Hoover - The Product of Experience...!!!
OK Hoover Experts...
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hooverwheelaway
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HaHaHaHa!
Way to trick 'em, Robert!
No, the Floor A Matic never actually came in pink.
This one started its life as the Lime Green one in the back of this picture...
I found out that Robert didn't have a Floor A Matic, much less even know what one was. I felt that it was my responsibility to change that. After all, it's touted in one of Hoover's ads "The Automatic Floor Laundry."
So, after seeing all of the fabulous pictures of Robert's house that he's posted on this site, here and there... I came to the realization that, in Robert's house, Lime Green (rather as Hoover would call it, Bali Green) just wouldn't do. It's gotta be either Turquoise, Yellow, or Pink.
So, I had a spare colored cover (it started its life orange), and went out and got some spray paint primer for plastic, then followed that up with pink.
((Veg- you'll have to give the turquoise a try, I bet it would look just dreamy. I have an extra panel, if you'd like...))
The Floor A Matic was really one of Hoover's best innovations, and one of its best kept secrets.
It was made from 1967 until 2000 - and underwent 9 or 10 different color combinations. Ugh, I love that! 33 years... Try buying anything that's on the market NOW in 33 years. Well, except for the Kirby. They don't seem to want to give that any radical changes...
Sadly, the Floor A Matic was discontinued when the Floor Mate was launched.
What makes the Floor A Matic so much better than the Floor Mate, is the fact that you can dispense your cleaning solution, and let the machine sit there and scrub. THEN shut the machine off, flip the switch (reversing the motor) and suck the water up.
The Floor Mate's detergent gets dispensed and the brushes scrub, but when you're in scrub mode, you're also in suck-up mode. You can shut off the brushes, but you can't shut off the suction. Really the only 'pro' to the Floor Mate is the fact that you can use it on [sealed] hard-wood floors without doing damage to them. If you used the FAM on hard-wood (for wet scrubbing), the water would seep underneath the planks of wood.
Then, as an added bonus, the Floor A Matic can be used to polish floors and shampoo rugs!
Robert--I know you'll love that cleaner for years to come, and I'm happy that it's now responsible for keeping the floors in your fabulous home clean!! Yay Hoover!
Say, I bet that Pink FAM looks just dreamy parked next to your Constellation.
~Fred
Way to trick 'em, Robert!
No, the Floor A Matic never actually came in pink.
This one started its life as the Lime Green one in the back of this picture...
I found out that Robert didn't have a Floor A Matic, much less even know what one was. I felt that it was my responsibility to change that. After all, it's touted in one of Hoover's ads "The Automatic Floor Laundry."
So, after seeing all of the fabulous pictures of Robert's house that he's posted on this site, here and there... I came to the realization that, in Robert's house, Lime Green (rather as Hoover would call it, Bali Green) just wouldn't do. It's gotta be either Turquoise, Yellow, or Pink.
So, I had a spare colored cover (it started its life orange), and went out and got some spray paint primer for plastic, then followed that up with pink.
((Veg- you'll have to give the turquoise a try, I bet it would look just dreamy. I have an extra panel, if you'd like...))
The Floor A Matic was really one of Hoover's best innovations, and one of its best kept secrets.
It was made from 1967 until 2000 - and underwent 9 or 10 different color combinations. Ugh, I love that! 33 years... Try buying anything that's on the market NOW in 33 years. Well, except for the Kirby. They don't seem to want to give that any radical changes...
Sadly, the Floor A Matic was discontinued when the Floor Mate was launched.
What makes the Floor A Matic so much better than the Floor Mate, is the fact that you can dispense your cleaning solution, and let the machine sit there and scrub. THEN shut the machine off, flip the switch (reversing the motor) and suck the water up.
The Floor Mate's detergent gets dispensed and the brushes scrub, but when you're in scrub mode, you're also in suck-up mode. You can shut off the brushes, but you can't shut off the suction. Really the only 'pro' to the Floor Mate is the fact that you can use it on [sealed] hard-wood floors without doing damage to them. If you used the FAM on hard-wood (for wet scrubbing), the water would seep underneath the planks of wood.
Then, as an added bonus, the Floor A Matic can be used to polish floors and shampoo rugs!
Robert--I know you'll love that cleaner for years to come, and I'm happy that it's now responsible for keeping the floors in your fabulous home clean!! Yay Hoover!
Say, I bet that Pink FAM looks just dreamy parked next to your Constellation.
~Fred
hooverwheelaway
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Some more pictures...
Here's the first (model 3600) and the last (model F5300).
