Light Up the Jobsite. Keep Working.

Q: How do I choose a portable light tower?

Consider runtime (larger tanks mean less refueling), lamp type (LED vs metal halide), mobility needs, and whether you need on-board power for tools. The PL65 provides 6 kW and the PL80 provides 8 kW for simultaneous lighting and tool power. Contact your nearest Carleton Equipment location for a recommendation.

Q: What's the difference between LED and metal halide light towers?

LEDs are more energy-efficient, longer-lasting (50,000-hour rated life), and more durable than metal halide. Metal halide has lower upfront cost but higher operating costs, shorter lifespan, and greater damage risk from towing debris.

Q: Can a Bobcat light tower also provide power for tools?

Yes. The PL80 includes an 8 kW alternator for on-board power to run hand tools and small equipment simultaneously with lighting. The PL65 provides 6 kW. This eliminates the need for a separate generator on many jobsites.

Bobcat light towers deliver powerful illumination and long runtime for safe, productive work after dark.

Work through the night with reliable, high-output jobsite lighting.

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Portable Light Tower Models

PL65

Prime Power Rating: 6 kW
Runtime @ 100%: 105 Hours
Available Frequency: 60 Hz
Weight: 1669 lb

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PL80

Prime Power Rating: 8 kW
Runtime @ 100%: 75 Hours
Available Frequency: 60 Hz
Weight: 1793 lb

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Bobcat Portable Light Towers

Compare the Light Tower Family

Same towable chassis and 360° / 23 ft vertical mast — choose by onboard power and runtime. The PL65 maximizes runtime; the PL80 adds engine and alternator power.

Model	Onboard Power	Runtime (LED)	Engine	Lighting Height	Operating Weight
PL65	6.0 kW120/240 V · 1Ø	210 hr LED119 hr metal halide	Kubota D100513.1 hp · 3-cyl	23 ft	1,669 lbs	View
PL80	8.0 kW120/240 V · 1Ø	180 hr LED97 hr metal halide	Kubota D110515.4 hp · 3-cyl	23 ft	1,793 lbs	View

Both light towers run four metal-halide or LED lamps on a 360°, 23 ft vertical mast with programmable dusk-to-dawn operation, a Tier 4 Final Kubota engine (1,000-hour oil intervals) and a 52.4-gallon tank, all on the same towable chassis. The PL65 delivers the longest runtime (up to 210 hr on LED); the PL80 steps up to a Kubota D1105 and an 8 kW alternator with more receptacle capacity. Specifications subject to change — contact Carleton Equipment to confirm.

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Understanding the Lineup

Two Towers, One Choice

Both Bobcat light towers share the same towable chassis, four-lamp 360° vertical mast and Kubota diesel power — they differ in onboard power and runtime. Here's how to read the lineup before you compare specs.

PL65 · Maximum Runtime

6.0 kW · up to 210 hr LED

Kubota D1005 with a 6 kW alternator and the longest runtime in the lineup — class-leading 119 hr on metal halide, 210 hr on LED. The efficiency choice for long, lights-only shifts.

PL80 · More Power

8.0 kW · up to 180 hr LED

Kubota D1105 with an 8 kW alternator and more receptacle capacity — the choice when the jobsite needs serious tool power alongside the lights.

LED vs Metal Halide LED lamps last 50,000 hours, are maintenance-free and run far longer per tank; metal halide costs less up front. Both are available on either model.

Onboard Generator Each tower doubles as a generator — 6 kW (PL65) or 8 kW (PL80) of 120/240 V single-phase power for hand tools and small equipment.

Vertical Mast A space-saving vertical mast rotates a full 360° and raises to 23 ft, with each of the four lamps aimed independently for targeted coverage.

Runtime Hours of continuous operation per fuel tank — driven by lamp type (LED runs longest) and load. Longer runtime means fewer refuels and less downtime.

