The Festool 577871 CLEANTEC CT 26 EI HEPA Dust Extractor is a professional jobsite and workshop dust extractor built for cleaner cutting, sanding, and general cleanup. This is a dust extractor designed for dry and wet extraction with tool-triggered operation. Model Number 577871. If you already run Festool saws, sanders, or cordless tools, this unit is built to act like the center of that system instead of just being a vacuum parked in the corner.

What makes the CT 26 EI matter is how it combines usable capacity with real mobility. The 26 liter container gives you nearly 7 gallons of room, but the machine still keeps compact dimensions at 25 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 22 inches high. That balance is a big deal on the job because larger extractors can be a pain to move, while smaller ones fill too quickly. Festool landed in the sweet spot here for cabinet work, remodeling, finish carpentry, and shop use.

Suction performance is strong where it counts. The high-performance turbine delivers up to 138 CFM and up to 96 inches of static water lift, which means it can keep up with dust collection at the tool while also handling cleanup duties. The five-level suction adjustment matters just as much as the max number. Being able to back the suction down helps when you are working with sanders or on surfaces where too much pull can fight the tool.

The control layout is more practical than old-school dial-and-switch setups. Festool uses push-button touch controls for straightforward operation, and the extractor supports automatic tool-triggered start for corded power tools. On the cordless side, the built-in Bluetooth interface lets the extractor start automatically with compatible Festool Bluetooth battery packs or an optional remote. That saves steps, keeps dust collection active when it should be, and makes the machine feel like part of the workflow instead of a separate task to manage.

Festool also paid attention to the stuff that usually gets ignored until it annoys you. The anti-static smooth suction hose is designed to reduce snagging and static buildup. The integrated hose holder and cord wrap keep the setup from turning into a mess in the van or at the end of the day. Large wheels make it easier to roll over thresholds and rougher surfaces, while the integrated brake helps keep the extractor from wandering when the hose gets tugged.

As a system machine, the CT 26 EI is set up to do more than collect dust. T-LOC compatibility allows Systainers to attach on top, and it also works as a base for other Festool workflow add-ons like the Pre-separator or Workcenter. That is useful if you want one mobile station carrying the extractor and the tools or accessories needed for the task. In a small shop or a punch-list van, that kind of stackable setup saves space fast.

Filtration is another reason buyers step up to this model. It includes a HEPA main filter plus a SELFCLEAN filter bag, so you are starting with a setup aimed at fine dust control rather than bare-minimum debris pickup. For trades working indoors, especially around finish work, sanding dust, or occupied spaces, that matters. Cleaner air and cleaner floors mean less time on cleanup and less dust spreading through the room you just worked in.

Who should buy it? Pros who want a serious dust extraction setup that works in the shop and on install work. It makes sense for woodworking, finish carpentry, remodeling, interior renovation, and anyone already invested in Festool tools and Systainers. If you just need a basic cleanup vacuum, this is more machine than you need. If you want a dust extractor that integrates into how you actually work, the CT 26 EI is the right kind of upgrade.

A serious extractor for people who are tired of working in dust

The Festool 577871 CLEANTEC CT 26 EI HEPA Dust Extractor earns its keep by doing more than basic cleanup. It works as an actual dust-management hub for the shop or the job.

• Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users doing indoor cutting, sanding, finish work, and remodeling who want cleaner work and better tool integration.
• Why it stands out: The mix of HEPA filtration, Bluetooth start, five-level suction control, strong airflow, and T-LOC system support makes it feel like part of the tool setup, not an afterthought.
• Worth knowing: This is a premium extractor. If you only need a shop vacuum for random cleanup, it is more machine than necessary. If dust control affects the quality of your work, this one makes a lot more sense.

• Can this extractor handle wet and dry pickup? Yes. Festool lists the CT 26 EI HEPA as ideal for dry and wet extraction.
• Does it support automatic start with tools? Yes. It is designed for automatic tool-triggered operation with corded power tools, and the built-in Bluetooth also supports automatic start from compatible Festool cordless tools or an optional remote.
• How much capacity does it have? The container holds 6.9 gallons or 26 liters, and the filter bag capacity is 6.3 gallons or 24 liters.
• Is this part of the Festool storage and workflow system? Yes. T-LOC allows Festool Systainers to attach on top, and the extractor can also work with a Pre-separator or Workcenter.