Sys3 M vs Sys L Systainer System

[dougd1]

I am trying to figure out the differences between Sys3 M, Sys3L, and Sortainer boxes.  It looks like the Sys3L boxes are slightly wider than Sys3 M boxes.  If so, can you stack them together or are they incompatible in that way?  It looks like the Sortainer boxes are the same width as the Sys3 M boxes, but both are not as wide than the Sys3 L boxes.  Does that mean the Sortainer boxes are not compatible with the Sys3 L boxes?

Not sure what the rationale is for the Sys3 L boxes.  I have not been able to find any information on why these storage boxes are wider than the Sys3 M boxes.  If I was to buy Sys3 boxes, which ones should I standardize on?

Are Systainer Rails compatible with the Sys3 M  and Sys3 L containers?  The rails seem to have guides on them that fit into slots on the containers, but I do not see these corresponding slots on the Sys3 M or Sys3 L containers or on the Systainer case I have for my Festool OF 1400 router.  Although the festool site says these rails are compatible, it is hard to see how they will work with Sys3 M, Sys3 L and Sortainer boxes.

Any help appreciated.

Doug

 

[squall_line]

The OF1400 doesn't yet come in a Sys3M, it comes in a T-Loc Systainer, which is the 2nd generation.  The T-Loc generation is not compatible with the rails for the new 3rd Generation models.

The older Sortainers are based on the Classic generation of Systainer and can only attach underneath newer models.  The Sortainer Sys 4 TL-Sort/3 is the only model that can attach on top or bottom of a T-Loc or 3rd Generation model because of the latch on the top.

The Sys3L is meant for larger tools or capacity.  For example, a Shinex polisher, which comes in a cardboard box, needs a Sys3L to store comfortably.  There is also an XL which is exactly twice the width of the Sys3M, and can stack two M's side-by-side.

There are a bunch of overview videos on YouTube under Festool USA's channel; search for "Sys3 M" or "Sys3 L" overview with FestoolUSA as the channel.

Here's a small overview of the M, L, and XXL on the Sys Cart:

 

[dougd1]

Thanks, that has cleared up a lot of my questions.  Will continue to search the Festool live channel for more info.

Doug

 

[ghhsolutions]

I wouldn't limit your storage options by "standardising" on M or L. I have a mix of the two depending on what I need to store and they all play together nicely. Note that the older Sortainers cannot connect to the bottom of a Sys3L, only a Sys3M (not that it is something I have ever wanted to do). The only downside is that if you are storing them on shelves you need two widths, and the Sys3L won't fit in a SYS-AZ. Also the L don't fit directly on top of a CT extractor without an intermediate M

I find the Sys3 Organizer much more useful in the L size and also the SYS Tool Box L is also handy.

Gary

 

[Coen]

For example, a Shinex polisher, which comes in a cardboard box, needs a Sys3L to store comfortably.

Huh what? You can buy it in Systainer Maxi just as well.

 

[Cheese]

Huh what? You can buy it in Systainer Maxi just as well.

Not in the US... [sad]...that combination is unavailable as is the individual T-Loc Midi and the original Maxi.

 

[Coen]

Ha, so even a simple box is NAINA!? Weirddd

 

[Cheese]

Ha, so even a simple box is NAINA!? Weirddd

Weird indeed...I guess the "SYSTEM" concept isn't important in North America.  [scratch chin]

However, this is directly from the NA website "This system concept is rounded off by our innovative SYSTAINER toolboxes." 

 

[Coen]

Ha, so even a simple box is NAINA!? Weirddd

Weird indeed...I guess the "SYSTEM" concept isn't important in North America.  [scratch chin]

However, this is directly from the NA website "This system concept is rounded off by our innovative SYSTAINER toolboxes." 

Well, the higher Systainer Maxi is already *gone* from the Festool website. That is the 210 mm high version, #492582

New Planex is sold in Sys XL 337.. that is 80 Liters (outside square 'box') The previous one in Systainer Maxi... 50 Liters. I'm not exactly sure what you gain for that extra 30L space. The Systainer Maxi seems kinda easier to carry..

