Thread Number: 7728
need some advice.....
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Post# 85396   12/5/2009 at 20:02 (5,226 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

Hey everyone... lately I've been hankering for a Hoover Self Propelled Windtunnel. I have a Dial a Matic and a Concept already, but I want to add an Windtunnel to my collection. I like self propelled vacuums in general, and my Dyson is the only upright I have with on board tools and it's very handy... I'd like another one with on board tools. Big decision is whether to go with a bagless or not. I generally don't like bagless as a rule, but the bagged model of this machine doesn't have a visible ballooning bag anyway. I think I'd like to see in the dirt chamber on this one so I know what it's picking up. And, I want to have the dirt finder lights, they are pretty neat.

So, my question is what's a fair price? I think 40 dollars for a used one is reasonable... though big lots did have a pretty blue one for 99 dollars I saw today. It's bagged. It says factory refurbished which means it would almost be like new. Plus it would come with new belts and all the attachments which I would want. What do you think? It's hard to find a used one that has all the attachments or that doesn't have the bare floor slider broken off.


Post# 85407 , Reply# 1   12/5/2009 at 23:03 (5,226 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        
This is an excellent vac, Bobby.

eurekaprince's profile picture
Consumer Reports had it at the top of its upright ratings for years, and the new Centennial version is in the same top spot. I am not a big fan of bagless - I bought the bagged Windtunnel Self-Propelled Ultra for my parents' anniversary many years ago. It is an amazing machine and the power drive works very well once you get used to the loose handle that makes power drive mechanism engage in forward and reverse.

The suction in the on-board hose is probably the strongest suction found in any on-board upright hose on the market. This has advantages and disadvantages. The suction is so strong that the expandable hose has a tendency to pull against you as you try to extend it for cleaning anything. This causes the vac to tip over every so often. Also, the cheap upholstery nozzle has very thin edges which in combination with the strong suction can damage fabrics and stitching in upholstery. Hoover should have added a suction control valve on this model's hose, but they did not. The powerful suction works great with the dusting brush on furniture and baseboards, and with the crevice tool in corners and cars.

The brush shut off switch on this upright works very well, and makes it a breeze to move onto cleaning litter and dirt from bare floors. Though, like all uprights, this can not compete with the dirt removal ability of a canister's bare floor brush.

You can also get a longer extension hose for this Hoover which helps when cleaning stairs and cleaning high bookshelves.

Good luck!


Post# 85409 , Reply# 2   12/5/2009 at 23:26 (5,226 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

Thanks Eurekaprince (Brian, right?). I agree with what you said about the power and the hose... when I sold these things at Sears we had the extra extension hose for one of the models and it was very nice. Now if I can just find a good price one one in good shape! I don't know why the bare floor slider is always broken on these things... but it looks like it's easy to move with the toe (like the one on my Concept), so I won't have to bend over. The handle on this is pretty similar to the one on the Concept as far as being loose... very different than a Kirby G series.

I remember when we sold these at Sears, customers would always complain that the short hose combined with the powerful suction made the vacuum fall over frequently... I guess that's one of the many great things about the Dyson... the hose is long and is anchored to the bottom of the machine so the vac follows instead of falls.

Thanks for your response... I'm glad to know other people like the machine I want. My new Hoover Steam Vac is getting lonely among all these antiques... he needs a modern brother to help fight the dirt with :o)


Post# 85412 , Reply# 3   12/6/2009 at 00:54 (5,226 days old) by bimmer740 (Long Island, New York)        
Windtunnel

bimmer740's profile picture
Dont buy the bagless model! I had the TurboPower self propelled for a short time before returning it (too loud and the self propelled feature is lousy compared to my kirby) but it was an excellent machine with good suction. The brush roll is a little more aggressive than I like but it will certainly clean your carpets well. My b/f's mother had the bagless model and the suction on the hose end was awful, not to mention it was a nightmare to empty! Dyson certainly wins hands down with the most convenient dirt bin to empty. The filter in the bagless was also a horror to clean and Im sure that the suction decreased as soon as it got slightly dirty. My grandparents have the standard bagged Windtunnel and it cleans pretty well and you can use the hepa like type-Y bags in it.

