Festool CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractor

Festool CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractor Vacuum Review

Purchase link: https://acmetools.pxf.io/JzOnbr
Festool just released two new vacuums the CT 15 and the CT 25 CleanTec Mobile Dust Extractor. These Festool CleanTec vacuums now offer contractors, and cleaners a pro range of vacuum cleaners for cleaning tasks, such as large messes of dust, or dirt created by hand tools and other work-related functions. It was designed to be used at job sites, workshops, in offices, pretty much anywhere.

CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractor Specifications

• 6.6-gallon capacity
• Power Consumption: 350-1200 watt
• Max volume flow: 130ft 3/min (3,700 l/min)
• Container/Filter bag capacity: 6.6 Gallons (25 L)/ 5.94 Gallons (22.5 L)
• Power Cord length: 16.404 ft (5 m)
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 18-1/2" x 12-19/32" x 20" (470 x 320 x 508 mm
• Max. vacuum 96” static water lift [24 000 Pa]
• Container/filter bag capacity 6.6 Gallons (25 l)/5.94 Gallons (22.5 l)

First Impressions | CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractor

I was impressed with the CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractors compact size, and low weight. It has a nice fit and finish with a sturdy looking chassis, steel axle and wheel connection.

One thing missing from the vacuum that many Festool users will notice is the lack of a brake. This omission was intentional as the CT 15 an CT 25 dust extractors were designed to be used as a general-purpose vacuum and need to move freely without an accidental brake activation.
Another thing missing and new to the CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractor an intuitive touch control panel in place of rotary knobs. There are five levels controlling suction power. The vacuums main filter is on the external side of the vacuum and slides out like a drawer.
The top portion of the vacuum is a compartment that houses the crevice and upholstery adapters and has room for the power cord for storage. Additionally, the vacuum hose port connects inside this compartment and routes out towards the front portion of the vacuum, instead of the typical front port connection. This new location eliminates the chance of the hose disconnecting when pulling the vacuum behind you. There is an attached elastic strap that is used to strap the coiled up vacuum hose to the canister top.

Using the CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractor

Besides the super easy, and intuitive power switch and suction power control first thing that struck me was how easily the CT 25 vacuum followed behind me. The wheels track and turn smoothly.

I really liked the hose to vac connection. As I mentioned earlier the vacuum hose port connects inside the top compartment and routes out towards the front portion of the vacuum, eliminating the chance of the hose disconnecting when pulling the vacuum behind you.

Speaking of pulling the vac hose, I found that the wheels track nicely and easily followed me as I vacuumed.

In addition to the 5-speed suction control on the vacuum the hose has a rotating bypass valve on the hose nozzle. This allows you to adjust suction without having to go back to the tool. For example, transitioning from carpet to hardwood flooring.

The suction on the CT25 is excellent and picked up most items on the floor. Items that it did not suck up are common among many vacuums; heavier particles such as nuts, nails, and screws.

The CT 25 vacuum filter is easily replaced or swapped for a wet filter. We wrote on the outside of the filters “DRY” and “WET” so as not to mistake them during use. Festool should consider labeling or color coding the wet filter. I like blue… for wet!

We noted that the CT 25 vacuum was compatible with all our older Festool accessories, hoses, and wands.

We also noted that when vacuuming I tended to grasp the vacuum wand in different locations causing some mixed results. If I choked up too far, my hand would accidently push open the bypass nozzle. If I grab the wand too far back, near the hose to wand connection, I create a hinge causing the hose to disconnect. This action happened a few times and was frustrating.

Room For Improvement
There are two items I’d like to see Festool improve on. The first would be to improve the attached elastic strap that is used to secure the coiled up vacuum hose to the canister top. I found this strap difficult to hook on, sometimes slipping out of my grasp and snapping my hand or fingers. I think a large pull tab for the user to grasp and pull the cord would eliminate this issue.
The second improvement would be on the hose to the wand connection, especially for the the Tradesman / Installer Cleaning Set accessory wand and green hose. This connection disconnected on me far too often and easily. I could see this as a major pain point for users, necessitating taping the connection. I suppose training myself to not grab the hose at that location is one solution, as would be a more secure, locking connection designed by Festool.

The Festool CT 25 Mobile Dust Extractor costs [pre-order] $485.00 online at ACME tools
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