ON SITE EQUIPMENT LIGHTING TOWERS
Solar lighting can operate silently and without emissions at the point of use
lighting towers are capable of switching themselves on at dusk and off at dawn by using geolocation. Prolectric asserts that there is a growing emphasis on remote management, with telematics systems allowing operators to schedule lighting, monitor usage and identify inefficiencies. For rental companies, this data can be used to improve utilisation rates and reduce operating costs. For contractors, it provides greater visibility over site operations and energy use. “Remote monitoring and reporting help fleet managers identify inefficient patterns. For example, when towers are left on continuously, and support better site discipline without relying on manual checks. Intelligent control technologies help reduce fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs,” says Adams.
Urban constraints reshape demand says. “They actively look for features such as dimming capability, segmented or independently controllable heads, multiple brightness settings and sensor-driven operation.” Lighting towers are no longer expected to operate at full output throughout a shift. Instead, they are being configured to match lighting levels to the task. Motion sensors, daylight sensors and programmable timers are becoming more common, particularly on battery-powered and solar-assisted units where managing energy consumption is critical. By reducing unnecessary runtime, these systems extend operating hours and reduce the need for recharging or refuelling. Ryan Fredrickson, senior product marketing manager at Echo IPE, says that in North America, controllability is less high up the agenda. Nonetheless, he notes that his f i r m’s
The shift towards smarter lighting is closely linked to the environments in which construction projects are being delivered. Urban development, night-time infrastructure work and projects near sensitive locations such as hospitals or residential areas are placing new constraints on site operations. Once considered a relatively straightforward piece of equipment, contractors now need to pay more attention to where and how lighting towers are deployed. “Low-noise and zero-emission is a significant differentiator, particularly on urban infrastructure projects,” Adams says. “Noise and emissions are now tied directly to risk
Trime’s X-Change lighting tower in its T-Zero Pro range features swappable lithium batteries and offers a 2,000 sq m illuminated area
management where complaints, restricted working hours, and local air quality concerns can all impact programme delivery.” Battery-powered and solar-powered lighting towers are one response. Systems such as Trime’s hybrid- and battery-powered T-Zero range can operate silently and without emissions at the point of use, making them ideal for some jobs, such as city centre projects. These systems are now capable of covering typical construction shifts. Hay notes that battery-powered towers can operate for extended periods, often exceeding a full working shift, particularly when combined with efficient LED lighting and control systems. Swapping interchangeable li-ion batteries is becoming easier. However, adoption is not uniform. Contractors must balance environmental
ECHO EXPANDS RENTAL-READY LIGHTING AND POWER RANGE Echo Industrial Power Equipment expanded its construction offering in early 2026 with the launch of three mobile LED light towers and a 400kVA generator, showcased at ConExpo in Las Vegas. Echo IPE launched three new The 3kW, 6kW and 8kW light towers mobile LED light towers at ConExpo (DLT3, DLT6, and DLT8) are designed for rental fleets and infrastructure applications, offering up to 310 hours of runtime between refuelling and near 360-degree mast rotation. Shore power capability is standard, allowing units to operate from grid electricity when available. Echo has also emphasised durability, with all-steel construction aimed at improving reliability and reducing repair costs. The accompanying DGK400F generator targets highdemand applications, with an Isuzu 6WG1X Tier 4 Final engine and low-noise operation suited to urban environments.
INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION | APRIL-MAY 2026
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