Post# 85424 , Reply# 4   12/6/2009 at 09:55 (5,226 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        
The SP Windtunnel's Brush Roll Switch

eurekaprince's profile picture
Hi again Bobby,

You're welcome!

Just FYI - The slider switch which disengages the brush roll belt for bare floor cleaning should not really be moved by your foot. That is probably why you see so many broken ones. It is designed to be moved by hand.

If I remember correctly, the instruction manual's technique for doing this is to move the handle to the upright "stored" position and lean the handle forward toward the front of the vac, at which point it is really easy to slide the brush switch over. This also makes it easier to slide the height adjustment slider switch. You should not try to do this any other way, especially with the handle in the down "vacuuming" position - it is really hard to move when the handle is not upright, and that's probably why so many people have broken the plastic switch. The guidebook instruction manual describes how to do it properly without damaging the machine.

Most upright vacs with switches or adjustments on the lower main power head have a specific way to make their adjustments more easy. Eureka's Dial-A-Nap and Rugulator height adjusters require you to tip the machine backward and raise the motor off the carpet to more easily adjust the dial or slider. This Hoover Self-Propelled Windtunnel asks you to do the opposite to change the setting of the brush roll switch.

Another neat thing about this top-rated upright is the low profile! If you step on the handle release pedal a second time, you can lower the handle all the way to have it lie flat on the carpet and the vac easily slides right under furniture!

Let us know when you get the vac.......post some pics if you can!

Eurekaprince Brian


Post# 85435 , Reply# 5   12/6/2009 at 11:12 (5,226 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

What I've noticed from general experience is that regular vacuums require you to tip the machine backwards and self propelled vacuums require it to be tipped backwards. If they are Hoovers... Kirby and Eureka are different of course. The thing that surprises me about the Windtunnels is that the bare floor slide is the one that is broken off and not the height adjustment...

I'm thinking about just getting the "new" one for 99 bucks... a Christmas present to myself. At first I thought it was a lot to spend for a vacuum when I already have so many and don't need one... but I spent 125 for my used dyson that smelled like dogs and 200 for my used Kirby g5, so 99 for almost new isn't much considering!


Post# 85439 , Reply# 6   12/6/2009 at 12:05 (5,226 days old) by bagintheback (Flagstaff, Arizona)        

bagintheback's profile picture
I know one of Hoover secrets, (Shhh, come closer) the Tempo is a Windtunnel! There are two ways you can tell.
1. If you take the white or blue cover off (screws on the bottom on the vacuum, one is under the belt) it says Patented Windtunnel Technology like on the "real" Windtunnels.
2. Windtunnels are really a canister in an upright position with the powerhead connected. My Tempo has the same type of motor as a Buster B but bigger. But this great Windtunnel thing is a pecie of plastic the has two openings in it channel the airflow to three parts. Both my Supreme and Tempo have this thing. But one is $70 cheeper. Most of the time, the extra plastic makes no difference with sand on tile; even my Oreck does better.

So, If you need a Windtunnel get a Tempo. But I still love the bagless purple model.


Post# 85454 , Reply# 7   12/6/2009 at 14:16 (5,226 days old) by kirbyman89 ()        

Get a Kirby G Series:

1) They're Self Propelled
2) They last forever
3) They're the best
4) They are EXTREMELY Versatile
5) They use 48% less energy than any other vacuum cleaner
6) They're filtration filters down to .001 Microns

I rest my case

-Adam Mercer


Post# 85456 , Reply# 8   12/6/2009 at 14:25 (5,226 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

I don't understand the last two responses. I said I wanted a self propelled WindTunnel and I'm told to get a Hoover Tempo which is not self propelled. I have a Kirby G5 already, which is a G series (that is listed in my profile), but a Kirby G5 is not a Hoover Self Propelled Windtunnel, which I want in addition to the machines I already have and love. It's pretty simple really!

