Advice on purchasing a Royal

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doesitlookclean

Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2020
Messages
20
Location
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!

https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/102981430
 
Royal

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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Do it

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.

lesinutah-2020091414251800105_1.jpg
 
I

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.
[email protected]
 
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.

doesitlookclean-2020091613404806558_1.jpg

doesitlookclean-2020091613404806558_2.jpg

doesitlookclean-2020091613404806558_3.jpg

doesitlookclean-2020091613404806558_4.jpg
 
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.

doesitlookclean-2020091614371708185_1.jpg
 
Yes

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.
 
Go For It!

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
 
Doesitlookclean

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

kirbyclassiciii-2020091622543804983_1.jpg
 
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.

https://offerup.com/item/detail/501204517/
 

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