Dont ask just look.
Its times like these i wish i lived in the U.S. of A
Its times like these i wish i lived in the U.S. of A
Hoover's first SUV (Sports utility vacuum)
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brettsomers
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Honey...
from what i hear, you arent missing a thing!!
from what i hear, you arent missing a thing!!
brettsomers
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ive never used the "Z". from what people say the machine is a MESS. perhaps it WOULD make a nice toy... but as a premium heavy duty appliance... you arent missing a thing. Honey. 
hooverwheelaway
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Actually.....
Yes, I am somewhat biased..
But, in all honesty, I don't think the "Z" is all *that* bad.
I do think that the marketing campaign behind it is somewhat hokey, but... it's an attention getter--which, of course, marketing is all about.
It's definitely something VERY different, and just like I'm sure the Dial-A-Matic was looked at as being somewhat alien in 1963, this is something completely new--designed from the ground up... Not a regurgitated Elite or WindTunnel.
It does clean very well. The "self-cleaning" filter certainly makes it competition for the Dyson, as it theoretically shouldn't loose suction if the filter isn't going to keep its dirt for very long. It has a wooden brushroll, a "quiet drive" belt, electronic height adjustment, an obscenely long hose, and the TOL model has LED headlights.
When we first got them at work, I took one home and gave it a run. (follow link to my photos)
My biggest complaints would be that it is pretty heavy, and the dirt cup is rather small. But, something we figured out is that you can fold it down and extend the telescopic hanle.. then hit the handle release, and vacuum with it in that position. It takes the weight of the cleaner out of your arm.
I applaud Hoover/Maytag/soon to be Whirlpool--whatever company it is, for at least trying to give Dyson a bit of competition, and think up something new and original.
It did get my other half's attention-he thought it was pretty darn interesting, and actually started USING the thing--he could usually *care less* about "me and my vacuums..." (see photo below)
-Fred
Yes, I am somewhat biased..
But, in all honesty, I don't think the "Z" is all *that* bad.
I do think that the marketing campaign behind it is somewhat hokey, but... it's an attention getter--which, of course, marketing is all about.
It's definitely something VERY different, and just like I'm sure the Dial-A-Matic was looked at as being somewhat alien in 1963, this is something completely new--designed from the ground up... Not a regurgitated Elite or WindTunnel.
It does clean very well. The "self-cleaning" filter certainly makes it competition for the Dyson, as it theoretically shouldn't loose suction if the filter isn't going to keep its dirt for very long. It has a wooden brushroll, a "quiet drive" belt, electronic height adjustment, an obscenely long hose, and the TOL model has LED headlights.
When we first got them at work, I took one home and gave it a run. (follow link to my photos)
My biggest complaints would be that it is pretty heavy, and the dirt cup is rather small. But, something we figured out is that you can fold it down and extend the telescopic hanle.. then hit the handle release, and vacuum with it in that position. It takes the weight of the cleaner out of your arm.
I applaud Hoover/Maytag/soon to be Whirlpool--whatever company it is, for at least trying to give Dyson a bit of competition, and think up something new and original.
It did get my other half's attention-he thought it was pretty darn interesting, and actually started USING the thing--he could usually *care less* about "me and my vacuums..." (see photo below)
-Fred
hooverwheelaway
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One more thought...
It may look like a toy or the robot from the movie "Short Circuit"... But upon using it, it feels like a solid, well-built appliance... Unlike other brands of $300-$500 vacuum cleaners on the market, of which I have also used in my home.
-Fred
It may look like a toy or the robot from the movie "Short Circuit"... But upon using it, it feels like a solid, well-built appliance... Unlike other brands of $300-$500 vacuum cleaners on the market, of which I have also used in my home.
-Fred
Interesting machine--I "hefted" one at the Sears place near me-Gotta be heavier than a Kirby or a Royal Powercast-would hate to have to slepp the thing up or down stairs.The one at Sears was the standard model without the headlights.From the shot of the bottom of the floor nozzle-does the machine have a manual nozzle height adjust-that would be nice.I couldn't get the folks at Sears to "demo" the machine for me-they were busy with other customers-none of them were looking at the "Z"-It was lonely on its display pedistal.The customers were looking at the Sears Canisters.The machine reminds me of one of those "Transformers" charactors.--or #"5"
It weighs 28 lbs doesn't it ? Rather heavy for a non self propelled vac.
