Thread Number: 8493
Hoover WindTunnel
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Post# 94377   3/24/2010 at 20:50 (5,117 days old) by a1945 ()        

Hello once again, I created this thread to get everyones opinion on Hoovers famous WindTunnel (prepares for flak).

Post# 94394 , Reply# 1   3/24/2010 at 23:09 (5,117 days old) by joe22 ()        

the self propelled bagged has been the top rated vac in consumer reports for years

Post# 94418 , Reply# 2   3/25/2010 at 09:21 (5,116 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)        

suckolux's profile picture
My neighbor has that model, maybe ten years old, just changed the power drive cable, again, it cleans well, but just do not care for it.More of a noise/ feel kind of thing.

Post# 94421 , Reply# 3   3/25/2010 at 09:42 (5,116 days old) by bagintheback (Flagstaff, Arizona)        

bagintheback's profile picture
I like the Windtunels. The brush roll really cleans my carpet and the suction is great. I just hate the Y bags. They are WAY to small and don't filter well unless you get the overpriced HEPA bags.

They don't deep clean as well as I would like, but I think for the average person it's does better than they need.

But Hoover over uses it, It seems the whole product line is now Windtunnel, even the Tempo is! (I'm not talking about the body, it has the same plastic inner-plate as all the other Windtunnels)


Post# 94424 , Reply# 4   3/25/2010 at 10:38 (5,116 days old) by a1945 ()        
But Hoover over uses it, It seems the whole product line is

I would think hoover would WANT to put windtunnel technology in all there vacuums, I think that would be easier

Post# 94433 , Reply# 5   3/25/2010 at 13:23 (5,116 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
'But Hoover over uses it...'

How can you 'overuse' an effective feature? That's like saying 'Hoover overuse brushrolls, they should include a few straight-suction uprights in their range!'

Post# 94435 , Reply# 6   3/25/2010 at 15:21 (5,116 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Hoover WindTunnel

I have mixed reviews:
(1) I think my Hoover Anniversary WindTunnel is a good value for the money (if you are comparing it other cheap,plastic made in China vacs). I love the blue color. My only complaint was the NOISE.
As a vac collector I can't be a fair judge on the durability of the machine because I take care of all my machines even if they only cost $139.00.
I think it does a good good job on the carpets. Strong suction for the tools too.
Just wish it still had the famous Hoover beater bars!


Post# 94436 , Reply# 7   3/25/2010 at 15:27 (5,116 days old) by a1945 ()        
Just wish it still had the famous Hoover beater bars!

Don't we all!

Post# 94462 , Reply# 8   3/25/2010 at 17:00 (5,116 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        
Hoover Windtunnel

Performancewise, it deep cleans the carpet very well and has excellent suction. Wouldn't be my choice for an everyday vacuum though. I have the power drive version and find it to be one of the bulkiest, kludgiest (non-commercial) uprights Hoover ever produced. 12 amps is waaaaay too much current for a vacuum to draw IMHO. After all, it's not a washing machine or dryer.

Post# 94469 , Reply# 9   3/25/2010 at 18:46 (5,116 days old) by a1945 ()        
Ohio

Why do you think 12 amps is too much? Now if it were a dirty air vacuum, then yes I do think that would be too much power, lol you would never get it to move

Post# 94471 , Reply# 10   3/25/2010 at 19:01 (5,116 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

In Europe, we have cleaners rated at 2500w+. 1200w is considered 'eco friendly' here, since the average UK vacuum cleaner is rated at 1600w.

New EUP legislation, set to come into force in the next few years, could change all that, though - it's going to restrict the electrical power input for vacuum cleaners.


Post# 94472 , Reply# 11   3/25/2010 at 19:20 (5,116 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Here's mine...

...ok, it says 'Maytag', but we know it's a Hoover, really!

It's not much to look at, but it's probably one of the best carpet-cleaners I own.





type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowscriptaccess=always allowfullscreen=true width=660 height=525>


Post# 94474 , Reply# 12   3/25/2010 at 19:32 (5,116 days old) by a1945 ()        
VintageHoover

All bow to the Hoover MASTER! Jack is yours made in China? Or was it built before they sold out.

Post# 94487 , Reply# 13   3/25/2010 at 20:31 (5,116 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Mine's made in the USA - serial no. 120000002470

They weren't sold for long over here - I think we had them in around 2000-01. They weren't successful in the UK - too big and bulky for most people's tastes!


