Thread Number: 40639  /  Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
Advice on purchasing a Royal
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Post# 431753   9/13/2020 at 22:18 (1,291 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

I happened to come across this today. The price is next to nothing (if a bidding war doesn’t occur) and shipping would only be $18. From the pictures, it appears to be in really good shape. The listing says it powers on, but no other information is given. I’ve read about Royals being loud, requiring oil, etc. I have an early 2000s Guardian canister (I love and don’t plan to part with). I decided I needed an upright, as a canister isn’t ideal for a small condo with lots of furniture (I work in antiques & interior design). It’s always banging into things or getting caught on doorways. Three weeks ago, I purchase a 1990 Eureka model 1443 from an estate sale for $8. I believe it cleans better than the Guardian. My area rugs actually feel clean after vacuuming. Not to mention, it’s extremely quiet. So question is: Do I take a chance and buy this one (if bidding stays under $20), with the intent to eventually sell the Eureka? Or do I pass on the Royal and be content with the 2 I already have? The latter is what I think I should do. But, the Royal has such a timeless classic look to it. So I’m very conflicted. Thanks for the input!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Doesitlookclean's LINK


Post# 431754 , Reply# 1   9/14/2020 at 00:18 (1,291 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
Royal

hygiene903's profile picture
I would say go for it! This one looks pretty nice, was built in Sept. or Oct. 1990, and has the 5 HP motor, so it won't be overly loud like the newer ones with bigger motors. As for oiling, you only need put a few drops in the oil port once or twice a year.
I have one of this same model that's just a year older than the one you're looking at and I really like it. I think you will too.
Jeff


Post# 431755 , Reply# 2   9/14/2020 at 00:41 (1,291 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

This one is similar to the Royal my Dad and Stepmom had.Dad and I liked the vacuum-my Stepmom hated it.She went to Sears and bought a Kenmore/Panasonic canister with a powernozzle.House had reg shag thruout.All the vacuum needed was cleanup-new belt-busted belt found in A bag feed tube.Put some oil in the rear bearing.Changed the bag-old one was PACKED-no doubt dog hair,cat hair,fireplace ash,dog bone pieces.Dad thought it was cute watching the dog chew his bone on the living room carpet.And the bag had some Black Hills dirt, in it too.Sure the Pitt County Landfill doesn't mind.Imported dirt?All in all their old vac works fine.Loved getting it.Will do some more cleanup on it.

Post# 431765 , Reply# 3   9/14/2020 at 08:59 (1,290 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

Thank you! Judging by the pictures, do you think I would need to have the bag cleaned, brushes replaced? I just am on the fence about buying it sight unseen. Perhaps it would be better to wait and save up to purchase a refurbished from a vac shop? It would be more expensive, but I would know everything was in working order.

Post# 431766 , Reply# 4   9/14/2020 at 09:09 (1,290 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Doesitlookclean

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
What this is: it's a Royal model 883 produced from 1989 to 1991.

~Ben


Post# 431768 , Reply# 5   9/14/2020 at 09:31 (1,290 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

human's profile picture
Judging from the photos and the price, you have little to lose on this one. Even if it does need a little TLC, chances are it would be minor, considering the overall condition. And if you decide you don't like it, you can probably at least get your money back out of it.

Post# 431790 , Reply# 6   9/14/2020 at 14:33 (1,290 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve decided if it doesn’t go over $15, I will buy it. If it arrives and isn’t as I expected, then surely I can sell it for what I paid. I assume a vac shop would give me $30 for it. My gut says it would be a safe purchase.

Post# 431791 , Reply# 7   9/14/2020 at 14:36 (1,290 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Do it

lesinutah's profile picture
I have 2 880s with 4.5 amp motors. I spent $200 on one and $90 on the other. They are absolutely beautiful machines in baby blue. I would compare my 880 to my ds80. The ds80 is the best deep cleaning vacuum ever imo. The ds80 has 4.5 amp with 13" nozzle and 5.0 with hose on it. The royal cleans as well as the ds80. The modification to ds80 is a classic kirby wide axle to get a better stance and access all 8 height adjustment settings. If you notice the 883 has wide wheels and a 5.0 amp motor in baby blue. If you get this machine you will love it. The rear wheels are smaller wheels on mine.
I'll add a pic of one of my 880s. The vacuum for sale looks in pretty good shape.


