Thread Number: 9575
Riccar Supralite Vacuum
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Post# 104892   8/1/2010 at 03:20 (4,989 days old) by atrac (United States )        

Hey guys! Quick question - I saw a Riccar Supralite Vacuum Model RSL2 today at the local thrift store for $30. It appeared to be in great condition and worked fine. I passed though because the brief web search I did on my phone didn't turn up much (was worried about the cost/availability of bags for it).

Any opinions on Riccar? Did they make Simplicity vacuums as well?

I see every other model but RSL2 listed on their site -- bastard stepchild? ;)

Thanks!


Post# 104893 , Reply# 1   8/1/2010 at 03:43 (4,989 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The Riccar Supralite series are nice little vacuums-less expensive than the Orecks-and can perform better.Yes-Simplicity vacuums-like Riccar-are under the Tacanoy brand-largest vacuum and sewing supplier in the world.Bags are easily available either under the Riccar name or Simplicity name.Somewhere at home I have a bag conversion chart for simplicity and Riccar.

Post# 104894 , Reply# 2   8/1/2010 at 03:46 (4,989 days old) by atrac (United States )        

Thanks for the quick reply!

I had a feeling I should have bought it -- even carried it around the store for awhile. Ended up putting it back where it was where I found it.

Undoubtedly tomorrow it will not be there. Things go quickly here. :(


Post# 104948 , Reply# 3   8/1/2010 at 21:35 (4,988 days old) by atrac (United States )        

I managed to get this today! I opened it up and it was clogged pretty bad courtesy of some large plastic tags inside. Once I clear those it works great!

Would love to know the bag conversion for the similar Simplicity model. This is the RSL2.

Thanks!


Post# 104974 , Reply# 4   8/2/2010 at 03:34 (4,988 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)        
Sinplicity Vacuums

I have a Simplicity Freedom vacuum and I really like it. It works as good as my Oreck XL21... It kind of reminds me of the old Hoover Elites. Light but very powerful. The Simplicity is good for quick pick ups around the house, instead of dragging out the Kirby...

Post# 104984 , Reply# 5   8/2/2010 at 08:43 (4,988 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

I have the RSL4 and am very happy with it. It is a little on the noisy side, but great for the up and down stairs cleaning as well as the lower pile carpeting. The stiff brush roll will dig in and fluff the plush carpet as well as my Kirby. I am not sure if the deep cleaning is as good, but it complements other vacs so I am fine with it's performance.

Be careful with what you pick up. The fan seems to be exceptionally fragile, and protests loudly to sand and other items in the carpet.


Post# 105394 , Reply# 6   8/8/2010 at 03:24 (4,982 days old) by atrac (United States )        

So I decided to go buy bags and a new belt for my Riccar today. I had tested it with the existing bag (almost full) and belt, which I could tell was slipping. I went to my local shop and told the owner what I needed. He was very helpful as always, but for some reason sold me the wrong belt.

I remember when I checked the belt that it was longer than any belt I've seen on a vacuum so far. So when I went in and told him the vacuum he grabbed one from his wall of belts that looked right. Then he found the bags and when he saw the picture on the bag, he said something about "oh, Royal belt" and switched it to one that was half the size.

I took everything, paid and went on my way. I could not shake that it didn't look right, so I went back in before going home (I live 10 miles away from it) and inquired if he possibly had given me the wrong one. He was very polite about it and even called another store to verify that "it's the same as a Royal or an Oreck belt." He even offered to give me a different, longer belt to try. He didn't have any Riccar's on hand, but he did have a Royal that looked kind of similar to mine and he showed me the inside and how the belt looked when stretched. It convinced me that I was wrong and I even told him I don't need the other, longer belt as I was confident now.

Oops. I get home, opened up the bottom, and the belt is not only more than double the size, the width is also thinner. It was too big to fit over the "spindle" of the motor without dragging on the side.

I certainly don't fault the owner, who like I said was very helpful. But now I won't get to go back until next Saturday, since I work during the weekday hours he is open and he is closed on Sunday. No fun with the Riccar this week. :(

My question though is how am I going to get the right belt? Just take everything in (vacuum and old belt)? Do all belts end up being a certain size, regardless of the manufacturer? I'd feel oh so much more better about it if I could get a genuine belt specifically made for this unit, and not one that "works close enough." Or is that naive of me to expect/want that?

Thanks!


Post# 105402 , Reply# 7   8/8/2010 at 08:23 (4,982 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Riccar Superlite

Have you ckecked the Riccar web site? Maybe you could order it online and get the correct belt and bags.
They seem to be making pretty good vacuums in todays market.


Post# 105425 , Reply# 8   8/8/2010 at 11:35 (4,981 days old) by atrac (United States )        

Oops I should have clarified my question. I meant what would be the best way to get the correct belt from this store? I was trying to avoid ordering online to patronize the local "Mom & Pop" store and also get it quicker.

BUT, I can only go so far I guess... :)


Post# 105463 , Reply# 9   8/9/2010 at 08:52 (4,981 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

If you don't have a Riccar/Simplicity dealer in your area then the next best thing to find a "will Fit" belt is to take the machine with you and have them try a few while you wait.

I will say that having been spoiled by Kirby belt lifter. You had better eat your Wheaties on the morning you want to install a Supralite's belt. Lots of tugging and pulling, you will need to use both hands, both feet. Well I exagerated a little but they are rather stiff when you first put them on.


Post# 105478 , Reply# 10   8/9/2010 at 15:20 (4,980 days old) by kirbfan94 ()        

Yeah, I had to install a belt on a freedom once.
It's just as hard as doing a concept, which is pretty hard unless
you have small hands.



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