Non-selfpropelled-May have to hitch the "Z" to the tractor to vacuum the floor?28lbs is rather heavy for a non-self prop machine-like the Powercast-and the Powercast has been discontinued.Heavy non self propelled vacs don't seem to make it-folks are now getting to used to the self propelled ones.kinda like self propelled mowers vs manually pushed ones.
brettsomers
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what im curious about is, how will the joints hold up on this machine? how is the filter rotated exactly and how will the mechanism hold up? speaking of dial a matic, how sturdy is the handle? can it be lifted by the handle? does the machine have a commercial-rated motor. seems reasonable to expect a heavy duty motor in a vacuum costing over $400, no? dyson was lucky/clever enough to enter the market with a "new" feature (bagless) FIRST and, taking a cue from oreck, realised the power of advertising. sure hoover cleans better than the flimsy dyson, but then again, it seems an upright vacuum doesnt have to clean well to be successful (oreck). and the bagless idea is no longer new. the folding feature screams gimmick. even the use of "suv" concepts to promote this cleaner seems like a bad omen, with the downturn in popularity of large vehicles. this machine reminds me of the general motors thread; is this the BEST american engineering has to offer? i guess im bitter because i know the quality the Hoover company was capable of. same with maytag. i will stop before i froth allover my keyboard!
I wonder if the "Z" is built here-I thought Hoover shut down most of its US vacuum plants-only the commercial ones were still being built here-their household models were being built in Mexico or China.Also-Hoover should give folks a CHOICE on this machine-The bagless one or a bagged model.The bagless feature will turn many prospects off.Hoover offers Windtunnel models in bagged or bagless.i am glad Hoover is addressing the problem of clogging with the pleated filters-See MANY Hoover bagless WT in the vac repair pile waiting to have--their dust cups emptied and their pleated filters and filter screen cleaned.Tried one at that vac place-and its filter screen in the dirt cup,and the pleated filter are hopelessly clogged only after a few minutes of vacuuming.And the bagless models LEAK DUST.Nasty machines.Their bagged models are much cleaner and more efficient.May go back to the Sears store and see if they can demo the "Z".Would like to try the beast out.Does the nozzle height adjust have a separate motor and mechanism?I am wondering if it works something like the SeboX4.On the control panel--only has four height settings-most uprights with adjustable height have 6 or 7.May be difficult matching its height to some floors.
You have to wonder what the buzz was around the table at Hoover when they got together in some room to come up with this concept. Who were they competing against, Dyson? What demographic were they aiming for? 20-30? In other words young adults who 10-15 years ago were playing with Transformers? Cool factor ? definitely. I can't believe that they ever believed that it would sell much to anyone leaving their 30's, it's just too gimmicky.
I wonder if many of the 20 year folks could afford such a machine.I have seen younger folks buy the low priced vacs-price and they are not into vacuums as some people are.They would rather play video games or do something elese.Too-wonder what WOMEN think of this machine-sounds like the Z is being marketed to "SUV" type folks---MEN.Don't think a woman would want to use such a machine-too heavy and "gimmicky"The lady of the house would ask--"Honey?-Could you convert this vac back into a Canister for me?""And could you empty the bin for me?" I have heard of this with Kirbys-the women don't like to change the modes.Elderly users DEFINTELY would not want the "Z"--too heavy for them.Its strange--elderly folks seem to LOVE Kirbys.Esp the self-propelled "G" machines.
hoover1060
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Just some thoughts:
I tip my hat to the Hoover Z, its the first totally NEW machine from Hoover since 1997 when the Windtunnel came out, and its definately original.
To the best of my knowledge its made in the US.
I've had a chance to play with one briefly, its reasonably quiet, and has excellent airflow and brush. Yes its heavy, so is a Dyson, so is a G-series Kirby, so is a Self Propelled Windtunnel. The self cleaning filter is a great idea, and I thought the fit/finish was pretty good.
It is a beast, no doubt, but it also cleans and grooms the carpet beautifully.
I give them credit for at least trying to come up with something new from the ground up... after all for the for a while all they were doing was repackaging those damn Elites under different names(remember the Constellation upright?)
