment, a proactive maintenance plan is key. Before each use, operators should check for any wear on the tires, outriggers, and the mast’s hydraulic system, as these components are critical for safe transport and setup. Inspect all wiring and electrical connections for corrosion or damage. Keep light fixtures and lenses clean, and ensure seals are intact to prevent moisture intrusion.
Regular maintenance should be a part of your readiness plan. This includes testing and charging batteries regularly and checking fluid levels. Running the engine periodically helps keep internal components lubricated and ready for extended use. This routine maintenance, along with careful setup and operation, ensures reliable performance when it matters most.
Bobcat Light Towers: Meeting the Demands of a Crisis
With a solid plan for how to use and maintain portable light towers, the next step is selecting the right equipment. Bobcat’s portable light towers are engineered to provide reliable illumination and power when you need it most.
Bobcat PL65 Portable Light Tower
The Bobcat PL65 portable light tower delivers light and power in a compact, highly maneuverable design. With a 6 kW alternator, it supports extended runtimes of up to 119 hours. Each lamp can be independently angled, and the mast rotates 360 degrees and extends up to 23 feet, offering broad coverage. The clamshell-style canopy allows quick access for service, and its design allows up to 17 units to be efficiently loaded on a single flatbed truck.
Bobcat PL80 Portable Light Tower
For demanding applications requiring even longer runtimes, the PL80 portable light tower offers 180 hours of illumination. Powered by an 8 kW alternator, it ensures simultaneous light and power at the job site. Its mast rotates fully and extends up to 23 feet, while each lamp can be aimed individually. Like the PL65, the PL80 features a clamshell-style canopy and a compact footprint for efficient transport. Programmable settings allow the unit to turn on at dusk and off at dawn, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
When the sun goes down or emergencies strike, having the right portable lighting is essential. With the right equipment and a plan for maintenance, emergency crews and businesses can ensure they are prepared to respond effectively and safely.
Craig Wilkens is manager of key accounts for Bobcat.
