Dyson Light Ball design fault

[matt8808]

Prior to me buying my two current daily drivers to replace a faulty Kirby, I tried one of the new Dyson Light Ball machines.

After two months of use a major design flaw became apparent.

One day I noticed the brush roll was labouring and didn't turn very freely by hand. Upon closer inspection it became apparent that the brush design was allowing dirt to build up inside the brush roll housing, slowly compacting into a harder more obstructing clump of dirt over time.

This dirt was also built up inside the large rotating black ring, kind of like a giant bearing, that the brush roll rests on. This has caused the outer brush housing to spin faster that the clogging inners could spin, and the inner part has started to cut into the outer brush housing.

I feel this is going to be a major issue as these machines start to age in normal domestic settings.

New daily drivers thread is here - http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?35500_8

Decided to replace the two month old Dyson with something that had a bit more quality to it.

 

[henrydreyfuss]

Disappointing to see that in the new Dyson

Usually a larger-diameter brushroll will help prevent hair and thread from getting wrapped around it, or caught in the ends. Sebo sorted out this problem decades ago, and many modern vacuums have well-guarded brush ends, using pretty simple solutions. Even with all their merits, there's seemingly always some design oddity or caveat with Dysons.

 

[fantomtechguy]

Not surprising...

Dyson's problem is trying to look more modern, more slick and cutting edge. Vacuum cleaners now are made to look good and not to work good. If they would look at how it preforms rather than how it looks then Dyson vacuums would be better to use.

 

[tolivac]

To solve all of this--get the Kirby fixed.Rather do that than contend with the ills of a Dyson.

 

[rvarley]

I don't find the Dysons good looking at all. To me, they look like cheap transformer toys. I have a V8 and do use it. While certainly no replacement for a mains powered vac, it is convenient. And while I'd be curious to try one of their AC powered uprights. Who knows? Perhaps I'd actually like the ugly beast.

 

[eurekaprince]

I wonder if the other “direct drive” beltless upright vacs by Kenmore and Panasonic have the same problem. And if not, how did they solve it?

 

[panasonicvac]

No not really. The quality design has been about the same since Panasonic introduced the beltless brushrolls in the late 90's. However, Panasonic shortly quit making these on their own vacuums because Panasonic dealers hated the costs of repairing or replacing the brushrolls (Which were mainly technical issues). Sears liked it so much that Panasonic continued to make them for the Kenmore brand.

 

[eurekaprince]

What were the technical issues that Panasonic dealers faced with the beltless brushrolls? They also featured them in their European Icon uprights.

 

[panasonicvac]

Mainly the circuit boards would go bad but it's also pretty common that we would also see the direct drive motors go bad as well.

 

[thecarolinaguy]

Better yet, we should all burn the Dysons in hell (no offense to the fans).

 

[huskyvacs]

I have a DC24 and compared to my Kirby it feels like a toy. The cost to get the Kirby fixed would have been cheaper than a "Disposalson".

 

[vacuumdevil]

A Dyson having a design flaw I think that's something we've all come to expect.

 

[vacfan1982]

There is an answer to this. Clean the brushroll and housing regularly. The brushroll is easy to remove it slides out like the Sebo brushroll.

 

[luxkid1980]

Was this just an issue inherent to this particular model Dyson?

 

[honestjoe68]

@vacfan1982

I agree with @vacfan1982, I have several hundred vacuums in my current collection and have owned hundreds more over the last 30 years, and I’ve Never had any brushroll issues, hair issues or basically any issues where common user maintenance is involved.

I find it funny that some folks go to great lengths to take excellent care of cooking utensils, athletic shoes, their clothing or other household items.. but ask them when is the last time they checked their vacuum cleaner brushroll, filters or bag and they have No idea.

No shade or offense is intended to anyone on this site, but you don’t even need a tool to just push in, twist and pull the brushroll out of the Dyson vacuums with this type brushroll. Then simple tap any dust out.. pick hairs and threads (if any as mine rarely has anything wrapped around it) and you’re done.

