(1980s) Viking 241 Electronic canister vacuum.

[oldcrankman]

Well I got this for $1 and it works but sometimes it has trouble turning on. Bag door is broken and needs bag. I've never seen this before.

 

[human]

I've never heard of that model, but it looks like it has a bit of Electrolux DNA in it.

 

[rugsucker]

Viking/Electrolux

This is an Electrolux from Europe using the Viking name in USA as they owned Viking sewing machines.The correct bag is different from our Electrolux C bag as it has a tab in the upper center.Many Elux bag doors are made to not latch without the proper bag.Hard to tell from above picture if this is the reason your door seems "broken".

 

[collector2]

Just a photo of a Viking 241 with parts for reference that was up on ebay a number of years back.

 

[eurekaprince]

In Canada, vacuums made by Electrolux of Sweden could not use the Viking name due to the fact that Canada’s transnational Eaton’s department store used that name on their store brand vacuum. Eaton Viking vacuums were for the most part made by Eureka’s Canadian division in Kitchener, Ontario - which was also owned by Swedish Electrolux after 1974. The solution? These European vacs were branded with the name Dometic or Euroclean in Canada up until Electrolux bought back their right to use their brand name in North America.

 

[paul]

The Viking 241 is the perfect one for a Hallowe'en haunted house - boo-tiful score for a buck!

There's a YouTube vid featuring its cousin with similar if not identical design features. Here is the poster's description in case the video is taken down at some point: "Red/black Volta U241A vacuum. From 1981. Sold at the same time with Volta U225, U160 and U235. Newer version of U240 (sold 1976-1978). 900W motor. Variable speed. Made in Sweden. Turbobrush was optional. Quite guiet vacuum but old fashioned look. Not very common vacuum but very long lasting."

There were likely other Voltas & Vikings that shared the digits of their model numbers but with their respective prefixes U for Volta (possibly for the Scandinavian word 'utkast' meaning draft, sketch, design ... ) and V for Viking. AB Electrolux and its subsidiaries sometimes also added suffixes to denote a country-specific market or design, such as the 'A' in U241A.
Anyway, in case you were unable to find bags, they are the Electrolux E3N package style. There's at least one current listing on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/185929562991

 

[cheesewonton]

Wow! Never knew this existed and now I will spend the rest of my life looking for one.

 

[cheesewonton]

In Canada, vacuums made by Electrolux of Sweden could not use the Viking name due to the fact that Canada’s transnational Eaton’s department store used that name on their store brand vacuum. Eaton Viking vacuums were for the most part made by Eureka’s Canadian division in Kitchener, Ontario - which was also owned by Swedish Electrolux after 1974. The solution? These European vacs were branded with the name Dometic or Euroclean in Canada up until Electrolux bought back their right to use their brand name in North America.

Euroclean? Huh. In Europe Eureka Forbes sells copies of old Electrolux models under the Euroclean brand. In India, the home of Eureka Forbes, the Lux Intelligence / Aerus Guardian Platinum is sold there as the Eureka Forbes Euroclean Xtreme.

 

[paul]

Scott,

Note the logo on your V241's nameplate. Here's some background with attachments from Singer's website.

AB Electrolux acquired Husqvarna in 1978.

 

[paul]

A bit more from Husqvarna Viking:

"One of Husqvarna’s significant milestones was introducing the “Husqvarna Viking” brand in the 1950s, which became synonymous with quality sewing and embroidery machines. The brand was a nod to the company’s heritage and commitment to innovation and excellence."

Btw, it seems that the company only began making vacuum cleaners after being acquired by AB Electrolux. It's likely that it ceased doing so in 2000 when it purchased the North American Electrolux trademark and brand back from Urso Engles Follmer Capital Corporation.

 

[cheesewonton]

Husqvarna was originally a manufacturer of firearms, but as the need for them dried up in circa 1872 they began making sewing machines then moved on to outdoor, lawn and garden equipment. That is their current product line. The Electrolux Group bought Husqvarna in 1986. Their motorcycle division, started in 1903 and revered for their off road and motorcross prowess was sold in 1986 to Cagiva of Italy and is currently owned by KTM. The sewing machine business dating to 1972 was sold in 1997 and is now owned by SVP Worldwide. In 2006 Electrolux Group spun Husqvarna off as an independent company making outdoor, lawn and garden equipment.

 

[eluxfan71]

The Viking 241 is the perfect one for a Hallowe'en haunted house - boo-tiful score for a buck!

