Tried to put this in last week-but the internet problems I was having seems to have prevented it from working.Well I'll try again.On the weekend of the 21st-(for you vac folks-the day the Dyson "Ball" was introduced to market)Went to Best Buy-There it was!!The salesman asked me if I wanted to try it-so I obliged him-Found that pretty plastic vac to be quite interesting.Got out the BB card and got my own.Now that I have had the vac for over a week-found it it be quite an improvement over previous Dyson machines.That "ball" serves as a rear wheel,steering device,and suction motor housing.Its a two motor upright-one for suction-other motor for the brush bar.Like the Royal powercast you can turn the beater bar motor off and use the machine for bare floors or delicate rugs and carpet.Also the beater bar motor automatically shuts off when the machine is fully upright-and in the "hose" mode.Rear stabilizor wheels come ut to hold the machine up-it cannot rest on the "ball" alone or it would tip over.I know its a "plastic" vac-but and interesting one at that-a new innovation in vac design-Try one at BB or one of the other Dyson dealers-you may want to "roll" one home with you-good for us vac collectors out there.The machine does work pretty well-the beater bar has been redesigned for American carpets.It is gear driven and comes out of the machine in two sections-you undo two endcaps on the floor nozzle and you can take the sections out for cleaning or replacement.
just couldn't resist-
- Thread starter tolivac
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In an older Dyson machine I have-Its roller brush is smaller and has short brush bristles on it. On the DC 15 "Ball" vac-the bristles are longer and stiffer.Also the brush roll is larger in diameter-USA vacuumers like the larger more aggressive brush rolls.James Dyson says he likes the less aggressive ones better-but the Marketplace in the US likes the larger more aggressive brush rolls.The brush rolls practically shake the floor under the carpet-esp with Kirbys and Metal Royal classics,Everlast,and Powercast.The vibration loosens sand better.In my area-the soil is sandy-like dark beach sand.-but very fine.
I'm not sure if the European version of it has the same head... it's possible they've just changed the design completely in all markets.
I never had an upright machine before and picked up a Dyson, the slimmer upright and found it completely useless to be quite honest. It looked nice, but it was basically a glorified carpet sweeper. Without the powerbrush on it didn't pick up anything.
I'd used a Nilfisk canester vacuum before that and was always extremely happy it, both from a power and design point of view.
I've since given the Dyson away and bought a Miele "Cat and Dog" vaccum with the powered electrobrush.
I've looked at other uprights on the market here and the short brissles on the older dyson are certainly not the norm. The other machines all have MUCH more agressive looking powerbrushes. Don't forget the old Hoovers here ran with the slogan "it sweeps as it beats as it cleans"
The miele electrobrush is attached to the end of the wand like any other attachment but has a cable that clips along the tubes and plugs into a socket on the front of the vacuum, just near the hoze socket. The brush is powered by a 150W motor and the brissle action's pretty agressive... It really removes pet hair, sand, etc etc instantly.
I couldn't stand the fact that the upright dyson had such poor suction power. The miele's a 1800W unit. The nilfisk machine was pretty old (nearly 20) and is still going strong and HEPA filtered. It's a totally modular design, (bag compartment, prefilter assembly, motor unit, post filter, hepafilter) We just wanted a second machine for upstairs. Fantastic machine, can't be beaten!
My grandmother's Nilfisk GA70 is still going strong too and that dates from the 1960s ... it hasn't ever been serviced.
Unlike the picture below it has a tube made of fibers, not the plastic one below.
I never had an upright machine before and picked up a Dyson, the slimmer upright and found it completely useless to be quite honest. It looked nice, but it was basically a glorified carpet sweeper. Without the powerbrush on it didn't pick up anything.
I'd used a Nilfisk canester vacuum before that and was always extremely happy it, both from a power and design point of view.
I've since given the Dyson away and bought a Miele "Cat and Dog" vaccum with the powered electrobrush.
I've looked at other uprights on the market here and the short brissles on the older dyson are certainly not the norm. The other machines all have MUCH more agressive looking powerbrushes. Don't forget the old Hoovers here ran with the slogan "it sweeps as it beats as it cleans"
The miele electrobrush is attached to the end of the wand like any other attachment but has a cable that clips along the tubes and plugs into a socket on the front of the vacuum, just near the hoze socket. The brush is powered by a 150W motor and the brissle action's pretty agressive... It really removes pet hair, sand, etc etc instantly.
