Thread Number: 24791
Is the universe telling me to stop buying vacuum cleaners? 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 278515   4/28/2014 at 12:07 (3,648 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Hello,

Some of you who watch my YouTube videos will be aware that I haven't had the best of luck with some new purchases recently. First there were the two Panasonic Icons with broken base plates, then the faulty Ensign Stealth and now a faulty Vax Dual Power carpet washer!

While using my new Vax for the second time, the drive pulley seized up and melted, resulting in smoke pouring out of the cleaner and molten plastic where the drive pulley used to be. I rang Vax who said I would have to return it to them for them to look at, but I may just return it to the retailer. The advisor on the phone admitted that they knew there was a problem with some of these cleaners and I read reviews of the same thing happening, but I didn't think it would happen to me!

So perhaps after all this bad luck, I should stop buying any new cleaners for a while and concentrate on reviewing the models I have.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO sensotronic's LINK
Post# 278518 , Reply# 1   4/28/2014 at 12:18 (3,648 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

Vax never seem to get better, their quality always tends to get lower everytime someone on here reviews a new machine. Oliveoiltinfoil purchased a Vax Air Powerhead & found it useless due to a poor quality build & low watt Powerhead. The New carpet washers look like a child's toy too.

Post# 278523 , Reply# 2   4/28/2014 at 12:26 (3,648 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

The cleaner seemed sturdy enough and when it worked I was very pleased with it, especially for what I paid. I would have hoped it would have lasted up to its two year guarantee though, not conking out on its second use. I will get a replacement and hope lightening doesn't strike twice.

Post# 278524 , Reply# 3   4/28/2014 at 12:26 (3,648 days old) by jord123 (new malden surrey london)        

jord123's profile picture
Bring back the British made 121s and 2000s

Post# 278528 , Reply# 4   4/28/2014 at 12:33 (3,648 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

Most Vaxes these days are hit & miss, sadly as most of their machines work really well.

Post# 278541 , Reply# 5   4/28/2014 at 13:06 (3,648 days old) by jord123 (new malden surrey london)        

jord123's profile picture
I agree

Post# 278555 , Reply# 6   4/28/2014 at 15:38 (3,648 days old) by beko1987 (Stokenchurch, United Kingdom)        

Echo's my experience with every modern Vax I have had.

At least you can take it back and wash your hands of it with no financial loss! I'm £15 down thanks to me escapades!

Its got so bad that I don't even want free ones now!

Post# 278557 , Reply# 7   4/28/2014 at 15:57 (3,648 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

Was that the Centrix 3 Sam?

Post# 278562 , Reply# 8   4/28/2014 at 16:23 (3,648 days old) by beko1987 (Stokenchurch, United Kingdom)        

Centrix and the Turboforce 1700 I picked off the side of the road

Post# 278563 , Reply# 9   4/28/2014 at 16:24 (3,648 days old) by beko1987 (Stokenchurch, United Kingdom)        

I've still got the centric thinking about. Keep meaning to smash it with a big hammer.

Or try and fit the motor in my constellation...

Post# 278565 , Reply# 10   4/28/2014 at 16:44 (3,648 days old) by moojuiceuk (Southampton, England)        

moojuiceuk's profile picture
I read the reviews of the Vax upright carpet washers and over half were serious faults relating to motor failure, tripping RCDs, water leaking everywhere out of poorly made plastic parts etc. I decided to opt for a Bissell Big Green and I'm glad I did!

A couple of years ago my mum had a Vax upright (I've seen Bosch and Siemens rebranded models) and that was shoddily built too. Never touching Vax again.

Post# 278566 , Reply# 11   4/28/2014 at 16:47 (3,648 days old) by Ultimatevacman ( Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK)        

ultimatevacman's profile picture

It's a real shame Vaxes nowadays are so poor. The 101, 111, 121, 2000, 2100 etc. were very good machines indeed.
Post# 278567 , Reply# 12   4/28/2014 at 16:48 (3,648 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

Wonder how the Vax Commercial machines hold up?

