TRUE OR FALSE?
“THE BIGGER AND MORE POWERFUL A DUST EXTRACTOR IS, THE MORE EFFICIENT IT IS.”
False.
When it comes to dust extraction, the truth is that bigger may be louder – but it isn’t always better.
In fact, big, heavy dust extractors can be a real disadvantage on the job, since they’re harder to transport and manoeuvre. Ask any operator, and they’ll tell you to give them a smaller, lighter machine that can do the job every time.
But what about airflow?
Many people think that the maximum airflow listed in a dust extractor’s tech specs tells the whole story about its performance: after all, the higher the maximum airflow, the better the dust extraction… right?
Not necessarily.
The truth is, if you’re only looking at the machine’s Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) or m3/h rating, then you’re seeing only half the equation. Here’s why.
FACT 1: Dust extraction isn't a sprint – it's a marathon
Dust extractors can operate at their maximum airflow only while their filters are clean. Typically, that’s just for the first few minutes. After that, performance quickly declines as the filters get increasingly saturated. This causes pressure to build in the machine, resulting in a drop in airflow. If the airflow drops far enough, dust will be left on the floor and might be emitted into the ambient air – until you stop working to purge the filters.
Even worse, the filters need to be purged more and more frequently as time goes on.
Think about the impact these constant interruptions have on your productivity as the cycle repeats again and again throughout the day.
So, what’s the alternative?
Choose a dust extractor that can go the distance – one that can deliver consistent high performance for as long as possible.
Fact 2: Steady airflow = steady workflow
If performance isn’t about maximum airflow, what is it about?
It’s about keeping your filters as clean as possible – over time. Because the cleaner your filters, the steadier your airflow and the more productive you can be.
This was the challenge that led us to innovate two game-changing technologies found in our DE line of dust extractors: e-flow and Auto-Pulse
Fact 3: E-Flow ensures stable, high airflow – and less frequent filter purges
Think of e-flow as a gearbox for your dust extractor.
Instead of running your machine at high rpm all the time, e-flow automatically optimises the power for your application. After all, why max out the power if you don’t need to?
As resistance builds (in the filters, hoses or attached machinery), e-flow bumps up the power to compensate, until it eventually reaches 100%. As a result, airflow stays consistently high between purges, while the filters take up to 30% longer to become fully saturated* – which means you can work with fewer interruptions.
As an added bonus, e-flow also:
- Reduces energy consumption by up to 30%*
- Reduces noise levels by up to 8 dB*
Watch the film to learn more.
*Data on file
Fact 4: auto-pulse provides constant airflow with no manual pulsing
If you want to take your productivity to the next level, why not eliminate the need for manual pulsing altogether?
This is what our DE-line dust extractors with Auto-Pulse technology are all about.
These high-powered machines feature a conical pre-filter split into two chambers. When one half of the filter becomes saturated, it’s automatically purged. Meanwhile, the other half continues to filter dust as usual. The result is constant high airflow and continuous operation – without the need for manual pulsing.
There’s another big benefit: the size of the machine. Because Auto-Pulse continuously purges dust from the machine, a dust extractor with this technology also has no need for a high dust-loading capacity. Which means it can be smaller and lighter (it can even be transported in a standard van) – a big win for operators everywhere.
Fact 5: if your machine doesn’t have a filter alarm, you could be missing vital information
Are you cleaning your filters as often as you need to?
With most dust extractors, the only way to know if your filters are saturated is to actively check the pressure gauge on the side of the machine (or notice dust on the floor). In the middle of a busy workday, this leaves too much room for error.
Saturated filters are too important to ignore because they don’t capture potentially hazardous dust as efficiently. This is why our DE-line dust extractors are among the few machines on the market with an alarm. So you can stay focussed on the job, and trust that the dust extractor will tell you when it’s time to clean the filters.
Conclusion: Maximum airflow is the past. Sustained airflow is the future
It’s time to rethink dust extraction.
Let’s leave big, loud, inefficient machines where they belong – in the past. The future is smarter, quieter, more compact and more efficient – from the first hour on the job to the last.
The next time you look at a dust extractor’s tech specs, don’t judge the machine by its maximum airflow. Instead, look for a high average sustained airflow – the true measure of efficiency, performance and productivity.
All about Husqvarna dust extractors
Dust is a concern at any construction site. For the sake of your operators and equipment, it’s important to capture as much dust as possible at the source.
Learn how our H-class dust extractors efficiently capture dust and help operators meet the required air-quality standards. They range from compact to industrial sized and come equipped with smart features to improve productivity on any job site.