The thing is, I wasn't asking which vacuum to buy... I was asking what a fair price for a used one would be in your opinions! Re-read my post and maybe you will be able to understand what I wanted when I typed it. I didn't think it was unclear when I wrote it, but it was the middle of the night... maybe I was ambiguous.

I don't tell people who love vacuums I don't like (like Hoover Elites or modern Dirt Devils) to buy a different machine. We all want what we want for a reason, as collectors, we have different reasons for wanting vacuums than the average person, and when you want one specific vacuum, nothing else can fill its place.


Post# 85463 , Reply# 9   12/6/2009 at 15:13 (5,226 days old) by joe22 ()        

i got one of the green ones from big lots few years back. as stated it has been a top cleaner listed in consumer reports. it cleans very well and has good tool suction. is is on the loud side though.

what i dont like is the tools on hoovers, really crappy. dusting bursh is a joke. good to vac baseboards or grab a cobweb but thats about it.

and its bagged, dont like dumpouts except for filter queens

joe


Post# 85466 , Reply# 10   12/6/2009 at 15:18 (5,226 days old) by joe22 ()        

forgot to add GO FOR IT merry xmas

Post# 85473 , Reply# 11   12/6/2009 at 16:12 (5,225 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        
Yes Bobby....I second the motion!

eurekaprince's profile picture
Go for it! USD99.00 for a refurbished Hoover SP Windtunnel bagged upright is a great deal! You may even be getting the later version which has an on-board air-driven turbo brush for stairs and upholstery and car interiors. This little turbo brush will definitely work well with the SP WT's high hose suction.

What a great Christmas/Chanuka/Kwanzaa gift for yourself.....

EPB :-)


Post# 85481 , Reply# 12   12/6/2009 at 17:48 (5,225 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

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Post# 85482 , Reply# 13   12/6/2009 at 17:49 (5,225 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

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Post# 85483 , Reply# 14   12/6/2009 at 17:51 (5,225 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

www.hoover.com/product.aspxQUESTI...

CLICK HERE TO GO TO kirbyultimateg's LINK


Post# 85484 , Reply# 15   12/6/2009 at 17:51 (5,225 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

www.hoover.com/product.aspxQUESTI...

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Post# 85495 , Reply# 16   12/6/2009 at 21:42 (5,225 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        
I'm livid!

I left work a little early because it was slow today... Big Lots closes at 9 on Sunday so I got there at 8:40 to buy the vacuum. There weren't any employees around so I climbed the ladder myself and got the heavy box down from the top shelf. Got the machine home and I just wanted to SCREAM!

First, it's completely MISSING the crevice tool. Mind you I could buy one separately and I never use a crevice tool, but I bought it there because I didn't want to deal with missing attachments on Craig's List or something. Also, it's a silver color, not the pretty blue color like the floor model. It has the newer loop style handle (floor model didn't, it had the older kind) that is a much darker black than the rest of the machine. Also, the whole bottom front is scuffed and scratched and they marks go deep into the paint so no magic clean eraser to the rescue this time. THAT'S NOT THE WORST PART.... the machine only propels in reverse.... it WILL NOT drive forward. I took the handle off and put it back on at least 10 times and still nothing. I put a ton of these together as floor models for Sears and never had a problem like that before... I'm not a novice with these machines. So, now I have to lug the silly thing back to the store on Tuesday and try to get one that doesn't have all these problems or get a refund.

I'm going to open each one of them in store if they will let me or buy it and take it to the car and scrutinize it before driving home with it.

I need a drink! What an experience... This was supposed to be a positive experience, not a horrific one. Maybe I just got a lemon, who knows? I guess this will make it all the sweeter when I finally get a decent one.


