Thread Number: 24850
Dyson DC40 Mis-aligned handle structure 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 279240   5/4/2014 at 10:52 (3,638 days old) by blakaeg (NW London, UK)        

A while back I saw a Dyson DC40 in a magazine with a frontal shot. I noticed that the handle looked a little wonky. The main part of the machine was facing perfectly forward but the handle looked like it was facing to the left.

I decided to visit the New Cross Currys store in South London this afternoon. I noticed that all the DC40s have wonky looking handles but the DC41 doesn't have this. Appears to be a moulding issue which Dyson are either not aware of or decided to just leave it as it is. It doesn't affect the performance of the machine, but it shows that Dyson hasn't been very meticulous to detail here.

Tried out a DC25 which has a perfectly moulded handle and a proper aluminium wand. Just feels so much better quality than the DC40.

Pics of the DC40 machine...

Post# 279241 , Reply# 1   5/4/2014 at 10:55 (3,638 days old) by blakaeg (NW London, UK)        

Another shot from above. Notice the handle looking a bit crooked. All the 2 other DC40s in the store were the same.

Post# 279282 , Reply# 2   5/4/2014 at 16:56 (3,638 days old) by madaboutsebo (Midlands, UK)        

madaboutsebo's profile picture
Well spotted! I've never noticed that on the DC40's before will take a closer look next time I see one! Surprised Dyson let that one slip by but like you say doesn't effect the usage!

Must admit I'm not impressed with the build quality of the latest generation ball vacuums from Dyson! Dyson text book answer to the thinner flexible plastic is it designed to be like that make the machine lighter and will not break!

I do think Dyson need to go back to the drawing board and a complete rethink! I liked the metal soleplate of the DC15 and asked Dyson why they didn't continue to use it and was told moulded plastic was better to use and mild into any shape they needed! But you see so many worn and broken ones!! I've asked them about making an upright that can lay flat to go under lower furniture, beds etc... There answer is to use the wand with one of the big floor heads or buy a digital slim to clean under though areas!

Post# 279288 , Reply# 3   5/4/2014 at 17:35 (3,638 days old) by blakaeg (NW London, UK)        

Hi Madaboutsebo,

I disagree on what Dyson say about thinner plastics to make the machines lighter. Much prefer to have a slightly heavier machine that is more durable and the latest Ball machines do not feel like a quality piece if material. With all the flexing from left to right of the handle and spine of the machine, I wonder how many years it will take before something begins to crack or snap on the machine. Just like my DC24 which has various cracks and previous broken wands. The DC24 was obviously tested whilst it was during the design stage but various parts start to break over time still.

A friend of mine had a Samsung bagless machine. Despite it being quite lightweight. It's pretty much a tough machine and feels more substantial than the latest Dysons. Shame it has a rubbish dust collection system the clogs right up and it doesn't feel like it cleans very well as the belt appears to be worn. But it has been going on and on and my friend doesn't look after it.

Post# 279289 , Reply# 4   5/4/2014 at 17:37 (3,638 days old) by blakaeg (NW London, UK)        

Let me know what you discover when you take a look at the DC40s Madaboutsebo ;)

Post# 279298 , Reply# 5   5/4/2014 at 17:52 (3,638 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

That Samsung as actually a Bissell, with a Samsung label. I have one similar, and its in the loft now, unused because the filtration system is pretty poor. They are robust though, and can take a hammering about. For those not bothered about filtration they are OK.
Post# 279299 , Reply# 6   5/4/2014 at 17:55 (3,638 days old) by blakaeg (NW London, UK)        

Totally agree Madabouthoovers.

Post# 279305 , Reply# 7   5/4/2014 at 18:11 (3,638 days old) by madaboutsebo (Midlands, UK)        

madaboutsebo's profile picture
Hi blakaeg

I agree with you there I'd rather have a more solid machine so it's more durable. Be interesting to see how these vacuums last over time.... time will tell!

My Gran had one of though Samsung vacuums for a while. It got replaced by a Dyson DC24!

It's like the DC03 and DC04 had rubberised wheels (well the ones I used to own) help protect hard floors so did the DC15 Ball, the ball had rubber strips around it. Now it's all hard plastic I wouldn't like to used any of them on high gloss floor tiles or any other hard floors for fear of scratching. It's little things like that yet your paying a premium price but not for a premium product IMO.

I will you know blakaeg what I found when I take a look at the DC40's :-)


Post# 279308 , Reply# 8   5/4/2014 at 18:18 (3,638 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

The thing with Dyson is that now he has his followers, built up over the years, he can reduce the quality of his machines, and people will still buy them. Much like Hoover did, their early machines were very good quality but in the 80's, quality fell rapidly when the all plastic Turbopower 1 was launched, but people still bought them based on Hoover's old reputation. Dyson has made his fortune now, and will retire a very rich man, so I don't think he's really that bothered about quality any more. As long as his machines stay packed with "technology", that's all he's concerned about, as the "latest technology" will help sell more Dysons.
Post# 279310 , Reply# 9   5/4/2014 at 18:22 (3,638 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

Hoover still do that now IMO - on the Argos Hoover Shop it states that 'Every Hoover Product has over 100 years Cleaning Experience inside'.