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Post# 431848 , Reply# 8   9/15/2020 at 12:01 (1,289 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

I didn’t win it. Oh well, there will be others. If anyone knows of an blue 880 for sale let me know.

Post# 431884 , Reply# 9   9/15/2020 at 21:15 (1,289 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
I

lesinutah's profile picture
Have an 880 for sale. It's probably the nicest 880 out there and the price reflects it. I have a number of royals available. If you want to email me put royal in subject line and tell me what you want and the price range.
lesinutah@hotmail.com


Post# 431912 , Reply# 10   9/16/2020 at 13:52 (1,288 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

I was right, there would be others. Found this on Facebook today. The description states “vintage vacuum, works very well, $25 obo”. Should I ask for a pic of the model/serial plate and brush roll? It’s 45min away. Trying to decide if it’s worth the drive.

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Post# 431915 , Reply# 11   9/16/2020 at 14:27 (1,288 days old) by sanitaire (anchorage, alaska)        

go for it. it was built before the TTI corp took over and now there not being made anymore..

Post# 431917 , Reply# 12   9/16/2020 at 14:49 (1,288 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

Do you think it’s old enough to be a lower amp? I’m sure my neighbors would prefer a quieter model. Would it clean better than my Eureka? I feel bad replacing it, I did just buy a new brush roll and bearings.

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Post# 431938 , Reply# 13   9/16/2020 at 20:17 (1,288 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Yes

lesinutah's profile picture
That is the vacuum that came right after the 880. Im guessing 882. Their is a few motor sizes. There is 5.0, 5.4 & 6.0 amp. Im guessing 5.0. Its about as quiet as the 880. I don't know if it's quite than the eureka but probably. Eureka has the beater bar that thumps the carpet making the loud noise.
. I'd offer them $20 because your driving that far.


Post# 431955 , Reply# 14   9/16/2020 at 22:47 (1,288 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
Go For It!

hygiene903's profile picture
I'm thinking it's either an 880 or an early 886, either one is a good choice. Should be fairly quiet and clean as well, or better than, the Eureka. Royals are lightweight, maneuverable, durable, and just great all round cleaners. I hope you buy it, you won't be disappointed. And if you want, you could still keep the Eureka and switch back and forth between the two. Nothing wrong with having 2 or 3 vacuums, or 5, or 10, or 50, etc.
Jeff


Post# 431956 , Reply# 15   9/16/2020 at 22:54 (1,288 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Doesitlookclean

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
Yes, I would suggest buying this. This is a model 880 with the Scafitex bag from a model 886 (what the 880 was replaced by for 1987). Going by the rounded fan case, this would be a 1975-85 model, and I would prefer having you look at the nameplate on the back of the nozzle casting.

This would have a 3 amp (1975-80) or a 4.5 amp (1980-85) motor.

Below is a picture of my 1985 Royal 880, with the Stark Deluxe bag on it.

~Ben


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Post# 431980 , Reply# 16   9/17/2020 at 13:11 (1,287 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Finally

lesinutah's profile picture
The two royal/electro hygiene experts show up. Thanks ben and Jeff. Jeff hope all is going good for you.


Post# 432051 , Reply# 17   9/18/2020 at 18:50 (1,286 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Doesitlookclean

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Royal-Vacuum-Cl...

Here is another 883, but it does not have the original blue AOR plate.

~Ben


Post# 432120 , Reply# 18   9/20/2020 at 11:31 (1,284 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

So the guy with the one on Facebook 45 minutes away never replied to my asking if he still had it. I assume it sold and he never deleted the listing. Tomorrow, I might call around to local vac shops and ask if they have any older Royals. I did just see these two listed on Offer Up. They almost seem too good to be true. $10 for shipping sounds awfully low. One last question: which was better, the older models with the adjust rite and knob on the back? Or, the newer models with the adjuster pedal?
Thanks for all the help! I hate to be so annoying, just want to have all the information before I make a purchase.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Doesitlookclean's LINK


Post# 432160 , Reply# 19   9/20/2020 at 22:42 (1,284 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
Personal Preference

hygiene903's profile picture
Between the adjust-o-rite knob or the au-toe-matic pedal system, it's up to you, which one you like best or which one will work for you. I prefer the knob myself, but some folks here like the pedal better. Either way, you'll have a machine that will do a great job for you.
Jeff


Post# 432163 , Reply# 20   9/20/2020 at 22:47 (1,284 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
I'll

lesinutah's profile picture
Email you and show you were to find great deals on vacuums.