Post# 94542 , Reply# 14   3/26/2010 at 01:06 (5,116 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        

First 4 digits of the serial number are the month/year of manufacture. :-)

Post# 94543 , Reply# 15   3/26/2010 at 01:08 (5,116 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        

And I agree about the WindTunnel being a great carpet-cleaner.
Replace the belt every few months -- under regular use -- and it really is one of the best carpet cleaning vacuums available today. There's not much that can/will compare.


Post# 94556 , Reply# 16   3/26/2010 at 06:14 (5,115 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Hi Fred,

thanks for the serial number info! So, mine is the 2470th off the line in December 2000?

It's a great cleaner, but there's a few things I'd like to change about it before I was totally happy with it!

What do you think of the Windtunnel 2?


Post# 94563 , Reply# 17   3/26/2010 at 10:02 (5,115 days old) by hoovercelebrity (Germany)        

Nope, yours is # 1469 off the line. Serial numbers have started with 1001 since *I think* the mid-60's.

Ugh, the WindTunnel 2 is a good cleaner, but it was full of problems... mostly the early ones that weren't tested very well before they were put to market. Plastic brushroll housings would crack when you removed and put screws back in. To do any simple repair on it the whole machine had to come apart. The rotating filter on the bagless model (especially the early ones) would jam up and burn the little motor out which turned the filter. And they're extremely heavy in the handle when one is operating it. Not to mention they're so powerful, they would literally suck tight to the carpet or bare floor surface and really took some muscle to push.

Just like that 4-brush WindTunnel V2 that wasn't tested very well before it went to market; Hoover had really good ideas--they just needed to put them back in the oven for a bit so they could bake a little longer.

~Fred


Post# 94568 , Reply# 18   3/26/2010 at 11:32 (5,115 days old) by a1945 ()        

Well I am actually surprised at the number of collectors that like the WindTunnel, one of the collectors I use to know absolutely HATED the windtunnel, this is back when I first started getting into the world of vacuums(3 years ago). So I thought that was how all collectors felt about it. Now I have noticed that ya'll have the bagged version, we had the bagless version.

Post# 94580 , Reply# 19   3/26/2010 at 17:02 (5,115 days old) by dustin (Jackson, MI)        

dustin's profile picture
I just got one last week, a bagged self propelled one and it is awesome! I think it is the most powerful vacuum that I own.

Post# 94582 , Reply# 20   3/26/2010 at 17:18 (5,115 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)        

kenmore81's profile picture
I love the windtunnel myself. Although on the heavy/bulky side, they are great cleaners for being todays plastic. I only wish they had the brush shut-off on the non self propelled.

Post# 94585 , Reply# 21   3/26/2010 at 18:58 (5,115 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
'one of the collectors I use to know absolutely HATED th

Not sure who you're referring to, but some collectors hate all modern cleaners, period! I think a lot of collectors dislike the Windtunnel because they feel it's not a 'proper' Hoover - ie, metal, direct air and a cloth bag!

Post# 94586 , Reply# 22   3/26/2010 at 19:08 (5,115 days old) by a1945 ()        
Not sure who you're referring to

I am not sure it would be right to say what his username use to be. I would collect all periods, but to start my collection I would like to do it with something that can be a daily runner. Anyway, I feel that if a Hoover is made in America, then it is a true Hoover, but that is my own opinion. And yes there are collector that detest all plastic, modern machines, lol till they use a dyson.

Post# 94587 , Reply# 23   3/26/2010 at 19:14 (5,115 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
'I feel that if a Hoover is made in America, then it is

Ah - that may well apply for America, but remember, Hoover also had factories in Canada, England, Wales, Scotland, South Africa and Australia, amongst others, all producing vacuum cleaners, washing machines and small appliances since the early days. These all count as 'proper' Hoovers, too!



Post# 94590 , Reply# 24   3/26/2010 at 19:58 (5,115 days old) by a1945 ()        

Yes I had forgotten all the other countries Hoover made their vacuums, now i did not know that they made other things. Basically if a Hoover is not produced in China, then in my book it's a "proper" Hoover. Built to serve a lifetime.

