back pack vacuums

[n0oxy]

Hey everyone, so, was thinking of adding a back pack to my collection, while I like to collect vacuums, I also only want to get models that I will actually use. Has anyone ever actually cleaned a house or apartment with a back pack, and if so, does it work well? Here is what I'm considering, first the perfect back pack, has anyone seen this one?
http://evacuumstore.com/p-569-perfect-pb1001-backpack-commercial-vacuum-cleaner.aspx
And then there's the proteam models, here is a page of those, does anyone know what the differences are between these? Some seem like they're the same, but apparently the floor attachment is different.
http://evacuumstore.com/c-1522-proteam-backpacks.aspx
How is the suction power on back pack vacs? Is it similar to typical canister models?

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I have a HOOVER Commercial backpack vac

It's packed away at the moment, or I'd post a pic. Mine is just like a canister cleaner. It has the black straps, all the tools, etc. It does a great job. It puts the power of a canister on your back. I'd imagine that, after a while, it might get tiresome, but the convenience is very nice. I guess that's the 'trade off.'
John

 

[n0oxy]

bought two of them

So, I went ahead and picked up the perfect back pack and the pro-team super coach. Apparently there is also a new super coach pro, but no one seems to be carrying that yet. Interestingly, these vacuums use a 1.5 diameter hose, I actually have an adapter that works on my wet dry vac 1.5 inch hose and lets you use standard attachments, hoping that will work with these hoses as well. Looking forward to trying these out in my apartment. Interestingly, most backpack vacs do not use electric power heads. That probably gives them a large disadvantage when cleaning carpets, you really need a spinning brush to clean carpet well, regardless of carpet type. Anyway, definitely looking forward to trying these out, will hopefully get them some time next week.

 

[kirbysthebest]

Backpacks actually do quite well

There are several backpacks in the gold level right along with uprights.  What they lack in agitation they must make up for in suction. 



http://www.carpet-rug.org/CRI-Testi...spx?product_type=0&product_usage=0&manuf_id=0

 

[n0oxy]

comparing backpack to an upright or power head canister

I wonder if any comparisons have ever been done here. As far as I know, backpack vacs have motors very similar to what canister vacuums use. When it comes to cleaning carpets, I would think you would have to have a spinning brush to get the dirt that is deeper in the carpet, even powerful suction would not be able to get that. The perfect backpack actually does have a way to connect an electric powerhead, I would think no matter how much suction a vacuum has, it will not clean carpet as good as a spinning brush.

 

[kirbysthebest]

One thing to remember

Usually the back pack vacuums are used in commercial settings, which in most cases would be commercial grade flooring. 


 


The confusing part of CRI's ratings is they don't say if they are tested on different carpet types or if every machine, residential and commercial are all tested on the same weight of carpet.


 


I agree with you that all logic says an agitator of some type is needed for a deep clean.  However, A low pile commercial carpet will clean much easier with a straight suction machine than say a thick plush.    If they are measuring results with that type of carpet this it makes a little more sense to me.


 

 

[tolivac]

A backpack vacuum is simply a canister vacuum made to wear on your back.Put wheels on it-now its a "canister" ProTeam does make such a machine.It was intended for folks that don't like backpacks.

 

[sanitaire]

I have a older castex porta pac backpack vacuum in my collection, works good with the suction powerd turbo cat power nozzle. At my job I get too use a proteam running vac. it has a outlet on the front for a power nozzle...my boss won't purchase one...but I bring mine from home for deeper cleaning prior too washing the carpet....