Post# 432176 , Reply# 21   9/21/2020 at 03:11 (1,284 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The dial is best-you can adjust it to truly the height you need.The toe height adjuster goes in steps like a Kirby-the steps on the Royal are fewer than on a Kirby.You may not get the height you really like.

Post# 432271 , Reply# 22   9/22/2020 at 10:39 (1,282 days old) by johnnyb59c (13240 n 3980 rd dewey oklahoma)        
I had an 880

johnnyb59c's profile picture
traded a Kirby Classic Omega for it new in 1985

Post# 432312 , Reply# 23   9/22/2020 at 21:05 (1,282 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Mm

lesinutah's profile picture
Beauty and the beast. The omega being the beast. The 880 is similar to ds50 & ds80. The omega has more power and 3 inch bigger brush roll.


Post# 432517 , Reply# 24   9/25/2020 at 19:32 (1,279 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

Thank you to Les, I was able to purchase a beautiful 880 from him. I cannot wait for it to arrive! Listed my Eureka on Facebook. I have one final question. On a separate thread, a 880 manual was posted. The manual says to use sae 30 non detergent oil. I found 3 in 1 sae 20 motor oil, but not a 3 in 1 sae 30 motor oil. I did find a bottle of sae 30 non detergent oil. But the bottle looks like what you’d put in a car. Is this the correct oil? Is it ok to use the 3 in 1 sae 20 motor oil? Sorry to sound so ignorant, just extremely cautious. The last thing I’d want to do is ruin it.

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Post# 432530 , Reply# 25   9/25/2020 at 22:29 (1,279 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
2nd

lesinutah's profile picture
Pic is the 3 in 1 oil you use.
I don't know much about putting motor oil.


Post# 432539 , Reply# 26   9/26/2020 at 00:28 (1,279 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
That's Right

hygiene903's profile picture
Les is absolutely right! The 3-in-1 Motor Oil is specifically made for electric motors. It's what I use in my Royals and Electro-Hygienes. There aren't too many stores that carry it any more. I get mine at Lowe's.
Jeff


Post# 432588 , Reply# 27   9/26/2020 at 15:47 (1,278 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Online

lesinutah's profile picture
Walmart.com is where I got mine. The vacuum was picked up today. I'm guessing Tuesday or Wednesday it should be there.
I may be wrong but if you use the hose you have to remove the belt.
Could you email pics of the manual?


Post# 432602 , Reply# 28   9/26/2020 at 19:35 (1,278 days old) by johnnyb59c (13240 n 3980 rd dewey oklahoma)        
I was 7

johnnyb59c's profile picture
it might have been my sensitive ears at the time but it seemed I remembered ours being real shrill sound but it worked like a charm. We had the hose and attachments too.

Post# 432614 , Reply# 29   9/27/2020 at 03:02 (1,278 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
Manual

hygiene903's profile picture
Thread #34344 from 5/20/2017 has an almost complete newer manual posted. Think it's all there except the cover. Would have put a link here for you but don't know how to do links.
Jeff


Post# 432642 , Reply# 30   9/27/2020 at 19:00 (1,277 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Link

lesinutah's profile picture
Here is the link thanks Jeff.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Lesinutah's LINK


Post# 432706 , Reply# 31   9/28/2020 at 12:50 (1,276 days old) by Doesitlookclean (Kentucky)        

I wanted to give a thank you to Les. The Royal arrived today and looks like a million bucks. It fits the aesthetic of my home perfectly!

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Post# 432709 , Reply# 32   9/28/2020 at 12:56 (1,276 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Doesitlookclean

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
That was very nice of Les to give one of his extra Royals to you!

I just noticed that the city you live in is also the birthplace of the late, great actor William Conrad, who would have turned 100 years old yesterday! He died on the day you had turned four.

~Ben


Post# 432728 , Reply# 33   9/28/2020 at 18:47 (1,276 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Glad

lesinutah's profile picture
You received it in one piece. The two long curved extension wands were hard to get in without compromising any part of the vacuum.



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