How to Choose

Match the Tower to the Job

Both towers light the same area from the same 360° / 23 ft mast — so the decision comes down to two things: how long you need to run between refuels, and how much tool power you need on board. Choose LED lamps for the longest runtime, and step up to the PL80 when you need more outlets and onboard kilowatts.

What to Match	PL65	PL80
Runtime — 4 LED Lamps	210 hr	180 hr
Runtime — 4 Metal Halide	119 hr	97 hr
Runtime @ 100% Load	105 hr	75 hr
Onboard Power	6.0 kW	8.0 kW
120 V Receptacles	1 × 20 A	2 × 20 A
240 V Twist-lock	1 × 25 A (opt.)	1 × 30 A
Mast / Coverage	360° · 23 ft	360° · 23 ft
Fuel Tank	52.4 gal	52.4 gal

Longest runtime, lowest fuel use, lights-only work — set it and forget it

→ PL65 (LED)

Need to run hand tools & small equipment — more outlets and onboard kW

→ PL80 (8 kW)

Lighting a large site — towers cover the same area; add units for more coverage

→ Either · multiple units

Lowest maintenance & longest lamp life

→ LED on either model

Rule of thumb: pick LED for the longest runtime and least maintenance, size the number of towers to your site area (each lights the same footprint), and step up to the PL80 only if you need its extra 2 kW and outlets for tools. Not sure how many you need? Tell us your site and we'll spec it.

Where They Work

Applications by Industry

Construction

24-hour jobsite lighting plus onboard power for tools after dark.

PL65 / PL80

Roadwork

Night paving and lane work — broad, aimable coverage from a compact tower.

PL65 / PL80

Events

After-dark venues and vendor areas — quiet light plus power for booths.

PL80

Emergency & Relief

Disaster response and recovery — long runtimes for unattended operation.

PL65 (runtime)

Rental Fleets

Stack 17 on a flatbed, low-maintenance LED, 1,000-hr service intervals.

PL65 / PL80

Built for the Long Haul

Engineered for Maximum Uptime

Three things keep a Bobcat light tower working shift after shift — efficient lighting, power on board and a machine that's easy to run and service.

Efficient LED Lighting

Optional LED lamps are maintenance-free, rated for 50,000 hours and run far longer per tank — up to 210 hr (PL65) — with broad, independently-aimed coverage.

Light & Power Together

A high-output 6 kW (PL65) or 8 kW (PL80) alternator powers hand tools and equipment alongside the lights — one towable machine instead of two.

Programmable & Easy to Service

Programmable dusk-to-dawn operation, a clamshell composite canopy that lifts for full access, and a Kubota engine with 1,000-hour oil intervals.

The result is dependable, all-night light and power with a low lifetime cost of operation — compact enough to maneuver by hand and tow to the next job.

Good to Know

Emissions & Towing

Tier 4 Final Clean Diesel

Both towers run a compact, liquid-cooled Kubota diesel (D1005 on the PL65, D1105 on the PL80) that meets Tier 4 Final emissions on #2 Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel. The 52.4-gallon tank delivers long runtimes, and the engine's 1,000-hour service interval keeps emissions and maintenance upkeep low.

Towing & Transport

Operating weights are light — about 1,669 lbs (PL65) to 1,793 lbs (PL80) — on a towable trailer with running gear and outriggers. The compact vertical-mast footprint lets you fit 17 units on a single flatbed for cost-effective transport, and either tower is light enough to reposition by hand on site.

Portable Light Towers

24-Hour Jobsite Productivity

Multiple Lamp Options
105–75 Hours of Runtime
Optional LED Lamps

Small Body & Adjustable Lamps

With a compact design, Bobcat portable light towers can be easily maneuvered around the jobsite by hand. With the mast fully extended and each lamp capable of being angled independently, you can fully illuminate your job for safe working conditions.

Provides Light & Power Concurrently

Bobcat portable light towers are powered by a reliable Kubota engine paired with your choice of a high-output 6 kW or 8 kW alternator, giving you both light and power at the same time — reducing the need for multiple machines to get the job done.