((I JUST finished restoring the 3600! It took three so-so machines to make that fabulous one!))
Here's the first (model 3600) and the last (model F5300).
((I JUST finished restoring the 3600! It took three so-so machines to make that fabulous one!))
hooverwheelaway
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Glam Shot!
The Hoods
The Hoods
hooverwheelaway
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From Above.
Looking down.
Looking down.
hooverwheelaway
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Ads!
This is probably one of the first ads for the FAM...
This is probably one of the first ads for the FAM...
hooverwheelaway
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Another one...
.
.
hooverwheelaway
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Last Ad!
Here's the ad I mentioned above.
It features the DeLuxe model with the Headlight. I've got one of 'em.
Here's the ad I mentioned above.
It features the DeLuxe model with the Headlight. I've got one of 'em.
Veda and Roberto...
Roberto... I ADORE your pank rotary phone. I should have known and have probably even seen it in one of your photos. Perhaps one day I'll even get a chance to see it in person if I'm lucky. Your kitchen makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Veda dear... When I have the space, we have to talk about the floor o-matic. I want one! (So keep your eyes open for me. Of course, I'd prefer one in MINT condition.) I actually liked the lime green. But I'm more in an Eames-esque mode right now, more mid-century modern. I think lime green fits that frame of reference.
Mike
Roberto... I ADORE your pank rotary phone. I should have known and have probably even seen it in one of your photos. Perhaps one day I'll even get a chance to see it in person if I'm lucky. Your kitchen makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Veda dear... When I have the space, we have to talk about the floor o-matic. I want one! (So keep your eyes open for me. Of course, I'd prefer one in MINT condition.) I actually liked the lime green. But I'm more in an Eames-esque mode right now, more mid-century modern. I think lime green fits that frame of reference.
Mike
scott55405
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This is probably one of the better innovations Hoover ever came up with. I have one too, that I use both for cleaning the floors and shampooing the carpets, it's so convenient and does such a great job, it just can't be beat.
brettsomers
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what cool pics, Fred. that red squeegee on the floor-max is a nice touch.
Fred, a friend mentioned that the regular Floormax has been discontinued. i went to hesco and they show it as discontinued as well. do you have any details?
Fred, a friend mentioned that the regular Floormax has been discontinued. i went to hesco and they show it as discontinued as well. do you have any details?
Had a F-A-M since '73
I've had a FAM since '73, the first a Lime Green, the second a Maroon. Funny, the one from '73 is still somewhat operable, the newer one died a decade ago. I've had both versions of the Floormate, definitely like the second version better. One trick is you want to soak/scrub your floor - it's easy with the Floormate - is simply to remove the pickup tank! You can put as much solution down as you want and scrub to your heart's content. I use this trick when I want to strip my kitchen floor, but I use the FAM to do the scrubbing, MUCH better brushes for that task.
I two ongoing problems I had with the FAM were the rod in the tank disintegrating, I don't know how many I replaced over the years, and the brushes not syncing up. That's what caused my second FAM to bite the dust, I'd have to do a quick on/off to stop the "chattering". Other issues I had with the FAM is the fact it would leave black skufmarks on my baseboards, really irritating and I grew to dislike the metal snap in filter in the squeegee. The filter would never catch enough of the lint and such and I'd have to remove the entire assembly from time to time to clean it out, after some time the screws would corrode and it'd be a mess.
All in all a nice machine, I wouldn't be without some version, but the FAM did have it's issues for me.
I've had a FAM since '73, the first a Lime Green, the second a Maroon. Funny, the one from '73 is still somewhat operable, the newer one died a decade ago. I've had both versions of the Floormate, definitely like the second version better. One trick is you want to soak/scrub your floor - it's easy with the Floormate - is simply to remove the pickup tank! You can put as much solution down as you want and scrub to your heart's content. I use this trick when I want to strip my kitchen floor, but I use the FAM to do the scrubbing, MUCH better brushes for that task.
I two ongoing problems I had with the FAM were the rod in the tank disintegrating, I don't know how many I replaced over the years, and the brushes not syncing up. That's what caused my second FAM to bite the dust, I'd have to do a quick on/off to stop the "chattering". Other issues I had with the FAM is the fact it would leave black skufmarks on my baseboards, really irritating and I grew to dislike the metal snap in filter in the squeegee. The filter would never catch enough of the lint and such and I'd have to remove the entire assembly from time to time to clean it out, after some time the screws would corrode and it'd be a mess.
All in all a nice machine, I wouldn't be without some version, but the FAM did have it's issues for me.