Post# 278570 , Reply# 13   4/28/2014 at 16:59 (3,648 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

"t's a real shame Vaxes nowadays are so poor. The 101, 111, 121, 2000, 2100 etc. were very good machines indeed."

Indeed they were. However, this story is not new. Servis, for example, were a market leader in quality washing machines, dating back to before the 2nd world war, if I remember correctly. Yet the name was sold off over the course of time, with it eventually being used on no end of cheap rubbish. In one sense it is said; in another, these brands do not get sold on unless the company is on it's knees.

Vax -as we knew it- had very much had it's day. Had the brand name not been bought, it would have disspeared altogther. The Vax machines we have now are as different from the original Vax as they would be if they'd been made by anyone else not using the Vax name.

Post# 278571 , Reply# 14   4/28/2014 at 17:19 (3,648 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

You are right vintagerepairer. In the early 2000's Vax were still only selling mulrifunction machines, then they began selling Dirt Devil Machines under the Vax name IIRC.

Gone are the days now when you used to see Turboforces & Swifts everywhere you went.

Post# 278572 , Reply# 15   4/28/2014 at 17:25 (3,648 days old) by parwaz786 ( )        
Not proud of Vax especially cos they are in based in Brum!

 We had a Vax 6140 pet, good vacuum, but the plastic was really brittle. It was a red pet 6131 version with the turbo tool. It only lasted 3 years!
My Aunty had a vax ultrixx tt cylinder bagless, it lost suction after vacuuming an area rug, or a room and a half, loop pile burber carpet, no pets, just 2 kids at the time. Now she has a Henry and a much bigger house, the Henry is doing well in a carpeted home (not kitchen and bathroom) with 3 kids and different types of carpet thicnkesses. The machine gets used a lot and never loses suction!

My Neighbours loved vax, now they had a mini tub one in red and it was rubbish, so they replaced it with a DC33 Multi floor Dyson which they love!I would use a DC01 over a new vax!

Post# 278574 , Reply# 16   4/28/2014 at 17:28 (3,648 days old) by singingrainbow (Texas)        

Roger, I had heard of this problem when this machine was released over here under the hoover name. I had hoped they would have corrected it by now though as I was interested in one.

Thank you for letting us know that it is still a problem, I will not be spending any money on one now.

Scott
Post# 278583 , Reply# 17   4/28/2014 at 18:15 (3,648 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Well, i had a problem with the original Vax Mach Air and detailed in reviews online about it.

It was eventually repaired when Vax sent a new upright that didn't have a sticking, flipping floor head.

I think you live and learn Roger - it was like that Hoover bagless cylinder vac you bought with the dust brush that was dirty when you took it out of the box - things just aren't that well packed or made these days - and it isn't just Vax who are doing it.

I think everyone has a run of bad luck, it isn't just you. One year for example I went through 3 Sebo Felix single tool clips. I can't abide them and SEBO UK are well aware of that. The design of their single clips aren't as durable as the twin tool holders and the strange N or Z lock around the back of them aren't that easy to clip together without one of them breaking off.

Post# 278642 , Reply# 18   4/29/2014 at 13:59 (3,647 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Well I can safely say that I won't be buying another Vax product again, unless it is a vintage UK manufactured model.

Here's what Vax had to say in the comments section of my video.

We’re really sorry to see you’ve experienced an issue with the product. We hope that the large number of high-scoring customer reviews we’ve received to our website are a reflection that such an issue is very unusual, and it was for this reason that we were really keen to inspect the product and understand the problem fully when you reported it to our Support team. We appreciate your preference was to return to your retailer in this case.

Thanks for your feedback, this helps us to work hard to continually improve our product ranges.

I responded:


I don't tend to trust reviews on a manufacturers website. I have seen plenty of reviews for the dual power model with people complaining of the belt pulley melting. Hoover market an almost identical model in the USA and several reviewers on the Walmart website are complaining of the same thing happening to them.

