Quick Answer: Light towers for sale range from basic diesel units with halogen fixtures to solar hybrid models with LED heads that run far longer on far less fuel. The right choice depends on jobsite hours, fuel access, and how often the unit needs to move between locations.
What Should You Know Before Buying Light Towers For Sale?
Night work on a construction site life or dies by lighting quality, and a poorly chosen light tower turns a routine night shift into a safety problem. Buyers shopping light towers for sale often focus on price per unit and skip the details that actually determine whether the tower earns its keep over a few seasons of use.
LED Versus Metal Halide, and Why It Matters
Older light towers run metal halide bulbs that burn bright but draw heavy fuel and need bulb replacement every 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Newer units run LED fixtures that use roughly half the fuel for comparable brightness and last 50,000 hours or more before needing replacement.
A used metal halide tower might look cheaper upfront, but factor in fuel cost over a full season of nightly use and the math often favors LED, even at a higher purchase price. Generac, Allmand, Multiquip, and Terex all build both styles, so don’t assume the brand name tells you which lighting technology you’re getting.
Fuel Type and Run Time Realities
Diesel towers dominate the market because diesel generators are reliable and fuel is widely available on most jobsites. Run time on a full tank typically ranges from 60 to 120 hours depending on tank size and how many of the four light heads are running at full output.
Solar and hybrid towers have grown popular for sites with noise restrictions or limited fuel access. A solar tower with battery storage can run all night on stored daytime charge in many climates, though performance drops in winter months or in regions with limited sun exposure. Match the technology to your actual jobsite conditions rather than buying based on what’s trending.
Mast Height and Coverage Area
Standard light towers extend to 20, 25, or 30 feet. Taller masts cover more ground per unit, which matters on large sites like highway construction or stadium parking lots where fewer towers covering more area saves on rental or purchase costs overall. Shorter masts work fine for smaller sites like residential construction or utility work where mobility between locations matters more than maximum throw distance.
Wind rating matters here too. A 30 foot mast in an exposed, windy location needs a tower rated for higher wind speeds, or it risks tipping. Check the manufacturer’s wind rating before assuming a taller tower is automatically the better buy.
Condition Checks for Used Units
- Generator hours and whether it’s been serviced on schedule
- Mast hydraulics, since a sticking or slow raising mast often signals a hydraulic leak
- Light head condition and whether bulbs or LED fixtures need replacement soon
- Trailer tires, axle, and hitch condition if the unit is towable
- Fuel tank for rust or contamination, which causes engine problems down the line
A trustworthy construction equipment supplier will run the tower through a full raise and lower cycle and start the generator under load before you buy, not just show it sitting idle.
Pricing Used Light Towers Realistically
Expect 40 to 60 percent of new retail for a diesel tower with moderate hours and documented maintenance. LED equipped units command a premium over metal halide models of similar age, often 10 to 15 percent more, because of the lower operating cost buyers know they’re getting.
PCI Heavy Equipment carries light towers for sale across both diesel and LED configurations, which makes side by side comparison easier for buyers trying to decide between upfront savings and long term fuel costs.
Towability and Permitting
Many light towers are DOT rated trailers, which means towing them on public roads requires proper lighting, brakes, and sometimes a specific license depending on weight and your state’s regulations. Confirm the trailer’s gross weight rating and whether your tow vehicle and driver credentials meet the requirement before assuming you can simply hook up and go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are LED light towers worth the higher purchase price?
A: For units running regularly, yes. Lower fuel consumption and far longer bulb life typically recover the price difference within one to two seasons of nightly use.
Q: How long does a tank of fuel last on a typical light tower?
A: Most diesel towers run 60 to 120 hours per fill, depending on tank size and how many light heads are active at full brightness.
Q: What mast height do I actually need?
A: Larger sites benefit from 30 foot masts covering more ground per unit. Smaller or frequently moved sites often do better with 20 foot units that are easier to relocate.
Q: Do used light towers come with any warranty?
A: Many dealers offer limited generator warranties on inspected used units, typically 30 to 90 days, separate from any manufacturer warranty still in effect.
Q: Can I tow a light tower with a standard pickup truck?
A: Often yes, but verify the trailer’s gross weight rating against your truck’s towing capacity, and confirm your state’s requirements for trailer brakes and licensing.
A light tower that’s well matched to your jobsite pays for itself in safety and crew productivity long before fuel savings even enter the conversation. Buy for the conditions you’ll actually face, not just the lowest number on the price tag.
