CAT CLASS: HQ-10309

150-350 cfm Dust Extractor / HEPA Vacuum

The 150-350 cfm dust extractor / HEPA vacuum is the workhorse of jobsite dust control, sized to supply a single-disc grinder or walk-behind saw with continuous extraction. This mid-range class bridges lighter units designed for occasional hand-tool use and larger extractors that feed multiple tools or heavy concrete-prep equipment. With flow rates between 200 and 336 cfm (actual measured range in gallons per minute), machines in this band handle the sustained dust loads typical of floor grinding, saw cutting, and demolition prep.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Flow rate	200–336 cfm	Volume of air moved per minute; higher flow sustains extraction when filters load with fine concrete or silica dust.
Filtration class	HEPA (H13 or equivalent)	Captures at least 99.95% of particles ≥0.3 microns, meeting OSHA silica-dust-control requirements on most applications.
Filter area	Variable across models	Larger filter surface area extends runtime between cleaning cycles under heavy dust loads.

How to choose

This 150-350 cfm class is appropriate when the work involves sustained operation of a single high-demand tool—7" or 9" grinders, 14" or 16" walk-behind saws, rotary hammers with dust shrouds, or hand-held scarifiers. For intermittent hand-tool use (random-orbit sanders, small drills) where airflow demands are lighter and portability is paramount, the Up to 150 cfm Dust Extractor / HEPA Vacuum class offers a more compact footprint. When simultaneous extraction from multiple grinders is required, or when feeding ride-on floor equipment and large shot blasters, the 350+ cfm Dust Extractor / HEPA Vacuum class delivers the necessary reserve capacity and larger filter area to prevent flow loss.

What this size handles

Concrete floor grinding with a single 7" or 9" cup-wheel grinder in occupied buildings
Cutting control joints or slab penetrations with a 14" walk-behind saw during tenant improvement work
Chipping and demolition prep with a rotary hammer fitted with a dust-collection shroud
Epoxy and coating removal using a single-disc floor machine with carbide or diamond tooling
Tuckpointing and masonry restoration where silica dust control is mandated
Coring and drilling operations in healthcare, school, or food-processing facilities with strict air-quality protocols

Safety & operation

HEPA filtration is essential for compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 (respirable crystalline silica); verify filter certification and replacement intervals
Automatic filter-cleaning systems (mechanical shakers or reverse-pulse) maintain airflow and prevent dust breakthrough under sustained loads
Grounded power cords and static-dissipative hoses reduce ignition risk when extracting combustible dusts (wood, certain coatings)
Disposal of collected dust must follow site-specific protocols for hazardous materials, especially when silica content exceeds regulatory thresholds

Transport & logistics

Machines in this class are typically wheeled carts weighing 60–120 lb; most load into a van, pickup bed, or trailer by one or two workers without mechanical assistance
Compact footprint (often under 24" wide) allows passage through standard doorways and freight elevators; no special transport permits required

Power & supply

Standard 120 V AC, 15–20 A circuits; some models offer 240 V options for higher sustained suction or faster filter-cleaning cycles
Power consumption typically ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 watts; verify job-site circuit capacity when operating alongside the connected power tool

Frequently asked

What differentiates a dust extractor from a standard shop vacuum in this size range?

Dust extractors in this class use certified HEPA filtration, automatic filter cleaning, and higher continuous-duty airflow designed to meet OSHA silica-control requirements. Shop vacuums typically lack these features and cannot sustain the necessary suction under fine-dust loads.

Can one 200–336 cfm extractor supply two grinders simultaneously?

Airflow will be split between tools, often reducing capture velocity below effective levels for silica control. The 350+ cfm class is better suited to multi-tool setups or provides the necessary reserve when both tools operate intermittently.

How does filter loading affect performance over a shift?

As dust accumulates, airflow drops unless the filter is cleaned. Models with automatic pulse-cleaning or mechanical shakers maintain more consistent suction; manual-clean designs require periodic stops to knock dust from the filter media.