I rang the retailer Very.co.uk who told me they couldn't put me through to their electrical returns department and suggested I left instructions for them to ring me when they were free in a few days! I want this faulty machine picked up and the money credited back to my account.

I won't be reviewing a Vax product again and Very have also lost a loyal, high spending customer over this shoddy product. I have removed all my Vax reviews apart from the one showing the fault with the Dual Power.

Finally please tell your demonstrator on QVC to stop saying Vax is an iconic British brand when your company is owned by TTI, a Chinese company who have also ruined Hoover USA and will soon be ruining Oreck I expect.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think I've burned my bridges with Vax. Shame really as they suggested I send my contact details to their reviews team with the possibility of me being sent some sample products to review. Can't see that happening now, but I wouldn't have anything from Vax now.

When I think about it, most of the Vax products I've owned have ended up at the tip. I had several Floormates with faulty brush motors, the fan on my Floormate Freedom shattered and the model my Mum
had also ended up in pieces. The only decent Vax I have is my Oasis Complete, based on a U.S. Hoover design and made in Mexico. All the other Vax machines I had I sold, but they have probably been dumped by now.

Well, the universe has told me not to touch Vax again and it will be a long time before I give Very.co.uk any more business, so at least I'll save some money. It's going to be quality not quantity from now on.

Post# 278643 , Reply# 19   4/29/2014 at 14:11 (3,647 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Good response, Roger. I just wonder what Vax might say as an answer.

Post# 278644 , Reply# 20   4/29/2014 at 14:26 (3,647 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        
If I were Vax,

I'd be very worried about the reply you sent.

Post# 278650 , Reply# 21   4/29/2014 at 14:45 (3,647 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Benny,

I doubt Vax will be bothered, they'll still keep selling truckloads of their products to people who believe them to be an iconic British brand.

I was pondering the fact that the majority of consumer goods are made in China these days and it's only
people of a certain age who will remember that things were better made in the past and the UK was a manufacturing power house, exporting goods all over the World. As we get older and eventually leave our mortal bodies, we will be left with a population who has only ever known cheap, mass produced disposable products that get sent to landfill when they break. The notion of repairing something will be long forgotten by the majority.

I do like to try new products, especially vacuum cleaners of course, but this experience with my faulty Vax has made me realise that I'd be better off making do with what I have and only spending my hard earned money on decent , better quality items that I enjoy using and owning. As far as vacuum cleaners go, Sebo has emerged as my favourite brand, with Miele coming in second. On the whole Sebo don't produce exciting machines, but they are reliable, dependable and just do the job without making a song and dance over it.

So I am going to be far more discerning in the future and have a healthier bank balance as a result :-)

Post# 278653 , Reply# 22   4/29/2014 at 15:02 (3,647 days old) by ultraperformer (Derbyshire, UK, Europe)        

ultraperformer's profile picture
I have the Dual Power fingers crossed it keep going strong!!!!

Post# 278657 , Reply# 23   4/29/2014 at 15:12 (3,647 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Dan,

Just make sure you've registered it with Vax for the two year guarantee. I have a feeling you will be needing it.

Post# 278660 , Reply# 24   4/29/2014 at 15:18 (3,647 days old) by beko1987 (Stokenchurch, United Kingdom)        

Excellent response.

I find if you post negative feedback on their Facebook page lots of other people agree with you, and Vax just trot out pre scripted responses. They went silent after I detailed why the centrix was crap, and provided proof

Post# 278661 , Reply# 25   4/29/2014 at 15:33 (3,647 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

One of my friends mums purchased a Vax Air Cylinder, took it straight out of the box & the Dust Bin Release button was stuck in the lock position! Awful quality!

