How to select the right work light for small earth-movers
Even when a construction or agriculture job has to be done in the dark, the operator of a small earth-mover needs to see clearly at all times. After all, operators with a clear view of the work site can handle the mini-excavator, skid steer loader, compact track loader or backhoe loader more efficiently, which results in increased safety and reduced machine downtime. Therefore, small earth-movers should be equipped with work lights to illuminate the job site. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of the various light technologies and what to consider when choosing work lights.
Work light technologies
LED work lights
Work lights that use LED technology have many advantages. First, LEDs provide a superior light quality that is not compromised by the size or shape of the work light. They are also generally compact, making them suitable for most working situations. Secondly, LED work lights produce accurate colours, with light that is very similar to daylight. In this way, the light is easy on the eyes, preventing eyestrain and premature fatigue. Most LED lights emit cool light, which is optimal for high-duty applications in construction and agriculture. However, warm models are also available, which increase overall visibility in extreme (weather) conditions like heavy rain, snowstorms, thick dust, etc.
A third advantage of LED technology is that the lights come in two different types:
- The most common type is a flood beam, which illuminates a wide area over a short distance.
- A spot beam is preferable when a narrow area has to be illuminated over a long distance. The light from a spot beam is more intense than a flood beam.
Other benefits of LED lights include low power consumption, long lifespan and affordability.
Xenon work lights
Xenon work lights have some advantages similar to those of LEDs. They also simulate daylight and shed a consistent, bright light pattern, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications and harsh weather conditions.
But there are also some things to watch out for. Although the lifespan of Xenon work lights is longer than that of halogen or incandescent bulbs, it is shorter than that of LEDs. So, in general, they have an average lifespan. Xenon is also a complex and expensive technology, which makes it less affordable than LED. Finally, Xenon lights take 10 to 15 seconds to reach full brightness, which can be inconvenient in certain situations. That is why this technology is only used to a limited extent.
Halogen/incandescent work lights
The third type of light has been around the longest and provides a standard solution for basic needs. It is also the most affordable, making it the perfect option when work lights are only occasionally needed and investing in more expensive options isn’t worth it. These lights are easy to install, maintain and repair, and can be used on all machines.
However, halogen/incandescent technology has the most disadvantages because it is the oldest. These work lights provide low-contrast lighting and generally weak light output, making them more tiring on the eyes. In addition, halogen/incandescent lamps have a high power consumption and limited lifespan.
How to select the right work lights
To select the right work lights for a particular situation, take into account the specific work situation and the light technology already installed on the small earth-mover.
Specific work situation
The first element to consider is the size of the work site that needs to be illuminated since this will determine the required light intensity. This will also influence whether a flood beam or spot beam is preferable. Choose LED work lights with a spot beam if long-range narrow illumination is needed, but opt for a flood beam if short-range yet intense light is required.
Secondly, knowing how long the work lights will be used is vital. The more work has to be done in the dark, the more important it is to have adequate lighting. Halogen/incandescent bulbs have a weaker light output, which is straining on the eyes and can cause fatigue. LED and Xenon, on the other hand, simulate daylight, allowing the operator to work more accurately and productively.
Finally, it is crucial to consider how demanding the work environment is. In harsh conditions, LED work lights are the best option. Not only do they have the most extended lifespan, but they are also specially designed to withstand these rough conditions. In contrast, halogen/incandescent and Xenon are less than ideal in demanding environments because they are sensitive to vibration. The filament in these light sources could break if the vibration is too intense.
Existing light technologies
When purchasing work lights to replace the existing ones on a small earth-mover, it’s advisable to analyse what type of lights are currently installed. This knowledge will help you choose suitable replacements. Perhaps the current work light is efficient enough, and a similar light — of the same type — will suffice. However, if an upgrade with increased light output is required, you should know what technologies are available to achieve this.
It is also possible to combine work lights with different technologies. For example, if the machine already has halogen bulbs, which are no longer sufficient in certain situations, these can be supplemented with newer LED or Xenon lights. But remember that new work lights should always be installed in pairs to ensure even illumination.
Looking for work lights?
- We work with several renowned brands to deliver the highest quality work lights, including ABL, Cobo, Hella, Nordic Lights, TYRI, etc.
- We can supply work lights from our own brands, such as TotalSource.
- Click here to read more about our range of work lights.
- Visit our online shop to order work lights for small earth-movers and other machines.
- Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
About the authors
This blog post is brought to you by your construction equipment marketing team.
Request your customer account to shop parts online
Submit the application form to specify your business needs and request your customer account.
Our sales team will contact you within 3 business days to talk about your business needs and complete registration.
After your account is set up, you will receive a personal login to our online shop. We will guide you in finding parts and placing your first order.
Request your account
Over 75.000 customers trust TVH as their spare parts supplier to ensure their client’s equipment fleet is running smoothly and efficiently. It starts with a customer account.