Bison Commercial model?

[bisonian]

I recently stumbled across this article from the Ocala newspaper from 1976, detailing some non-vacuum items the Bison factory was set to manufacture. It also mentioned a Bison heavy-duty commercial machine called an Apollo.

Has anyone ever seen a Bison Apollo? Is there any evidence that it actually existed?

http://news.google.com/newspapers?n...eUTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gwUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5306,1659848

 

[joe22]

most interesting story, great find. lets hope a pic surfaces, or the real vac. joe

 

[kirbyvertibles]

Wish granted

It did exist

 

[kirbyvertibles]

It doesn't have the emptor on it and has a thicker cord and the switch is different

 

[rugsucker]

"switch is different"

Is there also a switch on handle grip?If so is the foot switch for 2 speeds?

 

[kirbyvertibles]

Hmmmm I don't know. I haven't actually got it yet but as soon as I do I'll let you know

 

[bvac6]

Wow!

Very cool machine, certainly a rare bird in the world of commercial machines!

 

[bisonian]

Great find!

Wow, I'd forgotten all about this! Thanks for replying, Phillip.

So presumably the foot switch would mean it lacks the usual variable speed rheostat of the other models. I would hate to think they'd use the same motor running at full speed all the time in a commercial setting. The noise level would have people chasing you out of the building.

Definitely looking forward to more details.

 

[vac-o-matic]

It's hard to believe that there are many survivors of that vacuum being used in a commercial setting. They didn't hold up well under residential use!

 

[blknblu]

There you go. Maybe they should have sold the "commercial" unit for "residential" use"


It seems the residential ones are just crumbling away  

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I can't wait to get it. I bought it from a collector and am waiting for a chance to drive up and get it among a few other things sometime soon.

 

[bnsd60m9200]

phillip

you bought the apollo from chad eh? i passed on it when i saw it in springfield last summer. it seems like its more robust than the crappy home model. definitely an oddball

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

Phillip.....

I must say I am extremly proud that you bought the Bison Apollo. That raretiy will now have a home it desrves.