Post# 278666 , Reply# 26   4/29/2014 at 16:33 (3,647 days old) by parwaz786 ( )        

Vax is a Dyson knock off wannabe! I prefer only vax machines made upto the 2006 /2007 models. But not the bagless cylinders

Post# 278672 , Reply# 27   4/29/2014 at 17:20 (3,647 days old) by jord123 (new malden surrey london)        

jord123's profile picture
Poor filtration and the power series totally have hygiene empty NOT

Post# 278743 , Reply# 28   4/30/2014 at 11:30 (3,646 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Well, it would probably be something Vax aren't that bothered about - but then again bad news is never good news and it is up to TTI to improve the quality there.

Post# 278766 , Reply# 29   4/30/2014 at 16:17 (3,646 days old) by Adamthemieleman (North Yorkshire )        
Don't talk to me about the dual power..

It's an awful machine. I had the awful opportunity of putting one out on display. Not so much of a problem seeing as it's my department, but I have never came across such a heap of junk. There's a screw that has to go through the handle, but after several attempts, I gave up, it just wouldn't go in. Looking at it again, and the holes don't align.
Of course great quality..

Also our air3 agile has a snapped handle, even though it doesn't get by far the same abuse as the Dysons.
I am certain vax don't use abs, abs doesn't break like this part did.

I am really not surprised that they are the most frequently returned, through suction loss/clogging, complaints of poor build quality, one lady's machine even caught fire.

Nope, I feel dirty just even mentioning that v word!

Post# 278802 , Reply# 30   4/30/2014 at 18:21 (3,646 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

Whatever happened to Vax USA?  I checked vaxusa.com & it went to the main Vax website; but it doesn't show USA, Canada or Mexico anymore.

 

A few yrs ago here in the USA, Vax had the x3 & x5 uprights; & back in the early 1990s Vax had the shop vac type machine, mostly sold at Sears.

 

btw, the ONLY new vacuums I bought are the Kenmore Cyclonic canister

 

 

& the TriStar CS canister
Post# 278854 , Reply# 31   5/1/2014 at 04:14 (3,646 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Vax have been in touch today and are sending me a replacement if they have one from the latest batch which shouldn't have the problems I and other users encountered.

They had obviously seen my Youtube video and are anxious to rectify the problem, so credit due to them for that. I hope that the replacement is OK because there's nothing worse than a vacuum cleaner collector scorned!

A full review will follow when I get the replacement model.

Post# 278856 , Reply# 32   5/1/2014 at 04:24 (3,646 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Glad to hear that - Are they taking the faulty one away for "inspection"? I hope for your sanity that the replacement one works OK, after your run of faulty machines.

At least you go the Ensign Stealth for nothing, and as I said on Youtube to you - the motor and many other parts of this should fit your G1, if it ever needs them.
Post# 278858 , Reply# 33   5/1/2014 at 04:45 (3,646 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

If the other one develops the same fault I will be wanting a Vax Dual V All Terrain in exchange!
Vax are sending me a returns label for the faulty machine.

I still hope to get the Ensign working, even if it costs me £100 for new parts as it would still be a bargain.

Now you be careful what you say in future young man, because Vacuumland would be very quiet without your input, especially among the UK members. ;-)

Post# 278861 , Reply# 34   5/1/2014 at 05:55 (3,646 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Young man Roger? If only - at 42 I feel like a granddad compared to some of the younger members here.

I've been interested in the new Vax Floors and all lift away vac in Argos for £140 at present, but after your latest experience with Vax, I just don't know whether to get it now, as it seems a very good design - like your old Morphy Richards Lift Away.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO madabouthoovers's LINK
Post# 278862 , Reply# 35   5/1/2014 at 06:07 (3,646 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Apparently the above Vax is known as the Dirt Devil Lift and Go in the USA, so Vax and Dirt Devil are selling the same machine.

The US Version sells for $120, so its considerably cheaper than the Vax version!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO madabouthoovers's LINK



This post was last edited 05/01/2014 at 06:46
Post# 278864 , Reply# 36   5/1/2014 at 06:28 (3,646 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

The Vax only has a two year guarantee whereas the similar Dirt Devil is three years. The Morphy Richards was one of the best budget vacs I've tried and the purple model at under £100 is good value.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO sensotronic's LINK
Post# 278865 , Reply# 37   5/1/2014 at 06:36 (3,646 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Surprise Surprise - Dirt Devil USA and Vax UK are both owned by TTI, so that's why they are the same machines. I presume Dirt Devil in the USA is the budget arm of TTI, whereas Hoover USA is the "premium" line. TTI also own Oreck now too. They are taking over everything aren't they? I wonder if they are eying up SEBO or Numatic for a takeover?