I couldn't stand the fact that the upright dyson had such poor suction power. The miele's a 1800W unit. The nilfisk machine was pretty old (nearly 20) and is still going strong and HEPA filtered. It's a totally modular design, (bag compartment, prefilter assembly, motor unit, post filter, hepafilter) We just wanted a second machine for upstairs. Fantastic machine, can't be beaten!
My grandmother's Nilfisk GA70 is still going strong too and that dates from the 1960s ... it hasn't ever been serviced.
Unlike the picture below it has a tube made of fibers, not the plastic one below.
Nilfisk-Advance machines are excellent-was a DTD brand in the US for a short time-the GA series type machines are still available in the US-but distributed to the commercial rather than household market-it was that machine they sold DTD.also called the "Silver Bullet" vac in the US-used one once-excellent-but its bag needed replacing.Was used by the last cleaning contractor where I work.I have a Meilie-think its the "White Pearl" model-Its alright-bags and filters for them are not available in the Eastern NC area-closest supplier in Raleigh or charlette,both inconvenient to me.I have the metal Hoovers with the old time "Beats-as it sweeps-as it cleans" They abandoned that concept in later years.Too bad-the older machines could outclean their newer models that have the 12A motors.The older ones had-3A-6A motors-better cleaning power with half-to a third the motor power.The Dyson you have is completely diffrent than the machines sold in the US.I thought the HEPA filter cartridge on the Nifisk was rebuildable-replaceable.The "Silver-Bullet" machines sold in the US had a power nozzle.Only seen two of these machines-they are beauties-one at work-the oher at a vacuum shop in Texas-near Dallas.The one at the vac store had a power nozzle.Royal machines have a plastic bar just behind the bristles called a "brush stiffener" does the work of a beater bar.Kirby Bristles are stiffer along with those of other vac builder here-even Teflon bristles-these are more durable than the carpet-these can waer carpets.You get a lot of carpet fluff in the vac bag after using a Teflon brush bar.Used on Bernina Uprights.
So James gotcha!!
LOL.
Maybe I'm lucky they don't sell Dysons here. I'd probably get one just to have one. I'm still fiddling with all those old Kirbys I've collected in the last month, got 3 working great now. That crap Singer upright the guy gave me, I cleaned it up cosmetically and put in a new bag..awful, but yesterday I took it all apart wondering why there was little suction and I found in the tunnel behind the fans was jammed with an old belt and a nail, plus lots of bits of crap..took that all out, new paper bag, freshly laundered outer bag and that crap little cleaner raises the pile on the carpet better than anything. It's the same machine that Sears sold as their twin fan models some years ago...and they're made by Ryobi in S.Carolina per the name plate.
Today I was using that Sears Powermate canister I got the other day,lovely machine, so quiet, and the powerhead pulls it along like it's self-propelled. Ijust find them a bit awkward to use, seems like you're always tugging on the hose to bring it closer and then unsnag the machine when you go around furniture..nice machine..but I still don't like canisters for that reason.
Get us a pick of your new Dyson!!!
LOL.
Maybe I'm lucky they don't sell Dysons here. I'd probably get one just to have one. I'm still fiddling with all those old Kirbys I've collected in the last month, got 3 working great now. That crap Singer upright the guy gave me, I cleaned it up cosmetically and put in a new bag..awful, but yesterday I took it all apart wondering why there was little suction and I found in the tunnel behind the fans was jammed with an old belt and a nail, plus lots of bits of crap..took that all out, new paper bag, freshly laundered outer bag and that crap little cleaner raises the pile on the carpet better than anything. It's the same machine that Sears sold as their twin fan models some years ago...and they're made by Ryobi in S.Carolina per the name plate.
Today I was using that Sears Powermate canister I got the other day,lovely machine, so quiet, and the powerhead pulls it along like it's self-propelled. Ijust find them a bit awkward to use, seems like you're always tugging on the hose to bring it closer and then unsnag the machine when you go around furniture..nice machine..but I still don't like canisters for that reason.
Get us a pick of your new Dyson!!!
There are definitely a few places in Boston selling Miele vacuums and bags. I assume you'd pick up the replacements through them or at least be able to order them in.
If not try ordering them online directly from one of the EU countries as Miele vacuums are pretty popular and not all that expensive over here.
For some odd reason, Nilfisk was the most popular brand of vacuum cleaner in Ireland. Pretty much everyone had a Nilfisk GM80 or GM90 at some stage. They're just an absolutely fantastic machine.
