Oreck model number (letter) decoding?

And, I've done it again. Another trip to a thrift store, another Oreck followed me home.
I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to resist Orecks lately. And, they really don't show up too often around here.
I know there isn't a ton of interest in them here, it seems. But, I'm hoping someone can maybe shed a little light on what the model numbers and letters mean. I've learned from someone here, that a model with a two-speed switch will have an H2 in the number. And, this latest one does.
This one has the most letters after the number of any of my Orecks.
The model is: U4080H2BPDRA.
I'm wondering if the B might be for black, which this one is. I've seen one on eBay with the same model number, but instead of a B in that position, there was a Y. And, that particular machine was yellow.
Also, any idea why some numbers start with XL, and some start with U? Actually, as I'm writing this, it struck me. Could the U prefix be for Ultra? Because this one is an XL2 Ultra.
Its date code is 06135. So, all I can glean from that is that it was built in '06.

This one runs fine. And, thankfully, after my last Oreck incident, both headlight bulbs work.
But, she's a dirty girl. Mostly, because the inner bag and dock popped off the connector for some reason, and the previous owner continued to use it without realizing. So, it's not like the cloth outer bag is completely full or anything, but there is some dirt, and a bunch of hair in it; pet, human, or both. And, the brushroll is completely wrapped in same. I hope there's not a problem with the dock or the connector, and it's just that the previous owner didn't attach it properly when changing the bag or something.
I'm not handy mechanically, but I find the cleaning up process and transformation very satisfying. And, I've developed a better comfort level with Orecks than any other brand, at this point. Their outer bags have kind of become my favorite to wash.
I'll probably post a picture or two eventually. I know, it's kind of like; you've seen one Oreck, you've seen them all. But, I guess it's kind of like your kids or pets or something. You just want to show them off to others. 🙂


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Post# 474090 11/8/2024 at 12:04 by JustJunque (Western MA)
Checkrate/Likes And, I've done it again. Another trip to a thrift store, another Oreck followed me home. I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to resist Orecks lately. And, they really don't show up too often around here. I know there isn't a ton of interest in them here, it seems. But, I'm hoping someone can maybe shed a little light on what the model numbers and letters mean. I've learned from someone here, that a model with a two-speed switch will have an H2 in the number. And, this latest one does. This one has the most letters after the number of any of my Orecks. The model is: U4080H2BPDRA. I'm wondering if the B might be for black, which this one is. I've seen one on eBay with the same model number, but instead of a B in that position, there was a Y. And, that particular machine was yellow. Also, any idea why some numbers start with XL, and some start with U? Actually, as I'm writing this, it struck me. Could the U prefix be for Ultra? Because this one is an XL2 Ultra. Its date code is 06135. So, all I can glean from that is that it was built in '06. This one runs fine. And, thankfully, after my last Oreck incident, both headlight bulbs work. But, she's a dirty girl. Mostly, because the inner bag and dock popped off the connector for some reason, and the previous owner continued to use it without realizing. So, it's not like the cloth outer bag is completely full or anything, but there is some dirt, and a bunch of hair in it; pet, human, or both. And, the brushroll is completely wrapped in same. I hope there's not a problem with the dock or the connector, and it's just that the previous owner didn't attach it properly when changing the bag or something. I'm not handy mechanically, but I find the cleaning up process and transformation very satisfying. And, I've developed a better comfort level with Orecks than any other brand, at this point. Their outer bags have kind of become my favorite to wash. I'll probably post a picture or two eventually. I know, it's kind of like; you've seen one Oreck, you've seen them all. But, I guess it's kind of like your kids or pets or something. You just want to show them off to others. 🙂

Post# 474092 , Reply# 1 11/8/2024 at 13:02 by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)
Checkrate/Likes 1 You've pretty much answered your own questions. I own one of those along with the red one. XL basically means it's a classic model and U basically means it's a step up. Were you able to figure out your Panasonic door?

Post# 474095 , Reply# 2 11/8/2024 at 13:58 by JustJunque (Western MA)
Checkrate/Likes Thank you again, my friend! Do you happen to know what the "PDRA" suffix means? With a heavy heart, I put the Panasonic aside and haven't touched it since. I was really looking forward to trying a whole-house vacuuming with that one. I was trying to be very gentle about my attempt to open the motor cover, but it just didn't feel like it wanted to go. So, assuming there were additional screws hidden under the switch, I decided to leave it alone. Then, the cover didn't want to go back down. Again, not wanting to use too much force and break something, I just put it aside. I guess it will have to wait until I feel like bringing it to the vacuum shop. Or, until you feel like taking a trip to lovely New England? I'd say come see the fall foliage, but it's pretty much done in this area. I'd still like to be able to clean inside the motor compartment, and wash the exhaust filter. But, there's someone selling the switch cover for it on eBay. And, looking at how the clips are configured, I don't think I'd have a tool that would work for removing it.