 

Your Morphy Richards Lift Away is actually a Shark model isn't it? I don't think Morphy Richards designed it.

Its hard to know who makes what and where these days (Apart from SEBO and Miele of course)
Post# 278878 , Reply# 38   5/1/2014 at 07:57 (3,645 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Was looking at the US websites that offered the Hoover PowerPath Carpet washer which is the US equivalent of your Vax. Seems Target had problems with the early sales of this model, but later reviews are all positive - suggesting to me that the later models are not suffering the problem you had, and that the earliest models were the ones with the faulty belt tensioner pulleys  - I assume you already read these early reviews?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO madabouthoovers's LINK
Post# 278888 , Reply# 39   5/1/2014 at 09:10 (3,645 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

It is also under the Dual Power name in the US.

I read mostly UK reviews with some mentioning about the drive pulley melting. The Dual Power was first a Walmart exclusive and it's on the Walmart website that I also read some negative reviews. Even on Very a customer who bought the Reach model had the same fault. I still went ahead and bought one thinking that the problem would have been sorted, but obviously not in my case.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO sensotronic's LINK
Post# 278911 , Reply# 40   5/1/2014 at 11:45 (3,645 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Just had an email from Vax who said my replacement from a new batch will be with me on Saturday and a return pack for the faulty machine will arrive soon.

I'm glad that I get to check the replacement before I send the other one back because I can do a direct comparison with the cleaners and see if any modifications have been made to the part that failed.

I will of course record my comparisons and upload a full demo soon.

Although TTI Vax should not have let a faulty batch of cleaners onto the market, they have at least resolved the matter, providing of course that the new one doesn't fail.

Post# 278931 , Reply# 41   5/1/2014 at 16:09 (3,645 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

At least that was dealt with swiftly. Vax once sent me two wash heads for my 6131 when the original one broke after one use. I thought that was quite generous of them.

However, due to the number of reliability problems Vax face, I have been put off purchasing one. I wonder how good the Commercial models are?

Post# 278936 , Reply# 42   5/1/2014 at 16:15 (3,645 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I don't think Vax really wanted Roger's video showing the faulty machine staying online for long, so they were happy to oblige him with another swift replacement, which I hope will work without problem this time. Roger deserves a bit better luck with his vacuums lately.
Post# 278937 , Reply# 43   5/1/2014 at 16:32 (3,645 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

Nice to see you back Steve! :D

I think Vax aren't just bothered about sensotronics video because you only have to look on their Facebook page to see the amount of bad comments they get.

I prefer Hoover myself if I had to choose a 'middle' brand. Yes Hoover can be crap machines & they do sometimes have reliability troubles but at least they still provide bagged machines for the consumers that want them.

Post# 278938 , Reply# 44   5/1/2014 at 16:41 (3,645 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I wish Hoover would bring out the Purepower Greenray again - would love to get one of them, and it would be even better if it had a bag full light and autosense, but then I can always dream on. I've been pretty happy with my latest PU2115 model which gets used as an upstairs cleaner, but the problem is that in the summer it will have to go into non use as it acts too much of a heater than a vacuum cleaner. Whilst the suction and reliability is good so far, the motor wattage is too great, and the 1200W Greenray Purepower would be ideal. It looked good too. I wonder what will happen to the bagged range in Sept when the 1600W limit comes in? Do Hoover have a bagged upright to replace the Purepower in the lineup - or will they then go totally bagless and retire the Purepower with no replacement?
Post# 278939 , Reply# 45   5/1/2014 at 16:44 (3,645 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

On their FB page someone enquired about it & were told by Hoover to 'wait & see' so they obviously have something lined up.



