Exhaust Gas Extractor for Garden Equipment Workshops

Exhaust gas extraction in workshops is not only required for cars, vans or heavy-duty vehicles. In workshops dedicated to petrol-powered garden equipment - such as chainsaws, brush cutters, lawn mowers and small tillers - technicians also need a safe, flexible and immediate way to capture exhaust fumes.

These applications present very specific challenges. Exhaust outlets are small, often integrated into the tool casing, and the workstation may change several times during the day. A standard vehicle exhaust extraction system is not always the most practical answer.

In this case history, we explain how WORKY designed a tailor-made exhaust gas extraction system by applying technologies normally used in welding fume extraction to solve the challenges of small petrol engines.

Why exhaust gas extraction is needed in a garden equipment workshop

In a workshop where technicians work every day on chainsaws, brush cutters, lawn mowers and compact tillers, bench testing and trial starts can generate concentrated exhaust fumes close to the operator. For this reason, an extraction system is essential for several practical reasons:

• Health, safety and compliance: reducing exposure to harmful fumes in enclosed spaces is a priority for both operator wellbeing and regulatory requirements.
• Operational flexibility: when working with compact tools and variable workstations, the extraction solution must be just as flexible.
• Capture without connecting to the exhaust outlet: on many small tools, connecting directly to the exhaust pipe is not practical. Precise, self-supporting extraction arms are often the most effective solution.

Case history: the customer requirement

A company specialising in the maintenance of petrol-powered garden equipment asked WORKY to design an exhaust gas extraction system for its workshop. The equipment included chainsaws, brush cutters, lawn mowers and small tillers.

Defining the working layout

To manage the variability of the tasks carried out in the workshop, WORKY designed the layout together with the customer around three dedicated work areas:

• one workstation for larger machines;
• two workstations for lighter tools serviced on benches.

This layout made it possible to improve both ergonomics and fume capture performance, while keeping the workflow practical for everyday use.

The WORKY solution: welding fume extraction technology applied to exhaust gases

 To combine flexibility, precision and ease of use, WORKY selected SB3 self-supporting extraction arms. These arms can be positioned close to the exhaust outlet and remain stable without needing to be connected directly to the terminal.

Because the workshop had height restrictions, WORKY used arms from its welding fume extraction and filtration range, installed on wall-mounted brackets. This design choice provided:

• smooth movement for operators;
• an adequate working radius for each station;
• localised capture even in a workshop with a lower-than-standard ceiling height.

Why self-supporting extraction arms were the right choice

The solution proved effective because it was able to respond to the specific needs of small-engine maintenance:

• Close-proximity capture: the arm follows the operator and captures fumes directly at source, without fixed connections or adapters.
• Modularity by workstation: each bench is served independently and can be adjusted quickly according to the job being carried out.
• Ergonomics: the joints and self-supporting structure make the system intuitive and light to use.
• Compatibility with lower airflow requirements: the solution is well suited to the small-displacement engines typically found in garden equipment.

Results for the workshop

Once installed, the system delivered immediate operational benefits for the customer, including:

• a healthier and more comfortable working environment for operators;
• continuous operation, with no downtime caused by removing casings or fitting adapters;
• real versatility, with SB3 extraction arms serving both the larger-machine workstation and the two benches for lighter tools;
• a bespoke exhaust gas extraction solution that successfully applies welding fume extraction technologies to a small-engine workshop.

A tailor-made exhaust gas extraction system for dynamic workstations

This case confirms the value of the WORKY method: starting from the customer's real workflow, identifying on-site constraints and turning them into design opportunities for a bespoke extraction system.

Adapting self-supporting arms - originally developed for welding fume extraction - to a workshop handling exhaust gases from small tools demonstrates the flexibility of WORKY technologies: the same reliability, different applications and no compromise on safety or ergonomics.

The result is a truly tailor-made exhaust gas extraction system: close-proximity capture, everyday ergonomic use, a healthier working environment and continuous operation without redesigning the entire workshop space.

Once again, the WORKY approach - listening, technical inspection and dedicated engineering - proves its ability to support different workshop environments with effective, safe and scalable solutions.

Frequently asked questions

Do garden equipment workshops need exhaust gas extraction?

Yes. Workshops that test or start petrol-powered tools indoors can expose operators to concentrated exhaust fumes. A dedicated extraction system helps capture fumes close to the source and contributes to a healthier working environment.

Why not connect directly to the exhaust outlet of each tool?

With chainsaws, brush cutters, lawn mowers and other small-engine equipment, exhaust outlets are often compact, irregular or integrated into the casing. A self-supporting extraction arm can capture fumes without requiring a direct connection.

Can welding fume extraction arms be used for exhaust gas extraction?

In specific applications, yes. In this project, WORKY adapted self-supporting arms from its welding fume extraction range to capture exhaust gases from small petrol engines, thanks to their flexibility, stability and close-proximity capture capability.

Is the system suitable for workshops with low ceilings?

Yes. In this case, the arms were installed on wall-mounted brackets to work within the available height while maintaining an effective operating radius for each workstation.