I just got one of my dream machines, sold to me by Nathan (electrolux-dude). It's an early TriStar CXL, made between 1985-1989. As always, dealing with Nathan was sheer pleasure- he sent a machine that looked much better than his description on the phone, and he included a lot of goodies that I wasn't expecting, including a complete set of tools and wands, and an original IEC TriStar box!
The reason I wanted a CXL or DXL or EX-20 was that these are the last of the "real" TriStars, made like the old Compacts. I grew up with a Compact C-2, bought new in late 1954. It took Mom nearly 30 years to kill it, which is unbelievable for her- she could tear up a Sherman tank.
Since I haven't used a TriStar or Compact in a long time, I wasn't up on how well they cleaned vs. other brands. After using this CXL, I have to say I'm pretty amazed. It's picking up all kinds of crud from the carpeting, and I vacuum a lot. I usually use a Lux Diamond Jubilee, very well-maintained, with a new hose, new brushroll and belt for the PN, and I change bags much sooner than most people would. As a result, I get phenomenal suction from the Lux, and I thought it was cleaning very well. But the TriStar is getting stuff that the Lux seems to have missed. Has anyone else observed this?
Does anyone have contact info for TriStar's parts and service division? I'm in need of a couple of small things, including a manual, and can't find anything but their sales number.
I've ordered a rug tool and a new dusting brush for this machine from TotalVac, and as soon as they come, I'll post pics. A word about TotalVac, BTW: they offer free shipping on orders over $50, and that's fine. What they don't tell you is that it's some cheapie service from FedEx, and that it takes FOREVER (they also let my order- paid by credit card- sit there for four days before doing anything about it at all). They do have expedited shipping available at extra cost, but their Website doesn't make it easy to find. If you're dealing with TotalVac and want your parts before the turn of the next century, I recommend placing your order by phone, paying the extra for expedited shipping, and insisting that they ship right away rather than putting your order on their "roundtoit" list.
Post# 36476 , Reply# 1 3/30/2008 at 14:36 (5,864 days old) by camelotshadow(Valley Village)
It seems every vac will pick up more after another vac as will the same vac as carpet fibers & matts are continually shedding & breaking down as suction is applied to them.
Total vac did take a long time the one time I ordered. They say they don't process the cc until they process the order so in actuality its good you don't pay for it way before it goes out. I think they must have to order the stock so it takes a while. That's the price you pay so you have to judge. If you want it fast might not be good.
Must have taken 2 or 3 weeks to get my vac belt & bags. Really can hold you up when you need the part.
Post# 36533 , Reply# 2 3/30/2008 at 17:44 (5,864 days old) by danemodsandy ()
I'm familiar with the "do-over" effect, where any vac going back over a previously vacuumed area will pick up something else.
But this is way beyond that. I mean way beyond that. This is as if I was vacuuming something that hadn't been vacuumed in a long time, and I used that Diamond Jubilee religiously- once a day on the carpet, and several times a week on the furniture.
Strange.
Post# 36699 , Reply# 3 3/31/2008 at 19:45 (5,863 days old) by kc_kirby(Kansas City, MO)
I got a Tri Star about 5 years ago and when I did I also wanted an owner's manual and a parts list. So I called the Tri Star company and they sent me the owner's manual for free plus a parts list with a diagram as well. I don't know if they will still do this but its worth a shot. The phone number on the parts list is 1-800-854-6185. I have no idea where I got the number to call in the first place, I imagine I just did an internet search and found it somewhere. Good luck on your quest.
Well, I finally got my parts order from TotalVac today. After taking so long to get here, the $65 rug tool I ordered was not as pictured. The pic showed the classic polished finish that TriStar/Compact supplied for years- this thing is in hammertone silver paint.
What with one thing and another (and I'm not going to bore anyone with all the hassles here), I don't think the TotalVac folks should plan their retirement around future orders from me.
I can strip the rug tool and have a friend polish it; I'm not going through the hassle of a return, that's for certain.
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