Light towers are essentially petrol/diesel powered generators with lighting elements. In most cases, lighting tower and trailers have a power source in addition to the power used to run the lights. This turns most light towers into multifunctional devices, allowing operators to use them as small generators.
Before performing maintenance, the lighting tower and trailers needs to be completely shut down and allowed to cool completely. Maintenance personnel should also understand the relationship between hours and miles. Understanding this helps to put the wear and tear seen on a typical mobile lift tower and engine into perspective.
When it comes to maintenance, there are a few things to consider: the engine and the trailer light tower itself. In most cases, users will be using a liquid-cooled engine with a radiator and oil pan. A proper maintenance and replacement schedule should be followed for all filters, including fuel and air filters, especially in dirty environments. Plus, making sure you're using the correct engine oil, along with the correct, clean fuel, can go a long way in maintaining your machine.
Once the machine is on site, proper setup is key. It takes a lot of work before a trailer light tower can be pulled to a construction site and started. The user needs to level the trailer light tower and set the outriggers correctly. Then, make sure the lights are positioned and adjusted to the desired position before raising the mast. Once the tower is installed and the mast is raised, make sure to turn off all switches before starting the engine. Operators should always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for activation. After the engine is up and running, allow the engine to run for a few minutes before applying a load.