Ugh, what great pictures Fred! I had no idea that there were so many different models. Love the Floor-a-Matic glam shots by the way 
Yes you are totally correct I definitely needed an "Automatic Floor Laundry" in this house. Even better now that the Bali Green has become one the 3 colors of the flag, (pink, yellow, turquoise), I love that. Two days later I still can't get over how clean both floors are, I can now throw my Swiffer mop away (did I just admit that out loud?). Now I have to tackle the 1100 square foot basement floor, uhhh talk about dirty discard water.
Yay for Hoover is right and yes you betcha, it sure does look dreamy parked right next to my Constellation.
Yes you are totally correct I definitely needed an "Automatic Floor Laundry" in this house. Even better now that the Bali Green has become one the 3 colors of the flag, (pink, yellow, turquoise), I love that. Two days later I still can't get over how clean both floors are, I can now throw my Swiffer mop away (did I just admit that out loud?). Now I have to tackle the 1100 square foot basement floor, uhhh talk about dirty discard water.
Yay for Hoover is right and yes you betcha, it sure does look dreamy parked right next to my Constellation.
hooverwheelaway
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David-
I know that a few years ago they did in fact discontinue the FloorMax... then they brought it back, because it was still verymuch in demand. We very steadily sold them when I was at Hoover, once they started making them again.
I'm not sure if they've gone away yet again... I can shoot an email to my old boss, and find out. Wouldn't surprise me, now that TTI is in control of the reins.
Robert-
I can now throw my Swiffer mop away (did I just admit that out loud?).
Let's have a picture of it in the garbage can, just to be sure.
MattL-
I two ongoing problems I had with the FAM were the rod in the tank disintegrating, I don't know how many I replaced over the years
...Never hear of that happening--I mean it's a metal rod. Maybe what you used in it? If your water was too hard/soft?
I don't doubt it could happen, though.
...And the brushes not syncing up. That's what caused my second FAM to bite the dust, I'd have to do a quick on/off to stop the "chattering"
From my understanding the "chattering" was fixed by replacing the little black rubber o-rings that are at the end of the brush driving plate, behind the piece that the brush snaps on to. If they would dry out, the brushes would bounce up and down and the head of the machine would bounce around.
and I grew to dislike the metal snap in filter in the squeegee. The filter would never catch enough of the lint and such and I'd have to remove the entire assembly from time to time to clean it out, after some time the screws would corrode and it'd be a mess.
I've gotten used to cleaning my FAM out really well after each use. I've been told that is one of the best ways to keep them pristine. That, and letting everything dry really thoroughly when done using it. Cleaning the FAM is a bit more labor-intensive than cleaning out the FloorMate; and that's probably another reason why it was discontinued--just like the TwinTub washers. Nowadays, people don't want to spend any amount of time doing anything.. They want to push a button and walk away, so to speak... But, yes, I can see how on a very regular basis, it could get tiring...
Oh--David--
In the time that it took me to type all of this, I emailed my old boss at Hoover, and got this response:
"Yep, discontinued, no longer available, etc.
And we sold through all we had including
what we got from Art [who ran another store in the area] before he closed."
'Tis sad, indeed.
~Fred
I know that a few years ago they did in fact discontinue the FloorMax... then they brought it back, because it was still verymuch in demand. We very steadily sold them when I was at Hoover, once they started making them again.
I'm not sure if they've gone away yet again... I can shoot an email to my old boss, and find out. Wouldn't surprise me, now that TTI is in control of the reins.
Robert-
I can now throw my Swiffer mop away (did I just admit that out loud?).
Let's have a picture of it in the garbage can, just to be sure.
MattL-
I two ongoing problems I had with the FAM were the rod in the tank disintegrating, I don't know how many I replaced over the years
...Never hear of that happening--I mean it's a metal rod. Maybe what you used in it? If your water was too hard/soft?
I don't doubt it could happen, though.
...And the brushes not syncing up. That's what caused my second FAM to bite the dust, I'd have to do a quick on/off to stop the "chattering"
From my understanding the "chattering" was fixed by replacing the little black rubber o-rings that are at the end of the brush driving plate, behind the piece that the brush snaps on to. If they would dry out, the brushes would bounce up and down and the head of the machine would bounce around.
and I grew to dislike the metal snap in filter in the squeegee. The filter would never catch enough of the lint and such and I'd have to remove the entire assembly from time to time to clean it out, after some time the screws would corrode and it'd be a mess.
