Dust extractor suitibility as trolley to haul stack of Systainers

[Darren653]

I have a CTM26E AC dust extractor that I would love to use (with a handle) as the base for a stack of Systainers to use as my modular toolbox system. However, 90% of my work is on building sites and I'm not too sure how much weight that the two large wheels would take across rugged site terrain.

I can't decide whether to go with this setup or the Dewalt Toughsystem - which seems like it might be more practical. I also prefer the larger size of the boxes, but I'm always using my Festool dust extractor so I like the idea of stacking on this...

Anyone out there use there extractor for this?? If so please let me know what you think. Cheers!  [smile]

 

[AlexThePalex]

You can use the CT to stack systainers, which is handy for your organisation, but it is not a cart and you should not treat it like that.

 

[Darren653]

ok thanks but the reason that I ask is that Festool USA have a video demonstrating it being used as a cart up a set of stairs!

I would like to use it in exactly the same way as this but wondered how the wheels would cope on a site. To me the wheels look identical to those on the cart...

 

[AlexThePalex]

In practice the plastic of the CT vacs is less rugged than Festool make it seem to be in their promotional videos. Sure, what you see in the video can be done, if you do it occasionally. Do it all the time like you would with a normal cart and you can look forward to replacing lots of plastic on the vac. Especially that part where the handle is attached to the vac. And the front wheels.

I have the CTL 26 and I am not impressed by its ability to negotiate rough terrain, even without stuff on top of it. Perhaps other people have a different experience, but not me. I have a foldable RuXXac Business XL cart and that's a lot sturdier solution to haul your systainers around. I put the vac + systainers on it and can take them anywhere. See pic (with CTL22, I now have the 26).

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[Holzhacker]

I've always used my CT's as a trolley and stacked systainers 7' high and heavy enough to barely be able to roll the thing. The CT doesn't care. However, the wheels do. I've replaced a number of sets of rear wheels put can't say that I mind since I know what I stack on there. Never had a wheel break in half, fall off or have other failure as to where I couldn't keep rolling . Typically the plastic breaks off of the wheel edges bit by bit.
I wouldn't recommend stacking too heavy over rough terrain. I've done it and its not as much about the wheels as it is the managing the weight of it all; the torsion of twisting, pushing, yanking the set up. The wheels won't be happy but will last for a while.
On concrete or terazzo floors height or weight don't matter for this. On rough terrain I usually stack a couple main systainer on the CT and then have the main stack on a dolly. It's easier that way. The collapsable dollies don't cost much anymore and the one I have handles quite a few systainers.

 

[ear3]

I use my CT as a trolley from the vehicle to the site and back.  Haven't had any problems, though I probably do less on site work than a lot of people here.  But just yesterday I rolled it up and down a pretty steep 65 foot ramp then across a ragged concrete floor with 4 systainers on top. 

 

[grbmds]

I don't use mine CT as a cart, but have always wondered why Festool didn't make the wheels of a more durable material such as rubber. Or, at the very least, offer an option of equipping the CT with wheels covered in solid rubber. Since many Festool buyers are, in fact, contractors or use the tools in the construction industry, this would make sense. Just talking out aloud about something I've often wondered about since buying the CT. For me, it works great in my shop just as is.

 

[Darren653]

Thanks a lot guys. That's good to know! I take it the festool handle addon it pretty sturdy too then?

I agree grbmds, the wheels do seem a little below par for something that was designed to be able to use as a trolley!

Holzhacker - do youndo site work? How often do you find yourself having to replace the wheels with daily use?  Do they cost much? I wonder if its worth looking into replacing them with some custom rubber wheels...

 

[AlexThePalex]

The wheels are made of this material to make them non-marring, so they leave no black streaks behind on any surface. Festool vacs are not just made with contractors in mind, but also for people who for instance do fine carpentry inside clients' houses or floors.