Post# 94591 , Reply# 25   3/26/2010 at 19:59 (5,115 days old) by a1945 ()        

BTW that is a great picture of the Hoover factory you have, unfortunately I have never had the chance to visit that kind of warehouse.

Post# 94593 , Reply# 26   3/26/2010 at 20:11 (5,115 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

I've visited the former Hoover Building in Perivale, West London at least 4 times, and I've been lucky enough to spend a day inside it, too!

See the link below for my photos from inside:


CLICK HERE TO GO TO vintagehoover's LINK


Post# 94594 , Reply# 27   3/26/2010 at 20:38 (5,115 days old) by a1945 ()        

This is a very beautiful building, I hope there are plans to restore it.

Post# 94598 , Reply# 28   3/26/2010 at 22:14 (5,115 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Let's say:

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
a non TTI is a proper HOOVER. Bettter?

Post# 94599 , Reply# 29   3/26/2010 at 22:15 (5,115 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I have a bagged Windtunnel. (USA) proper

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
I've never turned it on. On my list of things to do.

Post# 94605 , Reply# 30   3/26/2010 at 22:47 (5,115 days old) by a1945 ()        
a non TTI is a proper HOOVER. Bettter?

Much better

Post# 94606 , Reply# 31   3/26/2010 at 22:51 (5,115 days old) by a1945 ()        
a non TTI is a proper HOOVER. Bettter?

much better

Post# 94612 , Reply# 32   3/26/2010 at 23:17 (5,115 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

I really like my Hoover s/p WindTunnel. But, I have a thing for self-propelled vacuums. I think it's powerful, and it's one of the few uprights I have with on board tools (the other is a Dyson). I used it tonight to clean around the litter box. I don't like turbo tools normally, but the WindTunnels does a great job on cat hair on the crushed velvet ottoman. I would not have one that wasn't self-propelled though. Just like a Concept or Dial-a-matic, I'd feel like it was missing a feature I had a non power drive model. I also like the longer hose and brush roll shut off on the propelled model. I miss seeing the bag inflate on mine it though. I prefer the older models with straight handles, I don't like loop style handles for some reason. I wish they made a model that was bagged/bagless so the user had an option... I don't like their bagless system, but it would be fun to see what it's getting up sometimes and to compare it to my Dyson. What's weird is that you can find bags everywhere, but belts for the self-propelled models are hard to come by. I wish mine was that pretty blue color that some of you have.

This is probably the least glamorous picture of a W/T here, but this is mine. It's late and I'm tired, so probably not the best time to pose vacuums for a picture. I just rearranged (and washed and waxed) all my machines so the WindTunnel can sit beside his older self-propelled cousins. Even Jasper likes it! He didn't like vacuums when I first got him from the shelter, but he quickly realized there were more of them than there were of him so he'd better get used to them, scary loud monsters that they are.



Post# 94628 , Reply# 33   3/27/2010 at 03:35 (5,115 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)        
I Love My Windtunnels !

I have 3 windtunnels (1) 100th Anniversary Bagged model.. (2) 100th Anniversary model Self propelled.. Both Candy Apple Blue and Silver... and (3, Gray non-self propelled Bagless model. I don't use it but had to have one just for my collection!!!! I love all my Hoovers... But I am still a Kirby man through and through!! :)

Dan


Post# 94639 , Reply# 34   3/27/2010 at 08:15 (5,114 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        

Well Alex, the vacuum cleaner industry has "brainwashed" us into thinking more amperage means better cleaning. Not so. Amperage isn't a measure of how well a vacuum will clean, or how much suction it will have, it's simply a measure of how much current it's sucking out of the wall. 12 amps is currently the industry standard for vacuum cleaners. A vacuum that draws 12 amps generates alot of heat. Heat is the leading cause of motor failure. Vacuum cleaner manufacturers who have dodged the trend (ala Oreck) use high-speed, high-efficiency, LOW AMPERAGE motors to power their vacuums. The Oreck's high speed roller brush works wonders on most carpeted surfaces. Just my two cents.

- Karl


Post# 94672 , Reply# 35   3/27/2010 at 13:44 (5,114 days old) by a1945 ()        
WindTunnel 2

Does anyone have the windtunnel 2? I know there were problems with the bagless model

Post# 94705 , Reply# 36   3/27/2010 at 18:16 (5,114 days old) by samotronic ()        
W2

I have the Hoover W2, plus a lot of history going back to the original Windtunnel that I also had. I wish I had kept my original Windtunnel. It was the original model, the maroon one before they added the self propelled feature. But you asked about W2, so I will stay on topic. On the left is the W2 Bagged model. On the right is the Savvy,which descended from the Windtunnel V2, series, not to be confused with the W2 series, which came later.