Extended Runtime with LED Lights

LED lamps extend machine run-time, are maintenance-free and rated for a 50,000-hour life — providing maximum productivity with minimum interruptions.

PL80 — Light & Power Together

One Machine. Light and Power at the Same Time.

Most jobsites need both lighting and power for tools — and most machines only deliver one. The Bobcat PL80 changes that. Its 8 kW alternator powers hand tools and small equipment alongside four LED lamp fixtures, so you can run lights and tools from a single towable unit. Less equipment to haul, less fuel to manage, less setup time on every shift.

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Bobcat Portable Light Towers

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about buying, renting, or servicing a Bobcat portable light tower? Find answers below or reach out to your nearest Carleton Equipment location.

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What is a portable light tower?

A portable light tower is a towable, diesel-powered unit that provides bright, reliable illumination for night work and low-light conditions. Bobcat portable light towers are built to perform in construction, roadwork, mining, and event settings — anywhere portable lighting is essential. Each model features high-efficiency LED fixtures for long-lasting output, heavy-duty masts with adjustable height and 360° rotation, quiet fuel-efficient diesel engines for long runtimes, and a compact towable design for dependable transport and setup.

How do I choose a portable light tower?

The right light tower depends on your jobsite size, lighting coverage needs, and runtime requirements. Runtime — longer runtimes mean fewer interruptions; look for large fuel tanks to maximize uptime and minimize refueling. Durability — LED lamps are more durable than metal halide and less prone to damage during towing. Mobility — vertical mast models offer better transport efficiency when moving multiple units. Power needs — if your application also needs on-site power, choose a model with a built-in generator (PL80 = 8 kW). Our team at Carleton Equipment can help you choose the best model — submit a quote request or contact your nearest location.

What's the difference between LED and metal halide light towers?

LEDs are more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and more durable than metal halide lamps. Metal halide lamps have lower upfront costs but cost more to operate, have shorter lifespans, and are more prone to damage from debris during towing. Bobcat light towers offer LED options that are rated for 50,000-hour life — essentially maintenance-free for the life of the unit.

What sizes are available for Bobcat portable light towers?

PL65 — 6 kW Output: Delivers powerful illumination with four LED or metal halide fixtures and a fuel-efficient diesel engine. Features a telescoping mast, rugged canopy and frame, and quiet operation for a wide variety of applications. PL80 — 8 kW Output: All the features of the PL65 plus additional on-board power (8 kW) for jobsites that need both lighting and power for hand tools or small equipment simultaneously. See both models listed above or request a quote for current availability.

Can a Bobcat light tower also provide power for tools?

Yes — the PL80 model includes an 8 kW alternator that delivers on-board power for hand tools and small equipment at the same time as lighting. This eliminates the need for a separate generator on many jobsites, reducing equipment, fuel, and setup time per shift. The PL65 provides 6 kW. See the models above for full spec details.

Does Carleton Equipment offer financing on Bobcat light towers?

Yes. We offer competitive A.P.R. financing on qualifying new Bobcat portable light tower models through participating dealers. Buying through Carleton Equipment also gives you access to expert guidance, genuine parts, and factory-authorized service to maximize uptime. See the current offer above or submit a quote request for details. Financing is subject to credit approval.

Can I rent a portable light tower before buying?

Yes. Carleton Equipment offers portable light tower rentals at our Michigan locations — ideal for short-term projects, events, or evaluating a unit before purchase. Submit a rental request online or contact your nearest branch to check availability.

Where can I buy a Bobcat portable light tower in Michigan?

Carleton Equipment is Michigan's authorized Bobcat dealer with 7 locations statewide: Chesterfield, Coldwater, Grand Rapids, Howell, Kalamazoo, Livonia, and Saginaw. Visit our locations page to find your nearest branch and confirm current inventory.

Do you offer service and parts for Bobcat light towers?

Yes. Carleton Equipment operates a full-service shop staffed by factory-certified Bobcat technicians. We stock genuine Bobcat parts to minimize downtime and keep your light towers running at peak performance throughout every project.