Post# 278941 , Reply# 46   5/1/2014 at 16:59 (3,645 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
It was both Chris and I who asked Hoover UK if they intended to bring out a new bagged upright and that was the answer we both got.

Yet, nothing has appeared since then apart from the launch of the Athos bagged cylinder vacuum in other countries.



Post# 278948 , Reply# 47   5/1/2014 at 17:07 (3,645 days old) by madaboutsebo (Midlands, UK)        

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You only have to look at another well known brand on their Facebook page to see the amount of complaints on service and the quality of their machines. I'm sure you can guess who it is!!??

Hope Hoover do bring out a bagged vacuum, although I think bagless is here to stay there is a slight change I feel for some users who are going back to bag vacuum cleaners. Obviously not enough to dent the bagless market! But some people are realising bagless is not all it crack up to be. Suppose I'm one of them who's gone back to bags! Perhaps with the new EU limit on its way it may see a return of some more bagged vacuums. After all bag technology has moved on using new synthetic materials etc...

Post# 278950 , Reply# 48   5/1/2014 at 17:13 (3,645 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

Exactly madaboutsebo, Bag filtration has got much better in recent years due to fabric bags & multi-layers inside the bag to trap the dust inside.

I hope Vax launch a bagged model. I doubt they will but I hope they do. Hoover UK have only released the Athos (mentiones earlier) but when I asked them to bring it to the UK they said that I would have to wait.

I think more & more people are purchasing Numatic Henry's these days. They are the #1 Best Seller in Cylinder Vacuums on Amazon.co.uk, with the Vax Air Reach being the #1 Best Seller in Upright Vacuums. I can see why if I'm honest. The Air Reach is a great machine, especially when it's £99 down from £249.99.

Post# 278952 , Reply# 49   5/1/2014 at 17:15 (3,645 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Well, when you look at it, the brand that sits above Hoover in terms of bagged uprights in the UK are Panasonic. Year after year they continually to raise their venerable white, black or red uprights (white MC-UG302) with motor power. Perhaps they'll drop the power now with the EU law and the smaller bagged upright acts as a secondary model since the MC-UG302 uses a larger dust bag, 2 drive belts and a bit bigger than the newer MC-UG522 single drive belt model.

Post# 278957 , Reply# 50   5/1/2014 at 17:20 (3,645 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

The Panasonic Bagged Uprights worked perfectly well with a 1500w motor. Heaven knows why they needed upgrading to the noisy & vibrating 1900w & 2000w motors.

Post# 278962 , Reply# 51   5/1/2014 at 17:28 (3,645 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I suspect SEBO are hoping Vax and Hoover don't bring out new bagged uprights, as they are quite happy with the status quo, where people that want bagged are turning to themselves and Miele. It would seem that the Germans cater for those who want bagged, and the Chinese cater for those who want bagless. You just don't know what goes on behind the scenes. The Germans might be paying the Chinese to stick to bagless, and leave them to own the bagged market.

What's odd is that TTI produces bagged uprights for the US Markets (Through Hoover US and Dirt Devil) but not for the UK markets (Through Vax) Also, the old stalwart Panasonic bagged uprights have now disappeared from the Argos lineup. Argos now only sell the Purepower or "Enigma" through their stores, with the Miele S7210 being online exclusives through home delivery.
Post# 278964 , Reply# 52   5/1/2014 at 17:50 (3,645 days old) by Sebox4 ()        


"The Panasonic Bagged Uprights worked perfectly well with a 1500w motor."

The Panasonic bagged uprights worked perfectly well with a 600w motor!

Hopefully this is what we will see again over the next couple of years.

Matt

Post# 278965 , Reply# 53   5/1/2014 at 17:52 (3,645 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
And the Panasonic BAGGED uprights with lower power also had the fantastic brush roll on/off switch, which ironically are now only appearing on middle range uprights.