Post# 279312 , Reply# 10   5/4/2014 at 18:26 (3,638 days old) by madaboutsebo (Midlands, UK)        

madaboutsebo's profile picture
Madabouthoovers I could not of put that better myself.

Shame really for Hoover and Dyson.

Post# 279313 , Reply# 11   5/4/2014 at 18:26 (3,638 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

And many people will swallow this marketing spin, thinking that Hoover UK is the same company its always been. I have no doubt that many people who buy a Hoover today in the UK would have no idea they  are owned by Candy and made in China.
Post# 279315 , Reply# 12   5/4/2014 at 18:34 (3,638 days old) by madaboutsebo (Midlands, UK)        

madaboutsebo's profile picture
They sure will that's the general public for you! Most will believe the marketing spin! Others do for a while and wake up and smell the coffee after a while! That's marketing for you! It sure does work!

Post# 279317 , Reply# 13   5/4/2014 at 18:39 (3,638 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

Look at how many members here love SEBO. Does SEBO emblazon their adverts over the TV and internet like Dyson does? Does SEBO spend millions on fancy displays and pushy salesmen in stores like Dyson does? You don't need so much advertising to sell a product. If the product is any good, it will sell itself by word of mouth, just like SEBO do. None of the Hype and not overpriced.
Post# 279322 , Reply# 14   5/4/2014 at 18:51 (3,638 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

The problem with Hoover was not so much that their cleaners were durable (although in most cases they were), but more they were too easy to put right when they went wrong, given the endless amount of sub-assembled parts, most of which could be purchased individually as spares, or at the very least taken from a discarded cleaner which, given the popularity of Hoover cleaners, were readily avaliable.

The quality of Hoover cleaners became questionable when the Junior Deluxe / Starlight cleaner went into production, as this cleaner was somewhat problematic. Yet I felt that it was not through planning, more by poor design.

The Turbopower cleaners were, in my opinion, deliberatly designed to wear out more quickly, and not only this, but also to have a number of failed parts which made repairing the cleaner uneconomical. The only problem for Hoover was that it was perhaps too much too soon; had the quality dropped consistently over a period of time, it might have been alright, but it did seem to take a sharp nose-dive. Not that it affected sales, despite the complaints and moans I used to hear from people who brought me their cleaner for repair.

I agree that Dyson does not have to worry about the quality of their cleaner as they have other aspects on which they are able to sell their products. In fact I would go so far as to say that Dyson has never seemed to be bothered about the lack of build quality of their products.

Post# 279325 , Reply# 15   5/4/2014 at 18:57 (3,638 days old) by madaboutsebo (Midlands, UK)        

madaboutsebo's profile picture
I know I'm one of them! You don't really if a product is any good but these days businesses like to advertise and market their products to attract customers or they like to think that's what it does and probably does to a degree. Where as others like SEBO it's all about like you say word of mouth. SEBO are the opposite to Dyson no hype and not overpriced for a quality premium product which doesn't what it was designed for no gimmicks and which sells itself without the fancy advertising or displays!

Post# 279326 , Reply# 16   5/4/2014 at 18:59 (3,638 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

"Look at how many members here love SEBO. Does SEBO emblazon their adverts over the TV and internet like Dyson does? Does SEBO spend millions on fancy displays and pushy salesmen in stores like Dyson does? You don't need so much advertising to sell a product. If the product is any good, it will sell itself by word of mouth, just like SEBO do. None of the Hype and not overpriced."

I agree with this, but we must also consider that with advertising there comes an enormous financial cost of course, and then the risk of demand outstripping supply. Thus, it could well be that Sebo are more secure by not advertising, given that they may not recoup the cost due to either not getting the sales at all or not being able to fulfil the orders.

In my opinion, if Sebo did advertise on TV, their sales could well rocket. But I also conclude that they may not be able to cover the demand, thus when a consumer goes to buy a Sebo, the fact it is not avalaible pushes the dissapointed purchaser towards another brand altogether. As a result, the cost of advertising is not recouped and in fact they have potentially paid to raise sales for the competition!


Post# 279330 , Reply# 17   5/4/2014 at 19:14 (3,638 days old) by madaboutsebo (Midlands, UK)        

madaboutsebo's profile picture
I agree with you there Vintagerepairer regarding SEBO. Suppose some of that's down to SEBO being a family run business which I think is nice to see in this day and age.