Post# 85500 , Reply# 17   12/6/2009 at 21:55 (5,225 days old) by electroluxxxx (……)        

bobby I wish you the best of luck, I thought that they came with a hoover 1 yr warranty even though they were reconditioned

Post# 85501 , Reply# 18   12/6/2009 at 22:02 (5,225 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Oh Bobby! I am so sorry!


Post# 85508 , Reply# 19   12/7/2009 at 00:05 (5,225 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

Well I had a bit of a breakthrough. After starring at the thing and getting infuriated, I got my screwdriver out. I realized that the cable that controlled the transmission was too far down and I found the screw/plate that held its tension. I unscrewed it and adjusted it. Now it goes forward and backward in drive, but when I have the power drive set to off, it still engages on the reverse stroke. It's still going back due to the scuffs and missing attachment, but at least I know it's relatively simple to adjust. I'd think when you buy something and take it out of the box, it should work properly straight away and not need "fixing". It seemed to clean well, the thick hepa bag is great, and the suction is amazing. I put the turbine tool on (I usually can't stand turbine tools) and I couldn't even stop the brushroll with my finger... very nice. I'll post pics after I get one I'm happy with.

Thanks for all your support, advice, and sympathy guys :o)


Post# 85511 , Reply# 20   12/7/2009 at 00:42 (5,225 days old) by joe22 ()        

take it back and get the floor display machine

Post# 85513 , Reply# 21   12/7/2009 at 01:56 (5,225 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Your very welcome. :)

Post# 85520 , Reply# 22   12/7/2009 at 04:08 (5,225 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        
HEY BOBBY!!!

kenmore81's profile picture
Long time no talk. Check out the boxes if the have more than one,on the front or the side (I cant remember wich) theres 2or3 squares for the color, The Big Lots next to me had the they had like 3 silver and 1 blue the other day,and there floor model is still the green one,and they have been out of those for some time now. Id grab you a blue one but I dont know anyone driving down any time soon. I should be in orlando in july but I doubt you want to wait that long lol.


Post# 85676 , Reply# 23   12/9/2009 at 01:44 (5,223 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

Hey guys... I brought the defective model back to Big Lots and exchanged it. I got one that I like a lot better. Didn't get the floor model because it wasn't in the greatest of shape and the attachments were all different colors. I went to 2 different Big Lots and they only had the silver in stock... I'd rather have had the blue, but the silver is growing on me.

The good: This one has all the attachments and they are all the same color. Also, the dirt finder lights work properly.


The bad: There's one or two minor scratches on it... the newer models are "painted" whereas the first ones (the green and maroon ones) were the same color plastic all the way through, so a scratch is much more obvious on the newer ones. Normal people don't care about that, but that bothers me as a collector. Also, while the machine does propel backward and forward with the transmission on, the transmission still engages just a little bit when I have the switch set to off on the back stroke. This happened with the first one too, so I don't know why it did that, but if anyone knows why or if it's an easy fix, please let me know. I simply don't have the energy to take it back and get another one, and who knows what problems another one might have. Another weird thing is that the bag was paper in this one, but the floor model and the first one both that the "hepa" cloth like bag in them. Plus this one had dirt in the bag when I opened up before I even ran it... not much, but enough for me to know someone else had used it! So annoying, exactly what do they do when they "factory refurbish" a vacuum anyway? ALSO... the plastic part between the turbo tool cover and the power switch wasn't flush with the rest of the machine... it stuck out too far... I had to take the machine all apart (at least I got to see the dirt finder microphone in the process and make sure it was clean, which was good) and actually BREAK two horizontal tabs of plastic that were preventing the piece from laying flush with the rest of the machine. Annoying to say the least.


So... I do like the vacuum and I'm glad I have one now, but this has been quite an experience and I don't think I'll get another vacuum for a long time! I may get a bagless version if I find one on CL for a decent price just for fun, but I won't actively search for it. This thing is powerful... but the hose is crazy to use. So short, and when you try to use an attachment, the hose snaps back tight and pulls the vacuum down to the floor or into the user. I can tell this one is nowhere near the same quality of the ones I sold at Sears back in 2001. I didn't find the HEPA bags at Wal-mart, so I just picked up a 3 pack of the Arm and Hammer paper Y bags for now just to get by with.

