Chinese Royals?

[97widerider]

Found a 1999 Royal 4000 that is my new go to vacuum. My two Modern Kirby’s are getting neglected. I find that I am checking every Peddlers Mall, Flea Market and thrift store for that fantastic find. I don’t like eBay finds only because it’s less of a find and more of a competition to see who can outbid the other.

However, I did find a newer orange homeowners model that has a starting bid if $95.00 plus shipping. I would like a modern Royal but I do not like Made In China. I think Royals have been made in Tawain as well at one point or another.

I’m partial to USA made vacs so I ask you all if a Chinese Royal is something to have or to avoid?

Thanks

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

97widerider

Derek,

You are right that the Royal metal uprights had changed production from the U.S. to Taiwan in 2002, and then to China in 2004. Although, in recent years (as of 2013), some production was brought back to the U.S., where they were assembled at the former Oreck factory in Cookeville, TN.

~Ben

 

[97widerider]

Ben. I now do recall my local vac shop saying Royal was in China at one point and now back. He seemed to think their future was uncertain. Odd a company would return to US after leaving. I also remember him saying many of the parts still come from China.

Not that China hasn’t up their game some over the years, but what draws me to Royal is the idea of something that is made to last and made with pride.

Anyway, I think I will limit my searches to pre Tawain vacs. There are still plenty to be found.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

97widerider

Derek,

Fortunately, all my three Royal metal uprights are pre-2002... and also pre-1995, as they all have the carbon brush access caps on the motor housing.

The oldest is a 1985 880, second is a 1987 786 Prince, and the third is a 1994 model 9100 Preferred Collection.

~Ben

 

[sptyks]

Royal Everlast 8300

Hi Derek,


 


I own a 2008 10 amp Royal Everlast 8300 made in China by TTI. I have owned this machine since 2015 and I can say that the build quality and "Fit and Finish" is as good as any of my 5 Kirby's. As far as cleaning performance goes, this Royal 8300 cleans my carpets as well or better than any of my Kirby's. Therefore, I would not hesitate to consider any Royal made in China by TTI after 2004. The Taiwanese made Royals (2002-2004) are a different story. Royals made in Taiwan did suffer from many quality control issues.


 


I really enjoy using my 8300 because it is lighter and more maneuverable than my G series Kirby's. As far as weight and maneuverability goes, it is very similar to my Kirby Heritage II. The only downside to the 8300 is that it's 10 amp motor is somewhat louder than any of the Kirby's.


 


Here are a few pics of my Everlast 8300:


 

 

[madman]

Well I'm sure the Chinese ones were made to the same specs as the American ones, quite possibly with the same tooling and molds. So in theory, they should be identical. Of course, quality control is a question.

 

[97widerider]

Thanks for info and the eye candy. So I will include the Chinese version if the price is right. I have read a lot of fan fair on the Everlast 8300 so I shall not pass on one in good shape. I will avoid the Taiwan models unless dirt cheap . Here is my 15.00 thrift find but had to spend 40.00 on brush.

The G Kirby’s stay downstairs in the wide open space (about 2000 sq ft of carpet) and the Royal stays for the bedrooms so it’s in a semi retirement mode. With the amount of clothes, toys, school projects on kids floors, I’m lucky to use it once a week.

 

[fairfaxclass]

I've found that my new Pro-Series and the Commercial units I got for my church are quite rattly sounding, especially when pulling backwards.  I can't pinpoint the source of the vibration though.  I've grabbed onto most every loose part I can think of to see if the sound would change to no avail.  My 5700 (9700) has no such sound).  The Pro series does clean very well though!

 

[panasonicvac]

Personally

I've used both American and Chinese metal Royals, there's really no performance or quality differences between the two that I can tell. Same goes for the earlier Dirt Devil's like the Featherlites for example.

 

[human]

Chinese Royalty...

Every time I see the subject line for this thread, I keep trying to come up with a clever line about the Chinese haven't had emperors for quite some time, but I've got nothing.