Post# 94706 , Reply# 37   3/27/2010 at 18:27 (5,114 days old) by a1945 ()        
Chris

Have you had any problems with the savvy? and what is your opinion of the 2 machines?

Post# 94707 , Reply# 38   3/27/2010 at 18:31 (5,114 days old) by samotronic ()        

Without going into a dissertation that is longer than a report on global warming, the W2 bagged, is a great machine. Not on par with my Kirby Diamond or Miele S7, but not far off. The bagged model uses disposable bags that are similar to, (though no where near as good as...) the Miele HyClean in how they attach, though they do not seal when removed. The hose is similar to Dyson as to how the main handle is removed and used with tools. The Bagless models were good in thought, but not practical as the "self cleaning" continually rotating filter, clogged with dirt on the first or second use. I am pleased with mine, as well as my Savvy, even though less, as the Savvy's 4 brush design is very prone to motor burn out. I use mine only on low pile and it has lasted so far....

Post# 94708 , Reply# 39   3/27/2010 at 18:39 (5,114 days old) by samotronic ()        
Savvy

It wasn't long after the Windtunnel V2 / Savvy, was introduced that they changed it to a traditional, one brush machine. It was rated as OK in performance. Oddly enough, Hoover also marketed this model as a "Convertible" which I took extreme exception to. The Savvy could be "converted" from a bagless to bagged upright. Not enough in my mind to exhume the beloved "Convertible" name for THIS machine. Chris.

Post# 94709 , Reply# 40   3/27/2010 at 18:46 (5,114 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Hi Fred,

thanks for the clarification about the serial no.!

I remember you telling, me, Mike and Robert aboout the Windtunnel V2 when you drove us to the Kirby Factory! I've heard that the WT V2 was the first cleaner to be designed by Hoover on a new CAD system, which was the result of many of the problems which ensued with reliability. I love the concept of the contra-rotating brush bars to part the nap, though - such a 1910's idea!

I've had a chance to use the Windtunnel 2 at my home - when Vax's Senior Design Manager came to visit for the day last year, he brought both the bagless WT2 and the Hoover Z from the company's Products and Samples room for me to have a play with! I was very impressed - I agree that it's heavy and bulky, but I can't think of many cleaners on the UK market which could compare to that carpet-cleaning performance!

Vax did consider it for sale in the UK, but the multi-cyclonic Mach series is their premium line here, which would have created confusion for consumers (ie. why pay more for a cleaner which doesn't use any form of cyclonic separation?). It would have required an RRP of around £400, too, which is way more than most UK buyers would ever spend.

It has some cool design touches - I love the way the hose is held tight to the body of the cleaner by little magnets in the casing!! So clever! The head looks very Concept-series-ish to me.


Post# 94710 , Reply# 41   3/27/2010 at 18:55 (5,114 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Inspiration behind the Windtunnel V2??

Post# 94711 , Reply# 42   3/27/2010 at 19:21 (5,114 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        

No, Chris, I completely agree with you. I bought a Convertible (Savvy) because of the centennial, but I don't think it's worthy of bearing the Convertible name. It wouldn't have taken Hoover much effort to have built a retro Convertible out of a commercial machine. Eureka did a much better job a few years ago on their model 1950A "RetroVac." After the new Connie, the centennial machines really were a disappointment.

Post# 94767 , Reply# 43   3/28/2010 at 09:57 (5,113 days old) by luxg ()        
Just had to join the WindTunnel club!

After reading these postings this week about the Hoover WindTunnel it was almost like it was meant to be. I went to a garage sale Friday and found this. It was in good shape other than needing a good general clean up and a new belt so I bought it. Turned out really nice. I must say that I am impressed with this machine. Grooms the carpet nicely and the suction at the hose end is amazing for an upright. The dirt senor light is really a lot of fun too. I used it today for the first time and for the most part the green light was on most of the time however in a few spots where you would expect more dirt the light did change to red briefly, like in front of chairs and doorways. Over all this is not a bad machine at all.