I've gotten used to cleaning my FAM out really well after each use. I've been told that is one of the best ways to keep them pristine. That, and letting everything dry really thoroughly when done using it. Cleaning the FAM is a bit more labor-intensive than cleaning out the FloorMate; and that's probably another reason why it was discontinued--just like the TwinTub washers. Nowadays, people don't want to spend any amount of time doing anything.. They want to push a button and walk away, so to speak... But, yes, I can see how on a very regular basis, it could get tiring...
Oh--David--
In the time that it took me to type all of this, I emailed my old boss at Hoover, and got this response:
"Yep, discontinued, no longer available, etc.
And we sold through all we had including
what we got from Art [who ran another store in the area] before he closed."
'Tis sad, indeed.
~Fred
Robert, I didn't know you had a Connie as well.. Hard to remember who has what and/or how many especially with vacuums. Got a picture of it. I use mine almost exclusively now on the lower deck lido lounge and laundry here where it's all ceramic tiling, floats right along and the Connie is one of the quieter canisters out there. At least the vintage ones are I don't know about the new ones, haven't tried one.
andyelectrolux
Well-known member
Love it! I wish they still made the Floor a Matic. The new Floormates are just so flimsy, they're not even worth repairing.
Hmmmph, Swiff this...
Let's have a picture of it in the garbage can, just to be sure.
Just for you Fred, here's the ol Swiffer put out in the back alleyway just where it belongs...
Let's have a picture of it in the garbage can, just to be sure.
Just for you Fred, here's the ol Swiffer put out in the back alleyway just where it belongs...
Robert, I didn't know you had a Connie as well.. Hard to remember who has what and/or how many especially with vacuums. Got a picture of it.
Yup, here's me with my fabulous Connie last summer from one of the Vacuumland Photo Threads...
Yup, here's me with my fabulous Connie last summer from one of the Vacuumland Photo Threads...
brettsomers
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That is a sad shame about the last polisher-shampooer going nla. And there is such consistent demand for these machines. Wonder if people lost their jobs...
hooverwheelaway
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David!
Of course people lost their jobs!!
That was one of the last things they made in North Canton...
**Sniff**
~Fred
Of course people lost their jobs!!
That was one of the last things they made in North Canton...
**Sniff**
~Fred
Fred, thanks for the input on the FAM. The rod was aluminum if I recall correctly. I use typical city water, not a problem with anything else around here. In years past I used Spick and Span in it, as well as other cleaners. I used an ammonia mixture when stripping the floors, perhaps that's what did them in.
Interesting about the rubber bushings, I wish I knew that years ago. I still have both machines, if I could come up with a rod assembly, and some of those rubber bushings, I might be back in business with one good unit.
I like the latest Floormate, but I'd like a bit better brush set. I use the tile brushes for everything, maybe I'm just used to the stiff brushes of the FAM. Sad to here it's gone again.
Interesting about the rubber bushings, I wish I knew that years ago. I still have both machines, if I could come up with a rod assembly, and some of those rubber bushings, I might be back in business with one good unit.
I like the latest Floormate, but I'd like a bit better brush set. I use the tile brushes for everything, maybe I'm just used to the stiff brushes of the FAM. Sad to here it's gone again.
Floor Washer
Are the brushes the same as on the Hoover polishers produced here?? Is the squeegee pickup at the front of the polisher?? anyone got picks of the tanks??
Are the brushes the same as on the Hoover polishers produced here?? Is the squeegee pickup at the front of the polisher?? anyone got picks of the tanks??
Congratulations Robert. Have fun with it. I don't know if you have a copy of the instructions, but it is important to remove the little guard in the squeegee to clean out any small particles it traps during the wet pick up operation.
Mine is blue and white. I found one of the brown and orange ones for John. On wood floors, I use a mild Ph neutral cleaner like Simple Green to go with my Simple Mind. I rinse out and fill the tank with clear water to rinse the floor after washing. When I am through using it, after I rinse it well underneath, I place it in the bath tub or laundry sink with about a half inch of water and set it to vacuum up the water to make sure none of the internal parts have detergent left on them. I repeat this until the pick up water runs clear. I like the way the scrubbing and buffing pads attach to the brushes with those little yellow rings.
Mine is blue and white. I found one of the brown and orange ones for John. On wood floors, I use a mild Ph neutral cleaner like Simple Green to go with my Simple Mind. I rinse out and fill the tank with clear water to rinse the floor after washing. When I am through using it, after I rinse it well underneath, I place it in the bath tub or laundry sink with about a half inch of water and set it to vacuum up the water to make sure none of the internal parts have detergent left on them. I repeat this until the pick up water runs clear. I like the way the scrubbing and buffing pads attach to the brushes with those little yellow rings.
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