Amway Model Timeline

[panasonicvac]

It feels weird putting this into this forum because these don't really feel that "Vintage" to me but who cares really.

So I would like to get a little more info about these models, I know the story behind these but all I would like to find out is when exactly these models were made from and the differences between each of those models. I see that these were made in 4 different models which is the CMS 1000, CMS 2000, ClearTrak, and the current Workhorse model.

I would also like to find out when Amway quit producing these and when WMJ Refurbishing Center took over these machines at. And I would like to find out if the newer models from WMJ are still made by Bissell or not.

 

[fantomfan]

I can be of some help.

The ClearTrack was released in the early 90's. I think 1990 or 1991. I think the first CMS1000 was released around 1987. I believe around 1996 they were discontinued. I highly doubt Bissell makes them anymore.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I didn't know there was a cms 2000

 

[panasonicvac]

kirbyvertibles

They did indeed made a CMS 2000. I really don't like the way it looks to store attachments on board.

(These aren't mine)

 

[kirbyvertibles]

OMG learn something new everyday. Thank you for that info!

 

[dysonman1]

I've never seen a CMS 2000 before. Ever. The weird large opening on the top is odd, I can't figure out what it's for.

 

[panasonicvac]

I got an email back from WMJ this morning. They've been in business since 2003 and back then they used to be formally known as the CMS Repair Center. The ClearTrak was then remade again, the ClearTrak was certified by the CRI in 2008, and they've changed the name from ClearTrak to Workhorse about 4 years ago. Also I found out from them that the ClearTrak and the Workhorse is really the same machine (Just a different name).

I thought at first that these were still made by Bissell because it's still American made, WMJ is located in Michigan (Bissell used to be made in Michigan and the headquarters are still there), and they have technicians who have over 35 years of experience (Almost just as old as the CMS 1000). Maybe they just moved production to a different town but I don't know.

Still don't the actual difference between the CMS 1000 and the CMS 2000 or when the CMS 2000 was produced. Yeah I was curious of what that big opening was on top of the CMS 2000 and that's one of the reasons why I created this thread. Maybe the CMS 2000 was only sold elsewhere because those pictures I found were from Australia.

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Here is the Cleartrak "Workhorse" vacuum link:

http://www.cleartrak.com/cleartrak.html

 

[panasonicvac]

I've been on that website before, that's also where I went to contact WMJ recently.

So I did a little more research, the differences I see between the CMS 1000 and the ClearTrak is that the colors on the parts and cords were different, the blue hoses were different, the dirt bins were different, the CMS 1000 used an automatic height adjuster and the ClearTrak used a manual height adjuster, and last but not least the motors were different. I hear the CMS 1000 uses the same 7 amp motor that was used on the Dirt Devil Deluxe and I hear that the Cleartrak used an 8 amp Ametek Motor. The first 3 images I'm showing is what the CMS 1000 had and the other 3 is what the Cleartrak had.

 

[panasonicvac]

Another strange thing I found with some ClearTraks is that some would have just a regular grey decal cover logo on the hood but I see that some are actually blue as well. I wonder why is that? Maybe those are just blue plastic protective screen covers that is covering the grey decal logo, maybe those are the ClearTraks that were made by WMJ after they took over from Amway, or maybe those are the ClearTraks that were only offered on like holiday specials?

I guess to sum things up here since I'm getting most of my questions answered. I still haven't figured out when the CMS 2000 came out or the differences between that compare to the other models. My best guess is that the CMS 2000 is only sold in other countries and I think it came out the exact same time when the ClearTrak first came out at but I don't know how long it was made from. I think the CMS 2000 is exactly the same machine as the ClearTrak except the only differences I see is that the name is different and you can store attachments on board. I don't know if it uses the same 8 amp Ametek motor as the ClearTrak and the Workhorse because I know the plugs are also different as well. I wouldn't be surprised if it also uses the same 8 amp Ametek motor, same voltage, and same wattage.

In conclusion, I know the story behind these but I still would love to find a ClearTrak because a friend of ours had one from their cabin a long time ago but I think they left it behind when they sold the place. I've always liked the looks of it and the quality overall felt amazing. I wonder if the suction and airflow on the ClearTrak or the Workhorse is about the same as my Kenmore Professional 12" and the older Windsor Versamatics that uses the old Ametek motors because the Amperage between those 3 are almost the same. I'm considering about getting a ClearTrak if I get my own cabin but we'll see.

 

[repairman]

In the ad of the CMS 1000

It looks like there is a shroud over the top cyclone if I'm not mistaken. That unit probably performed better than than the ones without it.

 

[panasonicvac]

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. You're probably right, it probably got removed because it either had problems before or like you said it probably performed better without it.

Another thing I forgot to mention on the other post. When the CMS 1000 came out, did it used the same attachments as the newer models or did it even came with an accessory kit in the first place? Also did those carpet cleaning products only came with the models that were made by Amway before?

 

[panasonicvac]

I'm reviving this thread

Today I picked up both a Amway ClearTrak and a CMS 1000 from the thrift store for $15 each. I noticed some things. The CMS 1000 doesn't have a grey nozzle like the handle. Thought that was interesting. Also it doesn't have a shroud either. I don't know if this was one of the first CMS 1000 machines that discontinued using the shroud after the lawsuit by Dyson or it might've been replaced at some point. And it's 8 amps like the ClearTrak. Perhaps maybe all this time every CMS 1000 machine had used 8 amps instead of 7. Plus those blue decal things I was talking about earlier, they are indeed protective covers. Both of my machines have them.

 

[vacuumman]

CMS 2000 Tools

I swear I read in some thread that the tool holder on the CMS 2000 was removable. There is a lip between the tool holder and the top of the cleaner in the photo, so maybe this is the case.

 

[panasonicvac]

I'm pretty sure it is removeable, I doubt that was molded onto the upper tower. It would've been cheaper to make as a separate part anyways. Wish they were still offering that caddy today, but I do think it looks funny on the machine.

 

[oldcrankman]

So it seems the Amway CMS 1000 actually debuted all the way back in 1985.