I think the Dial-A-Matic probably got the same reception in 1963. Before the DAM came out, almost every model Hoover had made had a vertical motor and a bag on the back of it, and was pretty much an updated/improved offshoot of Murray Spangler's first cleaner. Except of course for models 115/12/14 which had horizontal motors.
The Z is a welcome site, much more welcome than another repackaged ELite or cheapie Windtunnel.
Just my 2 cents worth
I tip my hat to the Hoover Z, its the first totally NEW machine from Hoover since 1997 when the Windtunnel came out, and its definately original.
To the best of my knowledge its made in the US.
I've had a chance to play with one briefly, its reasonably quiet, and has excellent airflow and brush. Yes its heavy, so is a Dyson, so is a G-series Kirby, so is a Self Propelled Windtunnel. The self cleaning filter is a great idea, and I thought the fit/finish was pretty good.
It is a beast, no doubt, but it also cleans and grooms the carpet beautifully.
I give them credit for at least trying to come up with something new from the ground up... after all for the for a while all they were doing was repackaging those damn Elites under different names(remember the Constellation upright?)
I think the Dial-A-Matic probably got the same reception in 1963. Before the DAM came out, almost every model Hoover had made had a vertical motor and a bag on the back of it, and was pretty much an updated/improved offshoot of Murray Spangler's first cleaner. Except of course for models 115/12/14 which had horizontal motors.
The Z is a welcome site, much more welcome than another repackaged ELite or cheapie Windtunnel.
Just my 2 cents worth
hooverwheelaway
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Yes, the Z is "Assembled in the USA" --so its label says... Not completely sure where... if it's El Paso, North Canton, or somewhere else. I agree with the comment about giving people a choice on the bag/bagless. We sell a TON of the Savvy (model U8181, in Purple) which comes with both cups... people seem to still be unsure if bagless is or isn't for them. The height adjustment on the Z is very similar to that on the Sebo. Also, the filter has a separate motor which rotates it as the machine is running. Of course you can lift it by the handle; I think (or would hope) that Hoover learned their lesson. Or you can carry it when it's folded in the down position, there's a carrying handle under the Hoover logo, below the on/off switch.
Yes, the folding feature is "gimmicky"... But I can not tell you how many people come into the store who have "All hardwood floors" and are using a Bagless Windtunnel Upright... Or those folks who have mostly hardwood floors, with a room or two of carpet, and stairs, and area rugs... I always say "You are in a difficult situation..." I point them towards a machine on which the brushroll shuts off, or a canister with a powernozzle, or a low-end upright and a commercial Portapower combo. The fact that the "Z" can be used as an upright, and a canister, I think is an answer to that problem. The brushroll shuts off, the hose is long, the TOL model has a "gentle brush" feature, that cuts the power on everything to 50%. --It can be used as an upright and a canister.
As far as price, I don't think that's really all that big of an issue. It's a machine with lots of gadgety features--it's pretty clear what you're getting for the money. People of ALL ages, I'd say 20's and up, seem to have NO problem plunking down $400 on a Dyson (or putting it on their credit card, no doubt...).
I agree with an above posting, about Oreck and Dyson, and advertising... Hoover didn't have much of a backbone. Now that Maytag has taken over the reins, ads are becoming a little more to the point, and they're directly addressing the competition...
I like the "Honey, could you convert this back to a canister for me?" line, and agree... that's probably how it's gonna go.
If you do go to Sears, to get a demo, and try it, be sure to try it in the upright posiston (it's gonna be heavy), but then fold it down, and extend the telescopic handle as far as it'll go. Then vacuum with it. It makes all the difference in the world.
~Fred
Yes, the folding feature is "gimmicky"... But I can not tell you how many people come into the store who have "All hardwood floors" and are using a Bagless Windtunnel Upright... Or those folks who have mostly hardwood floors, with a room or two of carpet, and stairs, and area rugs... I always say "You are in a difficult situation..." I point them towards a machine on which the brushroll shuts off, or a canister with a powernozzle, or a low-end upright and a commercial Portapower combo. The fact that the "Z" can be used as an upright, and a canister, I think is an answer to that problem. The brushroll shuts off, the hose is long, the TOL model has a "gentle brush" feature, that cuts the power on everything to 50%. --It can be used as an upright and a canister.
