Calling Oreck experts?

[justjunque]

Well, after recently posting that I was going to be parting with most of my vacuums, I acquired another “stray”.
This poor, dirty Oreck was rode hard, and it shows. Actually, it’s just really dirty, and the outer bag has seen better days.
That’s where I could use some Oreck knowledge. Is this some sort of special edition model or something?
The only other bag I’ve seen with these vinyl (pleather?) panels is on my 40th Anniversary XL2 Ultra. And those panels are black. These are blue, to match the base.
I’m noticing that the bag doesn’t look too bad in the picture. But, it’s actually pretty raggedy. There’s at least one fairly good sized hole in it. I’d like to replace it, but I don’t know where to look besides eBay. And, I don’t see one like it there. I’m a stickler for things being correct. So, I’d only want exactly the same bag design.
Also, I was under the impression (obviously wrong) that only the Ultra model had the two-speed switch. That’s how my Anniversary models are. Ultra = two-speed. Non Ultra = single speed.
Of course, this one is a few years newer than the Anniversary version. Maybe that’s why?
While I wasn’t planning on acquiring any more vacuums, I will make exceptions for ones from family members or something. And, that’s the story behind this one. Extended family, but still family. The poor thing was used hard, then tossed aside to collect spider webs.
I thought they abandoned it because it didn’t work. I was expecting to find the disconnected wires inside the handle. But, to my surprise, I plugged it in, and it seems to work fine.
Whatever it is that’s supposed to hold the handle in the upright position is pretty weak. It will fall back with the slightest touch.
If anyone has any helpful tips, or suggestions for where I might find an outer bag like this one, I would very much appreciate it! For now, I’m going to give the whole thing a good cleaning, and launder the raggedy bag.
Thank you for reading!

Barry

 

[panasonicvac]

This appears to just be another regular Oreck that wasn't made for very long. Some non Ultra models do have a two speed switch, the only other way to tell if they do have a two speed switch from my understanding is if the model number shows that it's "H2" at the end.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks, Alex.
Sounds all the more like I’m not very likely to find an identical outer bag for it. I’ll clean this one up as best I can, and hopefully the hole won’t be a problem. It’s not like it’s going to be a daily driver or anything.

 

[justjunque]

Well, I think I probably discovered why this vacuum was tossed aside and replaced.
I'm guessing, because it wasn't picking stuff up. I have the bottom cover off to clean things up a little bit, and I noticed a clog in the air path. I pulled out what I could, and vacuumed it as best I could. But, I could still feel something blocking the passage. A little probing with a screwdriver produced a little spongy foam golf ball cat toy. Poor vacuum must have had zero air flow.

Maybe you can offer some advice on brushrolls and belts.
The bristles don't "look" bad. But, on the opposite end from where the belt is, the brushroll has some "wiggle room" inside the slot it fits into. Is that normal? Does that mean I should replace the brushroll?
I see only aftermarket brushrolls available. Is there one that you would call a "good one"?
I see most are made of wood. But at least one, made by Crucial, is made of something else. Any thoughts on that?
Same basic question for belts. I do see genuine Oreck belts available. Are they better than the aftermarket ones?

I hand washed the outer bag yesterday, and set it outside on a drying rack. It was very dirty, but it cleaned up nicely.
I discovered that the holes in it seem to have been caused by the plastic framework piece inside the top of the bag. I guess it's supposed to help the bag keep its shape. I don't think any of my other Orecks have it. That plastic piece also has a couple of breaks in it. I may try Gorilla gluing it.
Do you think I need to be concerned about the holes? I plan on using HEPA bags in it; either genuine Oreck, (the purple ones) or maybe Clean Obsessed.

Again, thank you for any advice you can give!

Barry

 

[panasonicvac]

Sounds like your housing has gotten worn if you say the brushroll is loose, it's pretty common on Orecks when they get abused heavily. Technically as long as your brushroll doesn't rattle and if the belt doesn't slip out alot, you should be fine. But regarding brushrolls, because the bristles are so soft, they generally don't last for very long. If your bristles are sticking out further than the bottom plate, I don't see a need to replace it yet. But only get the wood brushrolls, the ones that are made out of plastic especially the ones from Crucial don't last as long as wood. Genuine belts are far better than the generic ones. And as long as you're using cloth bags for it regardless if it's genuine or generic, you should be find with the holes being visible.

 

[justjunque]

Thank you again!
I may try to see if I can find something to use like a shim, to make the brushroll fit a little more securely.
I know it's not the most exotic or exciting vacuum, but there's something about them that I like.
And I really like the design and colors of the bag on this one. I wish it was in better shape, but beggars can't be choosers, I guess.

 

[justjunque]

Easy come, easy go!

Well, after I got the clog removed, laundered the outer bag, and started doing some clean-up of the vacuum in general, the previous owner decided they wanted it back. So…thank you for the help, anyway.
I don’t get it, honestly, since they’ve owned a few vacuums since they put this one out to pasture; bagged and bagless. And, they just got a new Riccar, maybe a year ago. I think, for their needs, they would be better off with a canister vacuum. But, they won’t even consider it.
Oh well. I think this will be the end of this Oreck. This person is pretty rough on vacuums.

 

[panasonicvac]

At least it's one less worry from downsizing your collection.

 

[justjunque]

Alex,

This is true. Good way to look at it.