by MattTech »
Mon Mar 11, 2013 6:02 pm
Well Joe, to answer some of your questions...
I worked briefly for Eureka (customer service) back in 1988 - got laid off due to AB Electrolux buying into the company and downsizing. - my branch office was closed.
During my time there, I learned a good deal about "sweepers".
In my honest opinion, the older Eureka models were the best of the breed, mainly because of their sturdy construction, reliability, and power.
Periodically we performed suction/performance tests on various brands and the Eureka's topped them all - I saw the results with my own eyes.
The system we used was a "water lift" arrangement consisting of a 1 inch tube 120 inches long with the bottom end in a container of water.
This tube also had a scale on it in one inch markings.
From the top of this tube ran a hose to the testing base that a vacuum was connected to.
Once secured to the base, the vacuum was turned on - the suction pulled the water up the tube/scale to indicate how well the machine pulled suction, lifting the water against gravity.
While pretty non-tech, this system was reliable, since water weight and gravity were a fixed commodity.
Some Eureka models actually lifted to 100 inches, the most of any brand.
The Eureka uprights of the 60's-90's were built of Lexan, and of course we know how durable that material is.
They also went to lexan fan blades from the older aluminum ones, mainly because if a blade broke, it wouldn't cause motor bearing destruction due to out-of-balance vibration resulting from a blade missing.
This kept motor replacement/repairs down. - a smart move for the company.
Overall, the build quality of these Lexan models were great, but sadly as the 90's left and the bagless age crept in, I'm not so sure about the current stuff out there.
I see a lot of broken vacuums out by the curb these days.
The Bagless vacuums are crap in my opinion - just a marketing ploy, and not as reliable.
Even those fancy Dyson models are trouble-prone and not worth the money.
So if you can fine a nice older Eureka, you'll get good service from it.
The Sanitaire "heavy duty/commercial" line by Eureka is also a top choice IMO.
I recommend the older canisters as well, they're built to last.
The two uprights I have are a commercial model C2094 and the "Boss" 2034, custom-built by me when I worked for Eureka.
I modded the Boss with a deluxe package consisting of a solid aluminum beater-brush, a higher powered motor, metal handle, and polyester outer bag, along with a longer cord.
Still running like a champ after 25 years!
I paid "cost" price for the machine as an employee - $80, equivilant to a $300 commercial machine, and don't plan on buying another one - ever.
The Internet is a marvelous thing, however it's not a good substitute for actually being there.