 

[semenza]

The Maxi doesn't really mate well for stacking with other Systainers. Yes, two can be latched on top but the arrangement leaves a lot to be desired. I would much prefer the XXL even if larger volume because it plays well with others. As well as the carts and vacuums.

Seth

 

[Lincoln]

Ha, so even a simple box is NAINA!? Weirddd

Weird indeed...I guess the "SYSTEM" concept isn't important in North America.  [scratch chin]

However, this is directly from the NA website "This system concept is rounded off by our innovative SYSTAINER toolboxes." 

I feel your pain - down here in Aus, we have the new systainers but the mounting rails aren't available, with no plans to bring them here. Ridiculous.

 

[MaineShop]

Why in the world would they give you the new systainers but not the rails, it is the best part about the new systainers. The real tragedy  is that the new rails take a different cabinet width then the sys-az drawers, not by much, like 10mm. What a wasted opportunity. Now with every bench or rack you have to commit to one or the other not both. Willing to bet they sell a ton more 10 dollar rails instead of 50 dollars drawers. Boneheaded.

 

[mino]

Why in the world would they give you the new systainers but not the rails, it is the best part about the new systainers. The real tragedy  is that the new rails take a different cabinet width then the sys-az drawers, not by much, like 10mm. What a wasted opportunity. Now with every bench or rack you have to commit to one or the other not both. Willing to bet they sell a ton more 10 dollar rails instead of 50 dollars drawers. Boneheaded.

I do not think the different widths are really an issue. For universal shop use one can just use plywood shims. I can see it being practical where the "lower" locations would use SYS-AZ for direct access while higher up the stack opening the systainer in place is not practical so just shimmed rails will be used. Besides, the rails should be reasonably easy to 3D-print in a wider iteration.

The only real issue with SYS3's is the breakage of the heights system as that makes it a no-cigar for mobile work use cases.

 

[Coen]

The Maxi doesn't really mate well for stacking with other Systainers. Yes, two can be latched on top but the arrangement leaves a lot to be desired. I would much prefer the XL even if larger volume because it plays well with others. As well as the carts and vacuums.

Seth

Well, as if anyone is gonna stack on top of an XL-Sys. Well, maybe... because it's way harder to carry around. Systainer Maxi carried by handle gives 210mm wide box, with handle only 105mm outward. XL-Systainer gives 300mm box with handle 150mm outward. While also being 800mm long instead of 600. And I still suspect the Maxi is way sturdier.

But let's look at moving it along; is the XL-Sys rackable? No. So... let it sit; it takes 0.3x0.8 = 0.24 m2, while the Systainer Maxi is just put on it's side with the handle facing up... 0.6x0.21 = 0.126, almost half the footprint.

With the 30L extra you would expect them to have a somewhat better thought-out storage for 225mm paper included in the XL-Sys. But nope

 

[Coen]

Ha, so even a simple box is NAINA!? Weirddd

Weird indeed...I guess the "SYSTEM" concept isn't important in North America.  [scratch chin]

However, this is directly from the NA website "This system concept is rounded off by our innovative SYSTAINER toolboxes." 

I feel your pain - down here in Aus, we have the new systainers but the mounting rails aren't available, with no plans to bring them here. Ridiculous.

Haha, behave like a prison, get treated as a prison. No rails  [tongue]

I mean; you still have the freedom to just import them I hope? And if so; do the rails have to stay locked up for a week upon arrival?

 

[semenza]

The Maxi doesn't really mate well for stacking with other Systainers. Yes, two can be latched on top but the arrangement leaves a lot to be desired. I would much prefer the XL even if larger volume because it plays well with others. As well as the carts and vacuums.

Seth

Well, as if anyone is gonna stack on top of an XL-Sys. Well, maybe... because it's way harder to carry around. Systainer Maxi carried by handle gives 210mm wide box, with handle only 105mm outward. XL-Systainer gives 300mm box with handle 150mm outward. While also being 800mm long instead of 600. And I still suspect the Maxi is way sturdier.

