Curious about this Panasonic Jet Flo upright

[evolutionclean1]

I've had this machine for awhile now, and I'm curious as to why they decided to go with this belt setup on this particular model? The other ones I see don't have that second pulley and round belt, they just have one belt and a brush roll that has an idler pulley. Was there an advantage to this design? I feel like it loses a bit of torque but still performs well. Any ideas? Model MC-6220 Electronic

 

[justjunque]

My Jet-Flo is a budget model, and doesn't have that feature. But, isn't it something to do with being able to turn off the brushroll for use on bare floors?

 

[evolutionclean1]

Yeah the switch

On the head moves a lever, and that lever bumps the belt to the idler pulley. It actually does halfway decent on the floor
I don't remember if this is their absolute top of the line model or one below... I do have a soft spot for the budget models though

 

[evolutionclean1]

I just wanted

To know why they went with the dual belt design instead of a single belt

 

[justjunque]

Ah. Sorry. I misunderstood the question.
I thought I actually had something to contribute, for a change! LOL

 

[evolutionclean1]

You're totally fine!

Most of the time I shut the brush roll off when I have a hose attached for tool use. She's getting a little old so rattles aren't unusual especially when the machine is locked in the upright position.
My curiosity was due to the fact that Panasonic was always doing something a little bit different than the competition Great machines but they had some odd birds along the way

 

[panasonicvac]

This was technically Panasonic's first attempt of making an upright that uses a clutch. They later improved it where two belts wasn't necessary anymore, my MC-6357 similar to your Jet-Flo uses just one belt. And then they've adopted the foot pedal where you didn't had to bend over anymore to shut the brushroll off.

 

[paul]

Re: Reply #2

"I don't remember if this is their absolute top of the line model or one below."

From the advertisements I located (1983-1990) your MC-6220 is always the most featured and costly among the Jet-Flos.

Photos:

1. 1982 Apr 5 EUGENE REGISTER-GUARD - Commercial Model MC-5510
2. 1987 Oct 24 SCHENECTADY GAZETTE - Models MC-6220, MC-5116
3. 1990 Nov 13 STAR NEWS Panasonic Jet-Flo models MC-6220, MC5107, MC-5237, HV1000
4. 1990 Sep 18 STAR NEWS - Models MC-6220, MC-9537, MC-5237, MC-5117

 

[evolutionclean1]

That's awesome!

Old advertising makes me happy. Like I said I wasn't sure, but that's good to know that it was their best
My first ever was a 5116, such a basic little machine but it performed excellent. That's also back in the day when Consumer Reports' ratings actually meant something too.
I appreciate you

 

[rolls_rapide]

Some of the high-powered UK models had 2-belt systems too, such as Panasonic and Hoover Purepower.


When 1800 Watt and above motors were fitted, an ordinary single belt might snap quite quickly. Also, speedily revolving agitators might not generate the proper vibration in the carpet. I think they designed two-belt systems to make the beating and sweeping of the agitator more relevant.

 

[durango159]

I had a Jet-Flo MC-6210 and it had the same design. To my understanding it was Panasonic's design for a clutch to turn the brush roll off. When the user switch the clutch, it shifted the belt to an idler. Neat system and it did work well. I always loved how quiet the Jet-Flo and many Panasonics were. I don't think many models were ever known for being the best deep cleaners out there but they certainly weren't awful. All had great agitation, were fairly easy to use and made carpets look great.

 

[evolutionclean1]

I haven't ever been

Disappointed with the Jet Flo machines. I think they get into the carpet pretty well... Maybe not on deep pile but for what we have it does more than enough. If I want to get to the subfloor I drag out the Kirby

All in all they're one of my favorite lines, Panasonic had some amazing stuff through the years

 

[evolutionclean1]

Durango

Check your messages if you get a chance, btw