As for the upright cleaners, there were certainly a lot of upright hoovers and electroluxes here in the 1960s and 70s with zip up bags. However, the number of homes with hardwood flooring has sky rocketed since the 1980s and uprights are utterly useless on that type of flooring, in fact the brush bars can even do pretty severe damage to some wooden floor and even tiled surfaces. The canaster and cylinder units are pretty much the norm thesedays.
I found the uprights I've used (old and new) much more awkward to use. It's difficult to get them under furnature, they don't get into tight spaces around / behind / beside furnature very easily. They're very messy when it comes to cleaning soft furnature / curtains / radiators etc etc. They tend to rely on the beater bar / brush bar action rather than just having a powerful suction motor. So, maybe it's just what I'm used to but I really find a canaster / cylinder far superior as it's just more flexible.
I used an upright (Royal) in the USA to clean my apartment and found it to be very heavy and difficult to handle. It felt more like mowing a lawn than doing the vacuuming!
I could understand someone using an upright if they were cleaning very large square rooms that were carpeted wall to wall and had no furnature. However, for a modern home with a multiplicity of surfaces the cylinder/canaster with powerful suction is king!
If not try ordering them online directly from one of the EU countries as Miele vacuums are pretty popular and not all that expensive over here.
For some odd reason, Nilfisk was the most popular brand of vacuum cleaner in Ireland. Pretty much everyone had a Nilfisk GM80 or GM90 at some stage. They're just an absolutely fantastic machine.
As for the upright cleaners, there were certainly a lot of upright hoovers and electroluxes here in the 1960s and 70s with zip up bags. However, the number of homes with hardwood flooring has sky rocketed since the 1980s and uprights are utterly useless on that type of flooring, in fact the brush bars can even do pretty severe damage to some wooden floor and even tiled surfaces. The canaster and cylinder units are pretty much the norm thesedays.
I found the uprights I've used (old and new) much more awkward to use. It's difficult to get them under furnature, they don't get into tight spaces around / behind / beside furnature very easily. They're very messy when it comes to cleaning soft furnature / curtains / radiators etc etc. They tend to rely on the beater bar / brush bar action rather than just having a powerful suction motor. So, maybe it's just what I'm used to but I really find a canaster / cylinder far superior as it's just more flexible.
I used an upright (Royal) in the USA to clean my apartment and found it to be very heavy and difficult to handle. It felt more like mowing a lawn than doing the vacuuming!
I could understand someone using an upright if they were cleaning very large square rooms that were carpeted wall to wall and had no furnature. However, for a modern home with a multiplicity of surfaces the cylinder/canaster with powerful suction is king!
A very robust UK vac..
This is a machine that's pretty cool looking. Quite popular over here, made by a company called Numatic
The "Henry" other models : James and Charles. All have a smiley face.. they're quite popular in domestic and light commercial environments like small retail stores / offices.
This particular model is the Henry Turbo with an electricly powered brush attachment.
This is a machine that's pretty cool looking. Quite popular over here, made by a company called Numatic
The "Henry" other models : James and Charles. All have a smiley face.. they're quite popular in domestic and light commercial environments like small retail stores / offices.
This particular model is the Henry Turbo with an electricly powered brush attachment.
The insides!
Here's how it operates, similar design to the old classic nilfisk canasters it's made up of 3 modules.
There's a handle on top for rewinding the cord, much like the way you'd rewind an extension reel. Far less likely to go wrong than a spring loaded rewind.
Here's how it operates, similar design to the old classic nilfisk canasters it's made up of 3 modules.
There's a handle on top for rewinding the cord, much like the way you'd rewind an extension reel. Far less likely to go wrong than a spring loaded rewind.
The electric power brush
Here's the electrically powered brush head (Similar units are available for certain miele models and from nilfisk)
Operates at SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) 24Volts (There's a transformer built into the henry vacuum cleaner)
Here's the electrically powered brush head (Similar units are available for certain miele models and from nilfisk)
Operates at SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) 24Volts (There's a transformer built into the henry vacuum cleaner)
I wish the other manufactuers would use low voltage for the power nozzle motors, lights and other stuff. I've got both a tri-star compact, and a 50's vintage electrolux that both have wiring going trough the hose for their power nozzles. Because I've got hardwood floors in my house, I basically forgot that there's electricity going through the hose. After cleaning the bathroom, and getting my hands wet, I then proceeded to vacuum. I felt a little tingling in my hand when I grabbed the end of the hose of the tri-star. I let go of the hose and couldn't figure it out...then it dawned on me that my hand was covering the electricial fitting for the power nozzle on the hose.