The variable suction dial has also disappeared from Panasonic's bagged uprights - sadly in my opinion.

Post# 279110 , Reply# 54   5/3/2014 at 05:41 (3,644 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

Well Vax sent me a replacement machine today as promised.

Guess what?

That's right, they sent me the wrong model!

I wouldn't have minded if it had been an upgrade, but I was sent the Reach model that doesn't come
with the pre treatment wand or solution. I have emailed the customer service manager who dealt with my complaint and asked for another returns pack so I can send the replacement back.

Obviously I could just take the pre treatment kit from the model I'm returning, but then Vax may say that
I didn't return everything. They may suggest that to me, rather than return the Reach model, but I'm not going to make it easy for them. If they didn't have the correct model I would have been happy to wait for stocks to arrive or they could have offered me an alternative rather than just sending me the wrong cleaner. I will be having a look at the Reach model to compare with the Total home to see if any modifications have been made to the part that failed.

So I think the universe is telling me loud and clear that vacuum cleaners and other floorcare products
are cursed for me at the moment.

Post# 279125 , Reply# 55   5/3/2014 at 09:44 (3,643 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Yes, tell them you don't like the colour of the reach model - you wanted the lime green one, and that one only. if they cant replace like with like then you want a full refund.
Post# 279132 , Reply# 56   5/3/2014 at 10:04 (3,643 days old) by sensotronic (Englandshire)        

I do prefer the green accents to the purple ones on the Reach, but it is more to do with the fact they have sent me a model lower down in the range. If I'd have wanted the Reach model, that's the one I would have bought in the first place.

I did open up the new cleaner and noticed one additional piece that was missing from my faulty model. There was an extra metal pin in the new model which I assume was designed to keep the belt in place and stop it from moving over the plastic pulley causing it to rub and then melt. The faulty cleaner had a slot that the pin went was supposed to go into, so I guess that some of these machines went along the production line and for whatever reason, the pin was not fitted.

I made a video pointing out the differences and my dissatisfaction with Vax for sending me the wrong model, but I won't be uploading it until I hear back from the customer services manager.

Post# 279138 , Reply# 57   5/3/2014 at 10:34 (3,643 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

That could have been the problem - the missing pin. If the belt moved over to the side too much, it would have ridden on the edge of that pulley wheel too much causing friction that caused the pulley wheel to overheat. It would have been better if they had used 2 motors like they did on the Rapide models, with a toothed belt to prevent slippage, and a switch on the handle to switch the brushroll motor on or off. What they have done, they did for cheapness by only using the suction motor to drive the brushroll, and it backfired on them.

I hope they can sort this out, but its obviously trying your patience Roger.
Post# 279167 , Reply# 58   5/3/2014 at 15:29 (3,643 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Argos currently show this on their showcase page for Panasonic. Seems like vacuum cleaners will eventually make a reappearance at Argos from Panasonic - otherwise why would it be listed?

John Lewis sells Panasonic's venerable white bagged upright and on the basis that you can buy the latest bagged uprights on Amazon UK, it's a telling scenario that bagged uprights are better purchased online if you don't have a JL store near you.

Perhaps in light of the EU law, things will change. You can't expect brands to sell to all the big name department stores when department stores are going by market trends solely





Post# 280040 , Reply# 59   5/10/2014 at 15:51 (3,636 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
ASDA is currently selling the 2000 watt Panasonic bagged upright and TESCO are carrying the white 1900 watt Panasonic bagged upright.

Post# 280189 , Reply# 60   5/11/2014 at 19:41 (3,635 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

Is Dirt Devil UK also owned by TTI?  Vax USA is NOT owned by TTI like Vax UK, right?
Post# 280197 , Reply# 61   5/11/2014 at 20:13 (3,635 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Dirt Devil UK are a separate company who are not owned by TTI. Dirt Devil UK are owned by Jayden Consumer Solutions who also own Sunbeam.

Vax UK are owned by TTI - any previous design like the U.S X5 etc models would also come under TTI ownership.


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