Milwaukee RADIUS Site Light/Charger

As a professional contractor, I've used numerous site lights over the years, but the Milwaukee RADIUS Site Light/Charger (model 2150-20) truly stands out. Whether you're illuminating a large job site or needing reliable lighting in a power outage, this tool's performance and versatility make it an essential addition to any toolkit.

Design and Build Quality

Let's start with the build quality. Weighing in at 27 pounds, this site light is a bit hefty, but that's a testament to its sturdy construction. The weight, combined with the rubber feet, ensures stability even on uneven surfaces. There are even three holes in the base for securing it to the floor if needed, although its weight generally makes this unnecessary.

The high-impact polycarbonate lens is another standout feature. This lens is designed to withstand accidental knocks and falls, making it perfect for the chaotic environment of a busy job site. The overall construction is rugged and durable, qualities I've come to expect from Milwaukee tools.

Light Output and Versatility

The light output is where this tool truly shines (pun intended). With a maximum output of 9,000 lumens, it provides ample illumination for even the darkest corners of a job site. The adjustable settings allow you to scale down the brightness to 4,800 or 2,500 lumens, depending on your needs. This versatility is invaluable, as it allows you to conserve battery life when full brightness isn’t necessary.

One of my favorite features is the ability to switch between 360° and 180° lighting. This is particularly useful when you need to focus the light in a specific direction without wasting energy illuminating areas that don't need it. The light can easily illuminate a 20x20 foot room, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Power Options and Battery Life

The RADIUS Site Light/Charger offers dual power options: it can run on one or two M18 battery packs or be plugged into an AC outlet. This flexibility is a game-changer. When using battery power, you can expect up to 14 hours of runtime on the lowest setting with two 9.0Ah batteries. Even at maximum brightness, a single 9.0Ah battery provides about 1 hour and 45 minutes of light. This makes it feasible to use battery power for shorter jobs and switch to AC power for extended use.

The integrated two-bay sequential charger is another excellent feature. When plugged into an outlet, the tool not only runs on AC power but also charges the inserted batteries. This dual functionality ensures that your batteries are always ready for use. The battery compartment is lockable, adding an extra layer of security, especially useful in high-traffic job sites where equipment can easily walk away.

One-Key Integration

Milwaukee's One-Key technology adds another layer of functionality to this site light. The app allows you to control the light remotely, adjust brightness, and even schedule when the light turns on and off. This feature is incredibly convenient, especially when you need to manage multiple lights across a large job site. The app also provides tracking and management features, adding an extra layer of security.

Practical Applications

In my experience, the RADIUS Site Light/Charger has proven invaluable in various scenarios. I've used it to light up basements during service upgrades, illuminate vacant commercial properties, and even light my driveway while snowblowing. Its ability to daisy-chain with other units using extension cords makes it easy to light large areas without running multiple cords back to a power source.

Drawbacks

While this tool is impressive, it's not without its drawbacks. The size and weight, while contributing to its stability and durability, can make it cumbersome to transport. It's not something you'll easily carry along with multiple other tools. Additionally, although the light output is substantial, it's not quite at the level of a 400w MH wobble light. However, the trade-off is that the Milwaukee light doesn't emit the same furnace-like heat, making it safer and more comfortable to use in confined spaces.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee RADIUS Site Light/Charger is an outstanding product. Its robust construction, impressive light output, and versatile power options make it a top choice for professionals who need reliable and powerful lighting. The added features like One-Key integration and the ability to charge batteries while in use only add to its value.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. Its durability and functionality make it well worth the investment, particularly for those in construction or any field requiring reliable, high-output lighting. While it may be overkill for casual users, professionals will find it to be an indispensable part of their toolkit.