Now, I know it's definitely not advisable to be using a vacuum with wet hands with either high or low voltage, but I know I'm not the first person who has done this inadventently. My worry is that an internal wire in the hose will become frayed, and short out, causing either a fire, or electrocution risk. A step-down transformer to low voltage can limit the current to safe limits if any of these conditions occur, and because it's low voltage, there's less of a chance of it being conducted through your body
Now, I know it's definitely not advisable to be using a vacuum with wet hands with either high or low voltage, but I know I'm not the first person who has done this inadventently. My worry is that an internal wire in the hose will become frayed, and short out, causing either a fire, or electrocution risk. A step-down transformer to low voltage can limit the current to safe limits if any of these conditions occur, and because it's low voltage, there's less of a chance of it being conducted through your body
Numatics
I believe Numatics commercial vacs are available in Canada. In the building in which I work I would always see the mtce man vacuuming the lobby entrance mats with this tiny little flat canister that was so quiet. I'd never heard a vac so quiet. Then again I saw one being used at the airport on their entry mats. Have never seen one at retail for home use.
I believe Numatics commercial vacs are available in Canada. In the building in which I work I would always see the mtce man vacuuming the lobby entrance mats with this tiny little flat canister that was so quiet. I'd never heard a vac so quiet. Then again I saw one being used at the airport on their entry mats. Have never seen one at retail for home use.
kirk280980
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I have a Henry Hound, basically the same as the Turbo model shown above but with the addition of a carbon impregnated filter to trap odours. Absolutely love it! To begin with I had serious concerns that the low voltage power nozzle would be "wimpy", but it actually does a wonderful job of cleaning and grooming the carpet - grooming being something I am particularly obsessive about, as I can't stand the sight of matted carpets.
I also have a Dyson DC04, one of the first from '98, and still use this as a secondary cleaner. Mine has held up well with no problems, and it does clean and filter well. Having said that I don't object to buying and using bags, so the bagless feature is not of huge importance to me.
Previously I had a Kirby Legend II, and still regret passing that one on. Despite having a preference for canisters, this has always been my all-time favourite vacuum and I should have hung onto it. There's just something about the way a Kirby looks and sounds, and the huge array of attachments it comes with, that appeals to me. Not a huge fan of the shampoo system, but it's still fun to use nevertheless.
I also have a Dyson DC04, one of the first from '98, and still use this as a secondary cleaner. Mine has held up well with no problems, and it does clean and filter well. Having said that I don't object to buying and using bags, so the bagless feature is not of huge importance to me.
Previously I had a Kirby Legend II, and still regret passing that one on. Despite having a preference for canisters, this has always been my all-time favourite vacuum and I should have hung onto it. There's just something about the way a Kirby looks and sounds, and the huge array of attachments it comes with, that appeals to me. Not a huge fan of the shampoo system, but it's still fun to use nevertheless.
Kirk
How common are Kirbys over the UK? I would think they had a miniscule piece of the sales pie.
How common are Kirbys over the UK? I would think they had a miniscule piece of the sales pie.
kirk280980
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- 172
Hi Pete,
Kirbys are not hugely popular over here because of their price tag and the selling method, but that said if you want one they're very easy to find. Most areas have a Kirby sales & service office nearby that sells new and used machines, and of course there are always plenty for sale dirt cheap on eBay.
The second most popular direct sales vacuum here is Vorwerk, although this company seems to have gone quiet recently. Rainbow and Filter Queen are also available, but extremely rare and hard to find.
Kirbys are not hugely popular over here because of their price tag and the selling method, but that said if you want one they're very easy to find. Most areas have a Kirby sales & service office nearby that sells new and used machines, and of course there are always plenty for sale dirt cheap on eBay.
The second most popular direct sales vacuum here is Vorwerk, although this company seems to have gone quiet recently. Rainbow and Filter Queen are also available, but extremely rare and hard to find.
Wow-Interesting machines being discussed since I last looked at this --Love the idea of LV powernozzle motors-and nozzle headlights-The vac builders could use LEDS--imagine-a light that won't burn out!!!Do like the safety aspect of the LV powernozzle drive.Since wires are imbedded in the vac hose-most vac and hose makers not recommend you pick up sharp or sharp metal objects thru the hose-The sharp debris could cut the insulation in the hose wires-causing a lethal shock hazard in case someone did pick up liquid or a wet item by accident.With Rainbow cleaners a seperate non-wired hose is provided for wet pickups-other vac makers do this whose machines are wet pickup capable.