I'll include a picture. Once again guys, I can't thank you enough for your support/advice here :o) And if anyone has any info about the transmission still engaging on the revers stroke even with the handle locked, I'd love to hear about it. Even with the machine power off and handle locked (locked meaning power drive set to off), if the handle is reclined, I can't roll the vacuum backwards because the wheels lock up indicating the transmission is still being engaged. I have to put the handle up and roll it on the back wheels.

I do love the hoover emblem on the bag cover though :o) The jury is still out on the loop style handle, but I'm pretty sure I like the original one better, never been big on loop handles.

Thanks again



Post# 85677 , Reply# 24   12/9/2009 at 02:05 (5,223 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        
oh yeah

One more thing that I forgot.... The wheels on the one I have now and the floor model were rubberized, but the first one just had plastic wheels! The inconsistencies are too strange!

Post# 85696 , Reply# 25   12/9/2009 at 13:17 (5,223 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        
transmission still engages just a little bit

kenmore81's profile picture
As far as I can remember, the concepts and DAM's were like that to,at least the ones I have used. I did try to ajust one of the Concepts I had but it didnt matter. Even though the concepts I had had the "neutral" button even with it pressed it would "kick" back a bit and the wintunnel I had at my BF house does it too,even with the switch in the off position, but the WT doesn't do it as much as the Concepts and DAM's did.

Post# 85697 , Reply# 26   12/9/2009 at 13:19 (5,223 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        

kenmore81's profile picture
Try turning on you Concept and DAM hold the button and try and lift or turn the vac upside down and see if the wheels rotate bacwards.

Post# 85724 , Reply# 27   12/9/2009 at 19:46 (5,222 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

Kenny, it's good to know that other WindTunnels do that... thought the ones I sold at Sears didn't and my Concept and Dialamatic don't either. I guess I'll just have to live with it!

If you're coming to FL sometime, maybe we can get together and have a mini meet and talk about vacuums... and I'll wait to send you that Quadraflex power nozzle... I've been too lazy to do it still, but I'm still hanging onto it! If you come here, I can just hand it to you :o)


Post# 85730 , Reply# 28   12/9/2009 at 21:10 (5,222 days old) by xraytech ()        

Bobby,

Glad to hear that you finally got your Windtunnel. Hope you enjoy it.

I myself just got my first Windtyunnel 3 months ago, I got a NIB Anniversary model on ebay. That was the first Time I had ever used a Windtunnel, They do seem to perform very well


Post# 85812 , Reply# 29   12/11/2009 at 02:55 (5,221 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        
Thanks Bobby

kenmore81's profile picture
I forgot about the PN, it would be great if I could get down there this year.

Post# 85831 , Reply# 30   12/11/2009 at 12:23 (5,221 days old) by volsboy1 ()        

I love mine also,and have been using it more and more sence being a above knee amputee does make thing harder.The power of them suction at least is killer,I have always wondered about airflow.Like my Simplicity Synergy vs Windtunnel,im sure the Synergy has more airflow but having two motors in it makes it hard to judge.I do know the Hoover blows it away suction wise but the power is split. I love my Synergy but its heavy and the Hoovers self-propel system seems best design out there all though Dirt devil electric one worked pretty well on the one I used,Oh and I like Kirby but I didnt get the newer Eureka with one drive wheel.The Eurekas the older ones, most I have found are stripped, the gears.My Aunt got the Bagless one I warned her(I don't like bagless anything-No offence) but she thought the idea of not buying bags just wonderful.She kept it for 4 months then threw it away and bought one like ours.I have two of them a new one and a old one when they first came out and they still work great..I wonder what motor brand they use in them?You got a great Vac,but eurekaprince is right about that brush switch.I broke two of them,but its never broke if you lift it forward then switch it.You got a great buy....


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