But let's look at moving it along; is the XL-Sys rackable? No. So... let it sit; it takes 0.3x0.8 = 0.24 m2, while the Systainer Maxi is just put on it's side with the handle facing up... 0.6x0.21 = 0.126, almost half the footprint.

With the 30L extra you would expect them to have a somewhat better thought-out storage for 225mm paper included in the XL-Sys. But nope

Not sure why it is soooooo difficult to carry an XXL  [huh] ?  As far as stacking ? Absolutely, on carts and such.

As always different uses, situations, preferences.

Maybe the Maxi is better for someone's use in their situation. But there is really no question that the XXL works better with other systainers than the Maxi.

Seth

 

[Coen]

Not sure why it is soooooo difficult to carry an XL  [huh] ?  As far as stacking ? Absolutely, on carts and such.

Well easy. I can carry a 210mm wide Maxi without having to use arm muscles to prevent it from banging / sliding against the sides of my pants. But a 300mm wide Systainer I have to slightly force outward if I don't want that. In small hallways, on the bicycle, when passing doors, staircases, trains, etc. it's also easier. That's one of the reasons I have a Brompton and not a Dahon folding bike  8); space, space, space.

And that's also why L-boxxes, when stacked, are even worse than Systainers. But at the very least their front handle doesn't stick out from the stack when stacked like the Sys3 112's handle.

As always different uses, situations, preferences.

Maybe the Maxi is better for someone's use in their situation. But there is really no question that the XL works better with other systainers than the Maxi.

Seth

Yes, the Maxi was definitely more it's own system. But the question then is how much should be sacrificed for 'the system'. And that's why I make such a big stink about the stupid heights of the Sys3; completely wrecking the nice 'different boxes, equal stack height' of the previous Systainer T-Loc and Systainer Classic. And yes, I do use that.

 

[Lincoln]

Ha, so even a simple box is NAINA!? Weirddd

Weird indeed...I guess the "SYSTEM" concept isn't important in North America.  [scratch chin]

However, this is directly from the NA website "This system concept is rounded off by our innovative SYSTAINER toolboxes." 

I feel your pain - down here in Aus, we have the new systainers but the mounting rails aren't available, with no plans to bring them here. Ridiculous.

Haha, behave like a prison, get treated as a prison. No rails  [tongue]

I mean; you still have the freedom to just import them I hope? And if so; do the rails have to stay locked up for a week upon arrival?

No, cannot import them - Festool don't allow dealers from other countries to sell to the Aus market.

 

[semenza]

Not sure why it is soooooo difficult to carry an XL  [huh] ?  As far as stacking ? Absolutely, on carts and such.

Well easy. I can carry a 210mm wide Maxi without having to use arm muscles to prevent it from banging / sliding against the sides of my pants. But a 300mm wide Systainer I have to slightly force outward if I don't want that. In small hallways, on the bicycle, when passing doors, staircases, trains, etc. it's also easier. That's one of the reasons I have a Brompton and not a Dahon folding bike  8); space, space, space.

And that's also why L-boxxes, when stacked, are even worse than Systainers. But at the very least their front handle doesn't stick out from the stack when stacked like the Sys3 112's handle.

As always different uses, situations, preferences.

Maybe the Maxi is better for someone's use in their situation. But there is really no question that the XL works better with other systainers than the Maxi.

Seth

Yes, the Maxi was definitely more it's own system. But the question then is how much should be sacrificed for 'the system'. And that's why I make such a big stink about the stupid heights of the Sys3; completely wrecking the nice 'different boxes, equal stack height' of the previous Systainer T-Loc and Systainer Classic. And yes, I do use that.

I get your reasoning, I just don't find the XXL much harder to carry that it is worth giving up the pluses of the XXL. I am sure for your situation the Maxi makes sense. For general as opposed to specific situations I would always take the XXL.

Seth

 

[ggc]

[/quote]

No, cannot import them - Festool don't allow dealers from other countries to sell to the Aus market.
[/quote]

Festool might not allow it, but Tanos will.  There's no official Australian distributor, but they have sold large orders to individuals in the past.  Or try one of the Tanos resellers likehttps://www.kofferundschaum.de/ in Europe.  Bott Australia may also be a source.