Love the Henry machines shown and discussed-sounds like a REALLY useful little vac.Like its LV powernozzle.Great safety feature.
I love the Royal metal Classic and Everlast uprights-next to Kirby-the best carpet cleaners out there.Unfortunately the current owner of Royal Appliance isn't promoting the machines or even supporting them.The Royal dealers I deal with complain about that.Took over three weeks to get a part for one of mine.(floor shoe)
I saw a Vorwerk vac once-and that was 25years ago-was in the used machines at a vac dealer in Marlow Heights Md,(near Wash DC)Was like a Kirby-machine could be configured to be an upright or canister cleaner.The dealer sold "Electro-Hygene) machines at the time(Royal)That's the only time I had seen one.Looked like a very nice machine.
I would say this-the Dyson "Ball" won't outclean my Royals or Kirbys.
Love the Henry machines shown and discussed-sounds like a REALLY useful little vac.Like its LV powernozzle.Great safety feature.
I love the Royal metal Classic and Everlast uprights-next to Kirby-the best carpet cleaners out there.Unfortunately the current owner of Royal Appliance isn't promoting the machines or even supporting them.The Royal dealers I deal with complain about that.Took over three weeks to get a part for one of mine.(floor shoe)
I saw a Vorwerk vac once-and that was 25years ago-was in the used machines at a vac dealer in Marlow Heights Md,(near Wash DC)Was like a Kirby-machine could be configured to be an upright or canister cleaner.The dealer sold "Electro-Hygene) machines at the time(Royal)That's the only time I had seen one.Looked like a very nice machine.
I would say this-the Dyson "Ball" won't outclean my Royals or Kirbys.
kirk280980
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Tolivac,
The Henry electric hose has the wires running through a single flexible conduit, attached to the inside of the crushproof hose, so it looks to be well protected from hard and sharp objects. Much lighter than most electric hoses I've seen, and it swivels at both ends too, so as not to tangle in use or cause strain the pigtail cord that plugs into the canister unit.
Love the look of the Royal metal uprights, kind of like a more affordable alternative to the Kirby. Unfortunately we don't get those over here, which is strange considering that we do have Dirt Devil products, many of which are rebadged as Vax (Royal, DD and Vax are all owned by TTI).
Regarding Vorwerks, these were redesigned a few years ago with the biggest change being a switch from the dirty fan system to a sealed, clean air design. The result was a quieter and more powerful machine with better filtration. Unfortunately they didn't quite get the new models right, and like many other people I had serious problems with mine that cost a fortune to put right. Would never buy another one again, even though they are very interesting vacuums that do perform well.
The Henry electric hose has the wires running through a single flexible conduit, attached to the inside of the crushproof hose, so it looks to be well protected from hard and sharp objects. Much lighter than most electric hoses I've seen, and it swivels at both ends too, so as not to tangle in use or cause strain the pigtail cord that plugs into the canister unit.
Love the look of the Royal metal uprights, kind of like a more affordable alternative to the Kirby. Unfortunately we don't get those over here, which is strange considering that we do have Dirt Devil products, many of which are rebadged as Vax (Royal, DD and Vax are all owned by TTI).
Regarding Vorwerks, these were redesigned a few years ago with the biggest change being a switch from the dirty fan system to a sealed, clean air design. The result was a quieter and more powerful machine with better filtration. Unfortunately they didn't quite get the new models right, and like many other people I had serious problems with mine that cost a fortune to put right. Would never buy another one again, even though they are very interesting vacuums that do perform well.
I think it is unfortunate the new owener of Royal isn't promoting their classic machines.Best for the money out there.I think the fan first design is still the best and most efficient.Makes better use of a smaller lower RPM motor.That explains why many of this design are still working.Clean air machines are LESS efficient and require more motor power-has to suck thru the bag and filters-the motor is further from the surface being cleaned.I would like to check out a Riccar "Radiance' machine-its an upright vac that has two suction motors-the first one is the traditional "fan first"type-than behind the bag and filter chamber they have a second motor-sort of a "push-pull" system.Would like to try it.The vac is equipped with a hose and on-board attachments-don't know how the hose works if it gets the benefit from both motors.The floor nozzle does.also the first motor rotates the roller brush.Its a metal one with replaceable brush strips.riccar also uses traditional flat belts-they beleive it gives more speed to the brush bar.
scott55405
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My 3 amp Royal does wonders on the heavy plush carpet in this house. They are great cleaners, easy to use and maneuver.