There's a YouTube vid featuring its cousin with similar if not identical design features. Here is the poster's description in case the video is taken down at some point: "Red/black Volta U241A vacuum. From 1981. Sold at the same time with Volta U225, U160 and U235. Newer version of U240 (sold 1976-1978). 900W motor. Variable speed. Made in Sweden. Turbobrush was optional. Quite guiet vacuum but old fashioned look. Not very common vacuum but very long lasting."

There were likely other Voltas & Vikings that shared the digits of their model numbers but with their respective prefixes U for Volta (possibly for the Scandinavian word 'utkast' meaning draft, sketch, design ... ) and V for Viking. AB Electrolux and its subsidiaries sometimes also added suffixes to denote a country-specific market or design, such as the 'A' in U241A.
Anyway, in case you were unable to find bags, they are the Electrolux E3N package style. There's at least one current listing on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/185929562991

We had this in Europe as Volta. U240 without electronic control and U241 with.
I have a 240 m nearly brand new in my collection
Here a pic from a catalogue, with some other models sold at the same time

 

[paul]

We had this in Europe as Volta. U240 without electronic control and U241 with.
I have a 240 m nearly brand new in my collection
Here a pic from a catalogue, with some other models sold at the same time

Thanks for the information and attachment. Btw, I have been enjoying watching some of your YouTube videos lately. I like how you include the specs in your descriptions.

You likely have this information, but in case you need a refresher and for others who are interested here's some AI-generated background:

 

[paul]

Here is someone else's video of the Volta U240:

 

[eluxfan71]

Thanks for the information and attachment. Btw, I have been enjoying watching some of your YouTube videos lately. I like how you include the specs in your descriptions.

You likely have this information, but in case you need a refresher and for others who are interested here's some AI-generated background:

Thank you for the informations.
In many countries in the past, Electrolux/Lux was sold directly from door to door, like in the US. So Volta and other brands were sold through regular shops, department stores etc.
we had also the Hugin brand as „cheaper“ entry brand. But you see many of this appliances in my youtube and instagram channel

 

[collector2]

I have the Volta U241 in my collection as well

 

[collector2]

Re: European machines sold in Canada - Electrolux AB also made Modern Vac for the Modern Vac store in Edmonton for quite a few years. This is one of the three models they went through (EC740B)

 

[eluxfan71]

Re: European machines sold in Canada - Electrolux AB also made Modern Vac for the Modern Vac store in Edmonton for quite a few years. This is one of the three models they went through (EC740B)View attachment 169561

Yes we had this as D740 with other colours and different accessories.
I have the previous models D720, D730 and D740, also the Z358 and Z360 on the same base structure.

 

[collector2]

I love the colour combination on the 360

 

[paul]

Thank you for the informations.
In many countries in the past, Electrolux/Lux was sold directly from door to door, like in the US. So Volta and other brands were sold through regular shops, department stores etc.
we had also the Hugin brand as „cheaper“ entry brand. But you see many of this appliances in my youtube and instagram channel

You're welcome.

I had never heard of Hugin cleaners until now. It seems that Volta, while based on the Electrolux designs, had their own unique compositions.

This was different than Electrolux Corporation/Electrolux Canada, Inc. (US and CA having merged in 1985 due to NAFTA). It used its brand on both its direct sales and indirect sales lines (although later on there were privately-labeled ones). A salesman mentioned that he and his cohorts lost business when the indirect sales lines made began in 1988, and sometimes even met with angry customers who purchased their similar tanks (cylinders) at much higher costs than the ones sold indirectly. All the company did was change the model names, color schemes and some accessories. Even so, the concept lasted for about 20 years until Aerus Lux discontinued the indirect sales. I suspect now if that had been negotiated with AB Electrolux, who had re-entered the North American surface care appliance market with its company brand in 2004.

 

[eluxfan71]

You're welcome.

I had never heard of Hugin cleaners until now. It seems that Volta, while based on the Electrolux designs, had their own unique compositions.

This was different than Electrolux Corporation/Electrolux Canada, Inc. (US and CA having merged in 1985 due to NAFTA). It used its brand on both its direct sales and indirect sales lines (although later on there were privately-labeled ones). A salesman mentioned that he and his cohorts lost business when the indirect sales lines made began in 1988, and sometimes even met with angry customers who purchased their similar tanks (cylinders) at much higher costs than the ones sold indirectly. All the company did was change the model names, color schemes and some accessories. Even so, the concept lasted for about 20 years until Aerus Lux discontinued the indirect sales. I suspect now if that had been negotiated with AB Electrolux, who had re-entered the North American surface care appliance market with its company brand in

