If you've spec'd out a big tiller, you already know the feeling, it's a beast on the road, but getting the lighting right can feel like trying to illuminate an aircraft carrier with a couple of flashlights. At MSFA Ocean City 2026, Lee from FireTech captured a great walkaround of Bay District VFD's impressive new tiller, a Pierce Arrow XT, showcasing exactly how a proper scene lighting configuration should look on one of these long rigs.
Here are the key things to keep in mind when building a lighting spec for a tiller (or any oversized apparatus that demands serious illumination):
1. Tilting Lights at Base and Tip
Tiller ladders are all about reach, which means your lighting needs to cover both ends of that extended operation. Install tilting lights at the base of the ladder and another set near the tip. This gives your crew adjustable, directional light exactly where they need it, whether they're working at ground level or extended high on the ladder.
2. Generous Perimeter Lighting
When that big tiller rolls up at night, the last thing you want is half the truck disappearing into the darkness for oncoming traffic. Load up on perimeter lighting along the full length of the rig. This creates a visible "light fence" that improves visibility, enhances safety for your crew and motorists, and helps define the entire working area.
3. Work Lighting: The More, the Merrier
You can never have too much work lighting on a tiller. These trucks cover a massive footprint when deployed, so pile on the illumination. Extra work lights mean safer operations, faster tasks, and fewer "where's that tool?" moments in the dark.
4. Scene Lighting Around the Rear Cab
Don't overlook the rear cab area. Dedicated scene lighting here turns the tiller's operator station into a well-lit command center. It helps the tillerman maintain situational awareness, coordinate with the crew, and monitor the ladder's position without straining in low-light conditions.
5. Go Big on Light Output
Bigger rig = bigger area to light. Standard lights simply won't cut it. You need high-output options that punch through the night. FireTech's Double Stack MiniBrows, WLX9 work lights, and Guardian Juniors are excellent choices here — they're extremely bright, rugged, and purpose-built for demanding fire service applications.
Bay District VFD nailed it. They designed their tiller with pride, right down to the sharp "Ghetto Boys" graphics, and made sure the lighting package matched the truck's size and mission. The result is a beautiful, highly functional rig that stands out for all the right reasons.
A huge thank you to the crew at Bay District VFD for trusting FireTech with your scene lighting needs. When professionals who run these big tillers every day choose your lights, that's the best endorsement possible. This tiller will be serving the communities of Station 3 including Lexington Park in St. Mary's County, Maryland.
If you're currently speccing a tiller, aerial, or any large apparatus and have questions about the right lighting configuration, drop them in the comments below or head over to firetechlights.com. Our team is ready to help you spec a system that delivers the brightness, coverage, and reliability your department demands.
