When our client, Granite Construction, called us about their major airport project in Houston, they needed a lighting setup that could keep night operations running smoothly around the clock. The challenge was familiar: multiple diesel light towers meant high fuel use, frequent servicing, and unnecessary downtime. On a busy 24-hour job site, those inefficiencies add up fast. Our team got to work on a smarter solution, one that would keep the airfield bright, cut back on maintenance, and reduce emissions without compromising performance. Here’s how we made it happen. The Challenge: Reliable Lighting Without the Downtime Night operations on an airport expansion project demand consistent, dependable illumination, but traditional diesel light towers can create more maintenance than momentum. Granite Construction’s team needed: Continuous lighting coverage for long overnight shifts Reduced engine use to lower maintenance and emissions A system that was simple to deploy and easy to service Running four independent diesel engines for lighting meant higher fuel consumption, more refueling stops, and more moving parts to maintain. They needed a setup that would deliver the same lighting output with less complexity. The Solution: One Hybrid Diesel Tower, Three Electric Light Towers Axiom supplied Granite Construction with a hybrid configuration: One 8kW Diesel Light Tower (EDLT8) Three Electric Light Towers (ELTs) In this setup, the EDLT8 powered the three ELTs, providing full-site illumination with only one engine running. This eliminated the need for four separate diesel engines and the associated refueling, servicing, and emissions. The Axiom team also provided on-site, hands-on training to Granite’s crews, helping them optimize safety and performance during night operations. The Results: From Four Engines to One By switching from four diesel engines down to one, Granite Construction cut maintenance time, reduced operating costs, and kept their project safely on track. Key outcomes included: 75% reduction in engine use, lowering fuel and maintenance demands Lower emissions and quieter operation, improving site conditions for crews Simplified maintenance and fewer service intervals during critical night work The new hybrid setup delivered the same dependable performance with far less downtime – a major gain for a busy airport project with tight timelines and safety requirements. Lighting the Way for Smarter Infrastructure Projects For Granite Construction, this project proved that cleaner, smarter lighting doesn’t mean compromising performance. By combining the reliability of diesel with the efficiency of electric, Axiom’s hybrid lighting solution helped reduce emissions, streamline maintenance, and keep operations moving smoothly, exactly what large-scale infrastructure projects demand. At Axiom Equipment Group, we don’t just deliver equipment. We’re proud to deliver the expertise, support, and innovation that help crews stay efficient, safe, and on schedule. Looking for support on your next project? Let’s talk.