Post# 279332 , Reply# 18   5/4/2014 at 19:21 (3,638 days old) by madabouthoovers ()        

I agree with Benny about SEBO's ability to supply demand - they are still a small company, producing quality products. They started much like Vax, in the late 70's, but look how the two companies went over time. Even now, many online retailers are selling out of SEBO products regularly suggesting to me that SEBO is getting more popular. They really need to expand, to accommodate increasing demand, or they could become a victim of their own success by not doing so. They are now one of the only decent bagged upright manufacturers, so its only obvious that more people who want a classic vac are going to be turning to them to buy one.
Post# 279333 , Reply# 19   5/4/2014 at 19:31 (3,638 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

But again, madabouthoovers, though I agree entirely about your comparisons to Vax, the cost of expanding the business to meet a greater demand has to be recouped for it to be worthwhile. For instance, when I had my own shop, I was limited to how much work I could do. Now, whilst I didn't exactly have crowds of people milling around like Asda on a Saturday morning (God knows some days I was lucky if I saw anyone), my workload, sales, and resulting profits were steady. If someone wanted something I didn't stock and wasn't prepared to wait for it to be ordered, I had no choice but to lose the sale. Likewise if I was unable to repair their cleaner in within their desired timeframe, I lost the job.

Now, I could have overcome both those issues by carrying more stock and employing someone to help me in the shop. But the cost of doing this would have vastly exceeded the extra income it would have raised. Thus, I had to make my choices accordingly.

I don't know this of course, but I suspect that Sebo are probably very fragile in their current position and that it may be uneconomical for them to try to increase their market share of the domestic market There is also part of me which suspects they possibly like the fact that their domestic cleaners are somewhat "exclusive".

Post# 279372 , Reply# 20   5/5/2014 at 07:51 (3,637 days old) by godfreys_guy (Melbourne, Australia)        
I won a DC40

 godfreys_guy's profile picture
At a dyson trade night... it was average, it felt cheap and the handle creaked and could be almost twisted 5-15 degrees. I sold it.

Post# 279400 , Reply# 21   5/5/2014 at 11:57 (3,637 days old) by oliveoiltinfoil (England, UK)        

oliveoiltinfoil's profile picture
I highly doubt Sebo's quality will deteriorate, as they are at the end of the day a German company, run and owned by people who still have a passion to produce genuinely good, well built products rather than making their shareholders happy and cut corners (they don't have any which help). They have been around longer than vax, and to be honest if they ever were going to cut corners, i'd imagine they would have done so by now. They are very stable, solid, very refined machines. Post 2001 Malaysian Dyson build quality is a joke.

Post# 279430 , Reply# 22   5/5/2014 at 16:48 (3,637 days old) by blakaeg (NW London, UK)        

Dysons poor quality is not because it's made in Malaysia. It's a shame that people have this perception. Dyson is poor quality because of the design and poor materials used. When Dyson were produced in the UK their machines still suffered from silly little breakages. It had nothing to do with Malaysia or the UK, it was down to poor materials. The British made DC05 I had , had many issues with the cord rewind going back in when the machine got hot, Dyson redesigned that mechanism. I complained and got a British made DC03, I had continuous problems with the clutches, sole plates breaking, hoses splitting and handles breaking too. My parents have a Malaysian made DC05 which is 11 years old and still works fine. The handle broke once and the plug sparked so I cut the plug off and put another one on there. The Malaysian made DC04 was fine mechanically for 8 years just had an issue with parts snapping off due to poor design and materials used - I figured out that Dysons ABS plastic seems to become brittle over the years. Polypropylene, though softer, seems to stand up more because it's ire pliable. My Malaysian made DC24 has been ok for a machine that is used as much as mine is used - which is a lot! The handles have snapped and now the body has 2 x cracks in it, again the thickness of the plastic could have been better Nd therefore this wouldn't have happened and tiny brushbar motor could have been bigger to improve reliability on that part as with the tiny puny brushbar and end caps which don't last too long. Dyson likes to do more with less, I'm afraid it could cause issues down the line with parts breaking if they continue.

Post# 279431 , Reply# 23   5/5/2014 at 16:51 (3,637 days old) by blakaeg (NW London, UK)        

Just to add to that. When Dysons were made in the UK I would always see broken handle caps on models like the DC03 and DC04 on Dyson machines in the shops. Not seen this since they improved some aspects of their machines which are no longer assembled in the UK.

Post# 279440 , Reply# 24   5/5/2014 at 17:32 (3,637 days old) by hi-loswitch98 ()        

If TTi didn't snap up the Vax Company in 1999 Vax wouldn't exist, or not in the same form. Vax would still be the small UK company producing only 3in1 Multifunction Machines which were never that popular by the late 90's as Bissell had landed then with their upright Carpet Washers.


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