Terry


Post# 94769 , Reply# 44   3/28/2010 at 11:04 (5,113 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

Terry, I bet in your immaculate home and with all your fabulous machines that red light didn't stay on. Congrats on becoming a member of the Windtunnel family LOL I was just thinking that you don't post about getting new machines very often and I wondered if you did! Looks like you got one of the originals before the funky colors started (I do like the translucent bag covers on some of the newer ones!)... it looks like it's in great shape. And, it came with the attachments too, yay!

I remember the WindTunnel V2 (like the Savvy) when I sold vacuums at Sears. Kenmore/Panasonic also had a dual brush bagless machine out at the same time (was light green) that was quieter and that worked better. The V2 was loud and hard to push, I hated it! The bare floor switch was a little rocker switch that was down by the height adjust knob, and was hard to adjust with the foot. The ONLY thing I liked about it was that it was the only machine that had a bagged/bagless option... I wish more manufactures offered that. I've heard of people converting a Eureka Whirlwind to a bagged machine by taking the cassette out and popping in an AA bag and a bag door from another Eureka... I like that idea. The whole V2/Savvy/W2 is very confusing for consumers, me thinks.

I used mine again this morning, man that sucker is loud! I used every feature though.... I used it on carpet with the tranny on and off. It's still easy to push with the tranny off (probably due to the powerful brushroll and my thin pile carpet)... and when I first got it, the tranny would try to engage on the back stroke when I had it off. It doesn't do that anymore, (which is good, I want it off when I want it off), I think maybe the belt just had to stretch a little more. I used the turbo tool on the couch and ottoman. I used the dusting brush on the TV armoire. I was reminded again how much I hate the hose the way it snaps tight and sends the machine violently crashing to the floor or into the vacuum daddy (er uhm I mean owner/user) when applied to the surface to be vacuumed. Then I switched the brushroll off (very easy to do with toe, just tip machine forward first to be safe and not break the slider off as so often happens with these self propelleds) and vacuumed the kitchen... I had lots of salt on the floor (made crab cakes last night) and it got every bit of it up. So fun!


Post# 94771 , Reply# 45   3/28/2010 at 11:18 (5,113 days old) by luxg ()        

Bobby, I have to agree with you, this thing is loud!!! An on/off switch for the brush roll would have been nice too.

Post# 94776 , Reply# 46   3/28/2010 at 11:49 (5,113 days old) by samotronic ()        
Another recollection

I had another memory of my original Windtunnel. The above reference to the noise reminded just how loud it was. Compared to the soft roar of the Convertible, this had a screeching whine and I remember it just sort of went on at full speed without gradually starting up or winding down when turned off.

I guess I had two recollections, because the one I intended to give here was my biggest annoyance. The hose connected to the machine toward the top of the unit which caused it to tip over ALL the time. I recall that the hose on the machine was quite short, but it came with a longer one, and even that didn't prevent tipping over because the suction was so high that it made the hose contract and even tip over with the longer one. I had more gashes in my door frames and wood work from that thing falling over. Plus all those falls caused multiple pieces to break off the machine causing it to be put to sleep sooner that it normally would have needed to.

The Savvy / V2 and the W2 are also loud (though I don't think that loud) but they are much more stable when using tools.

Chris


Post# 94778 , Reply# 47   3/28/2010 at 12:02 (5,113 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        
The Hoover Self Propelled WindTunnel is one of the best upri

eurekaprince's profile picture
Newer versions are still top-rated by Consumer Reports even 10 years after the first version hit the market. It seems to be one of the few uprights that rates an "excellent" for all three of the following: Carpet Cleaning, Bare Floor Cleaning, Tool Air Flow.

The biggest problem I found was the lack of a suction regulator/valve on the tool hose, along with the very cheap set of attachments provided. The lack of a control makes using the cheap plastic upholstery nozzle very dangerous for delicate fabrics, curtains and bedspreads. The extremely short hose is rather useless unless you are dusting off a night-table with the vac standing right next to it. Hoover should really take some lessons from Riccar/Simplicity here and provide a regular "non-stretch" 15 foot hose that would attach to the back of the unit for tool use. With the power of the WindTunnel, suction through a regular 15 foot hose would still be fantastic and practical and efficient.

The best thing about it is the low profile! In the "underbed position" it is really low to the floor!



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