Q: What types of jobs did you use this tool for?
A: Jobs where you are required to keep the vehicle on to troubleshoot a fuel-related misfire. For example, a stuck open injector. Without this tool, I'd have to either work outside or with the shop door fully opened, letting all of that sweet shop A/C out.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: The extractor came in on a pallet. We used a forklift to relocate it from where it was dropped off to where the shop was (across the street). The blower came bolted onto the caddy already, and the hoses and accessories were not already installed, due to packaging. It did require some assembly but for us automotive technicians, what doesn't, right?
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: It was a little more difficult to maneuver than I anticipated, but that is more likely a result of our particular shop layout rather than the product itself.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: Packaged like a fortress. It came with one giant hose.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: It did come with a manual, but honestly, I skimmed through it rapidly, as the unit was self-explanatory in its assembly.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I liked the suction power very much. On an opposite dual exhaust system, although there was no "Y" attachment, it had enough suction to prevent exhaust from exiting out of the opposite "open" exhaust.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: Maneuverability. The casters had locks on them that required a good kick to release. If somehow that caster was in a bad position, the frame of the caddy would make it difficult to access that disengagement tab, since the locks not only prevent the rotation of the wheel but also its ability to swivel. Two rigid casters at the rear of the caddy, along with two swivel casters in the front may be a better setup.
I would also include a "Y" attachment as a standard, and lengthen the power cord.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall?
A: I would rate this a 9. I think it's a great unit, and the shop owner is now interested in buying it as well. As a product that is meeting the needs of shops of all shapes and sizes, I think it's a rock-solid unit, built for a lifetime, and simply does exactly what it's supposed to do.
*Note: This product was loaned to the reviewer free of charge for the purpose of conducting this review.
The FumeCaddie from Plymovent is designed to capture exhaust fumes at the source, emitted by any vehicle or apparatus running indoors. The portable exhaust fan removes the fumes through a suction hose and delivers the fumes to the outside of the structure through the exhaust hose. It’s directly connected to the vehicle or apparatus tailpipe with an easy-to-use nozzle. The extractor consists of a 3/4hp 115V fan assembly, 33’ of extraction hose on the standard FumeCaddie, and 41’ of hose on the two hose with “y” adapter FumeCaddie, an easy-to-use nozzle, and a 9' power cord. It's all assembled on an easy-to-maneuver, ergonomic cart.