As far as price, I don't think that's really all that big of an issue. It's a machine with lots of gadgety features--it's pretty clear what you're getting for the money. People of ALL ages, I'd say 20's and up, seem to have NO problem plunking down $400 on a Dyson (or putting it on their credit card, no doubt...).
I agree with an above posting, about Oreck and Dyson, and advertising... Hoover didn't have much of a backbone. Now that Maytag has taken over the reins, ads are becoming a little more to the point, and they're directly addressing the competition...
I like the "Honey, could you convert this back to a canister for me?" line, and agree... that's probably how it's gonna go.
If you do go to Sears, to get a demo, and try it, be sure to try it in the upright posiston (it's gonna be heavy), but then fold it down, and extend the telescopic handle as far as it'll go. Then vacuum with it. It makes all the difference in the world.
~Fred
Maybe they figured as well that guys will see it, like it because it's so cool looking and then buy one either for themselves or "surprise" the little lady at home, who will then come after them with a frying pan. lol
Brokeback Vacuum
Terry, Robert and I played with one of these at Sears in the Mall of America last month when we were up in Minneapolis for a visit. Having not been through the training class, we didn't know where to find the cord or how to make it stand up. We played for a while and finally got #5 turned on. We threw some dirt from the (granted, smallish) dirt cup which nearly sent Robert into a tailspin ("you can't do that!") and proceeded to vacuum the floor. It cleaned very well but it was rather clumsy to move, in part because of it's weight and shape. The tool/hose suction was pretty good but nothing to sigh about versus other vacuums. The self-cleaning filter was interesting and probably effective but I questioned it's durability and longevity. I wondered how clean it really keeps the filter - very fine dust over time will certainly plug it up, but in all fairness, all bagless cleaners will suffer from this affliction at some point. The hose was very flexible and had a very long reach. Once we were done playing, we tried to wind up the cord and put it away but I think we had a problem - did the cord-door fall off Terry? Anyway, it was interesting and good to see Hoover do something, anything new, but overall it was rather pricey for the end product.
Terry, Robert and I played with one of these at Sears in the Mall of America last month when we were up in Minneapolis for a visit. Having not been through the training class, we didn't know where to find the cord or how to make it stand up. We played for a while and finally got #5 turned on. We threw some dirt from the (granted, smallish) dirt cup which nearly sent Robert into a tailspin ("you can't do that!") and proceeded to vacuum the floor. It cleaned very well but it was rather clumsy to move, in part because of it's weight and shape. The tool/hose suction was pretty good but nothing to sigh about versus other vacuums. The self-cleaning filter was interesting and probably effective but I questioned it's durability and longevity. I wondered how clean it really keeps the filter - very fine dust over time will certainly plug it up, but in all fairness, all bagless cleaners will suffer from this affliction at some point. The hose was very flexible and had a very long reach. Once we were done playing, we tried to wind up the cord and put it away but I think we had a problem - did the cord-door fall off Terry? Anyway, it was interesting and good to see Hoover do something, anything new, but overall it was rather pricey for the end product.
I was wondering about the cord etc. Why on earth wouldn't they put a cord-retract on such a pricey machine. Since I haven't seen one live, are things like the door for the cord storage etc made with those brittle type plastic hinges etc that you know are going to snap eventually?
hoover1060
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cord door
I think that cord door is the breakaway kind, much like on the old Powermax and Legacy/Dimension/Powerdrive uprights.
I have to agree its kinda strange to have the cord wrap behind a door, and maybe a cord reel would have been better.
The last Cord reel upright was the Concept One, discontinued 1992.
I haver to agree too, like ALL bagless machines very fine dust will clog the filters, and this is true no matter what brand, Dyson, Hoover, whatever...
I think that cord door is the breakaway kind, much like on the old Powermax and Legacy/Dimension/Powerdrive uprights.
I have to agree its kinda strange to have the cord wrap behind a door, and maybe a cord reel would have been better.
The last Cord reel upright was the Concept One, discontinued 1992.
I haver to agree too, like ALL bagless machines very fine dust will clog the filters, and this is true no matter what brand, Dyson, Hoover, whatever...
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