Yes it is interesting. Here the models looked differently and some top features were only available at Electrolux. Also the accessories
For ex the 241 has a plastic body and piston indicator. The Electrolux back than were with steel body and illuminated indicators

 

[cheesewonton]

Re: European machines sold in Canada - Electrolux AB also made Modern Vac for the Modern Vac store in Edmonton for quite a few years. This is one of the three models they went through (EC740B)View attachment 169561

Looks like my gray D745, seen here right after unboxing and before being refurbished. The brown and yellow one is a D730. The upper yellow plastic on that one was broken and required replacement. It is riveted to the steel main body and was a real mama bear to remove. The gray D745 only needed a basic clean up, fresh filters, synthetic Menalux dust bag and good to go! Both came to me from Japan. Not shown are the woven cloth covered hoses, dark blue-gray for the D745 and white for the D730.
The Ze3 power nozzle is strange, no wheels, flat polished metal sole plate and height adjustment is via eccentric brush roll end caps like a Kirby. The drive motor is up behind the headlight ( same motor used in Viking sewing machines but different pulley ) so the air path from the brush roll to the neck is an unobstructed triangle shape. Extremely quiet too. Much more complimentary to the quiet of the Lux vacuum than the wood chipper-esque racket from that Eureka power nozzle.
These old Luxes are such magnificent vacuums. You use these and wonder what all the hoopla about Miele and Sebo is about.

 

[paul]

Looks like my gray D745, seen here right after unboxing and before being refurbished. The brown and yellow one is a D730. The upper yellow plastic on that one was broken and required replacement. It is riveted to the steel main body and was a real mama bear to remove. The gray D745 only needed a basic clean up, fresh filters, synthetic Menalux dust bag and good to go! Both came to me from Japan. Not shown are the woven cloth covered hoses, dark blue-gray for the D745 and white for the D730.
The Ze3 power nozzle is strange, no wheels, flat polished metal sole plate and height adjustment is via eccentric brush roll end caps like a Kirby. The drive motor is up behind the headlight ( same motor used in Viking sewing machines but different pulley ) so the air path from the brush roll to the neck is an unobstructed triangle shape. Extremely quiet too. Much more complimentary to the quiet of the Lux vacuum than the wood chipper-esque racket from that Eureka power nozzle.
These old Luxes are such magnificent vacuums. You use these and wonder what all the hoopla about Miele and Sebo is about.

Nice. Bag packages list a D745 & D745L. I would venture a guess that there's an Electrolux-labeled one ("Lux by Electrolux") that was made in Sweden and a Lux-labeled one that was made in Switzerland after the split of the two companies.

Looks like my gray D745, seen here right after unboxing and before being refurbished. The brown and yellow one is a D730. The upper yellow plastic on that one was broken and required replacement. It is riveted to the steel main body and was a real mama bear to remove. The gray D745 only needed a basic clean up, fresh filters, synthetic Menalux dust bag and good to go! Both came to me from Japan. Not shown are the woven cloth covered hoses, dark blue-gray for the D745 and white for the D730.
The Ze3 power nozzle is strange, no wheels, flat polished metal sole plate and height adjustment is via eccentric brush roll end caps like a Kirby. The drive motor is up behind the headlight ( same motor used in Viking sewing machines but different pulley ) so the air path from the brush roll to the neck is an unobstructed triangle shape. Extremely quiet too. Much more complimentary to the quiet of the Lux vacuum than the wood chipper-esque racket from that Eureka power nozzle.
These old Luxes are such magnificent vacuums. You use these and wonder what all the hoopla about Miele and Sebo is about.

 

[cheesewonton]

Nice. Bag packages list a D745 & D745L. I would venture a guess that there's an Electrolux-labeled one ("Lux by Electrolux") that was made in Sweden and a Lux-labeled one that was made in Switzerland after the split of the two companies.

None of those were made in Switzerland. Everything through the D820 was made in Sweden with the exception of the last run of the Lux 1R D820. Some of those were made in Hungary and came with a stonking powerful Domel motor that is also sold in a kit as a replacement for the non-repairable two stage Swedish motors sold in Europe or the equally non-repairable VM3 motor that came in the Japanese models like mine. There is also a kit to put that motor in the D748-D795 series and one of my two D795s has the Domel motor. HUGE power.
Even after Electrolux AB sold off Lux International to Vorwerk for the Asia Pacific market and some Swiss investors for the EU market, Electrolux AB was making D-820s through about 2010 for sale by Lux. Vorwerk was selling the Swedish made Luxes for a while before they switched to selling their German Vorwerk designs with Lux branding. I buy electrical spares for these, my D820s and my several Ze3s from Vorwerk Japan since they are 100 volt Japan market machines. It was around the time Eureka Forbes became involved in the EU side of Lux International originally with a joint venture with the Swiss investors that Electrolux AB stopped making vacuums for the Lux International brand ( 2010-ish ). The joint venture was from 2009-2011 if my last brain cell is not completely fried. In 2011 Eureka Forbes bought out the Swiss investors. It was about that same time that the Intelligence line was introduced.
The cool thing with vacuums sold in Japan is that it says on the bottom when and where they were made. All of mine came from Sweden but I have seen used Lux 1R D820s for sale in Japan that say Made in Hungary on them from around 2010, so that was the end of the road for those great Swedish vacuums.

