How to select the right work light for small earth-movers

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 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.

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.