I’ve mentioned before I don’t often use my brand new USA model Small Ball Multi Floor (UK model has a different head on it as Roger Lang’s and mine bought at the same time, but differ a lot) but I use my Dyson V8 Absolute with this head on it every day. With very basic user upkeep, it should never be an issue, and sorry not to argue, but I’d hardly call it a “Design Fault” or flaw. My Ball Animal 2 & Small Ball are more for my (keep as new and clean) collection vs. my use everyday collection. I have a few vacuums NIB just to own.

Like anything you buy and own..l a little preventative maintenance and care makes anything last much longer and perform at its best.

I guess it’s all how you look at it or personal opinion (which is all ok by me and no argument from me) what is easy to some is a nuisance to others. I figure you spend what you do for a Dyson, the least I can do is empty it every time and follow basic routine maintenance. Then some folks “expect or assume” you buy a vacuum cleaner and you Never have to do anything to it beyond dump out the dirt or empty the canister... I’ll never understand that mind set?

Peace and respect to everyone.. this is strictly my opinion and not shade or means for arguing. I truly LOVE talking about vacuum cleaners which is why I love this website and all you great people. Thanks!
[this post was last edited: 3/1/2018-13:46]

 

[matt8808]

Regarding the comments on maintenance. I have never had a vacuum cleaner before where high levels of dirt built up inside the brush roll causing an issue. Therefore checking inside the brush roller on a regular basis is not part of my maintenance program. Nor do I think it should be. I look after my things and fail to see how this issue is caused by neglect on my behalf?

I was pointing out this issue because in a NORMAL domestic setting where the machine will be lucky if it even gets a filter wash this is obviously going to be an issue and will cause the brush unit to fail.

 

[vacfan1982]

It's a good idea to service the brushroll at regular intervals whatever cleaner you use.

 

[honestjoe68]

@matt8808

I totally understood your point but what I was saying is “Normal” as you put it indicates that you don’t do anything but empty your vacuum and you NEVER do any required maintenance (check the manual on every single vacuum made, there IS user maintenance required) then Every vacuum made, will eventually have issues and problems that “appear” to be design faults as you put it. So is it the design at fault if another brand vacuum has a powered brushroll failure because the owner had tons of hair wrapped around it to the point the belt breaks or motor fails? No, it’s user caused failure.

I’m not trying to argue, simply stating that if any vacuum owner chooses to disregard basic maintenance of their vacuum, and Yes removing the brushroll to clean it and remove hair, threads, etc.. IS normal maintenance.. then they deserve a vacuum to fail and it fails due to their laziness or lack of care.

Everything we own needs care and maintenance.. if you think you can drive a car and never change the oil or rotate the tires.. good luck with that!

My point was, there is no design flaw in this brushroll design.. maybe it’s not as effective as some like Sebo that have guards on the edges of the brushroll.. but proper, occasion maintenance prevails EVERY time over those who disregard the instructions and abuse their machine. Those who are “Normal” get what they get from their disregard for proper use.

So let’s agree to disagree as my point is perfectly valid.. as is yours IF people choose to abuse and Not maintain their property. I’m not a huge Dyson fan anymore, so my point has nothing to do with the company and more about people who spend a lot of money on something and abuse it by neglect. Also these people tend to be the first to complain and yell about inferior quality because their product fails. I find that laughable and if you’ve got so much extra money to throw away buying things and not caring for them.. more power to ya. Lol. I know I’m a bit obsessive in my vacuum care as a collector, but I’ve taught all my family and friends the basics of maintenance and they all have vacuums that run well.

So thank you for your reply and I hope you can see I was only sharing my opinion and it’s no reflection on your opinion.. just a fact that maintenance and proper care of anything you own will always make it perform best and last long. Thanks and have a great day!

 

[kirby519]

I have personally seen dirt build up inside the end caps and hair/threads wrapped up around the axles of brush rollers in domestic machines.

Any where there is an opening dirt will go. There is no absolute cure for this condition. Only regular basic maintenance. In todays world most don't perform such tasks. They just toss it to the curb and replace it. Then wait to see how long this one lasts.

Manufactures love this mind set. It puts more money in the coffers for them. And in the long run it costs the consumer even more.

commonly referred to as "supply and demand" in the business world and financial district.