 

[cheesewonton]

Two more Swedish made Luxes, and my dialed up Epic 8000 with the 6500-298 motor. The D748-D795 have their motors sitting at attention, field on top, fan below just like a mid 1980s Kenmore Premier. You can see it's a bruiser too, physically huge and heavy. The D820 is probably the finest vacuum ever made. Silent, powerful and built like a tank. You can see the little Swedish flag decals on them. I normally remove dealer stickers like the one on the back of the D795 but since it is for a Lux dealer in Japan it is going to stay put. Too cool to remove !

 

[eluxfan71]

Two more Swedish made Luxes, and my dialed up Epic 8000 with the 6500-298 motor. The D748-D795 have their motors sitting at attention, field on top, fan below just like a mid 1980s Kenmore Premier. You can see it's a bruiser too, physically huge and heavy. The D820 is probably the finest vacuum ever made. Silent, powerful and built like a tank. You can see the little Swedish flag decals on them. I normally remove dealer stickers like the one on the back of the D795 but since it is for a Lux dealer in Japan it is going to stay put. Too cool to remove !

The D820 is also one of my favorite vacuum cleaner. I have the blue from 98 and a later silver from 2006

 

[cheesewonton]

The D820 is also one of my favorite vacuum cleaner. I have the blue from 98 and a later silver from 2006

I have another one that is kind of a dark charcoal so maybe that is what you call blue. Both came from Japan. The silver one I showed above had a lot of little dents so I eventually bought a new outer skin for it, sadly loosing the Swedish flag decal in the process. The charcoal ( or blue ? ) one was offered as a used vacuum, and cheap, but when I got it home and took everything out of the box it was as new. Not a speck of dust anywhere, squeaky clean hose and Ze3 power nozzle. Attachments still in their plastic bags. Perfect condition. Japan is my happy hunting ground for Swedish Luxes and Japanese Tristars.

 

[eurekaprince]

You're welcome.

I had never heard of Hugin cleaners until now. It seems that Volta, while based on the Electrolux designs, had their own unique compositions.

This was different than Electrolux Corporation/Electrolux Canada, Inc. (US and CA having merged in 1985 due to NAFTA). It used its brand on both its direct sales and indirect sales lines (although later on there were privately-labeled ones). A salesman mentioned that he and his cohorts lost business when the indirect sales lines made began in 1988, and sometimes even met with angry customers who purchased their similar tanks (cylinders) at much higher costs than the ones sold indirectly. All the company did was change the model names, color schemes and some accessories. Even so, the concept lasted for about 20 years until Aerus Lux discontinued the indirect sales. I suspect now if that had been negotiated with AB Electrolux, who had re-entered the North American surface care appliance market with its company brand in 2004.

Re: Electrolux North America going retail. I remember seeing Electrolux power nozzle canisters being sold at Sears in Toronto in the 1990’s.

 

[cheesewonton]

Re: Electrolux North America going retail. I remember seeing Electrolux power nozzle canisters being sold at Sears in Toronto in the 1990’s.

I heard Jimmy Martin, aka "Rugsucker", mention that Electrolux vacuums were in Sears stored in the US for maybe six months but it didn't work out. Jimmy, want to chime in?

 

[eluxfan71]

I have another one that is kind of a dark charcoal so maybe that is what you call blue. Both came from Japan. The silver one I showed above had a lot of little dents so I eventually bought a new outer skin for it, sadly loosing the Swedish flag decal in the process. The charcoal ( or blue ? ) one was offered as a used vacuum, and cheap, but when I got it home and took everything out of the box it was as new. Not a speck of dust anywhere, squeaky clean hose and Ze3 power nozzle. Attachments still in their plastic bags. Perfect condition. Japan is my happy hunting ground for Swedish Luxes and Japanese Tristars.

Ah nice find. Yes the first version were kind of dark grey. As the officialy callied it blue… that why.