Electrolux Brush Roll Improvements?

[ronni]

Ben's recent thread regarding improvements of Kirby brush rolls made me curious to know if Electrolux has improved its new and replacement brush rolls over the years. I am aware of the 3-row brush roll that was an option for the Model GHs, CAs, and CBs in the 1960s, but beyond that I am unaware of any improvements or options.

I have power nozzle models: PN-1, PN-2, PN-4, PN-4A, and PN-5.

Another question I have is whether there are aftermarket brush rolls that are equal in quality as those sold by Aerus. Both money and Aerus franchise accessibility are considerations. I am uncomfortable purchasing from Aerus online due to its price variations from franchise to franchise (as mentioned to me by an Aerus customer service associate when I inquired about an item's retail cost), so I'm wondering if general vacuum cleaner stores would carry genuine Aerus brush rolls if aftermarkets aren't up to par with their genuine counterparts.

 

[marks_here]

What I can tell you is that when I brought my renaissance in for a cord foot thing in the back, the first thing he did was open to see what kind of bag was in there (wasn't aerus but off brand) he got very pissed off that I had it in there because I had a small house then, I didn't need to buy 24 bags that's all they carry they won't carry the smaller amount. He was kind of rough with the machine, fixed it when I told him I could do it & he said it takes a special tool (slotted screw driver..give me a break) took the machine in the back & closed the door. 1 minute later he comes out,fixed with a bench charge that was more then the damn part! I can tell you more but my experience there wasn't that great & the other closest Aerus is in Ky. That's when I was living in Nashville.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Genuine parts are only sold by Aerus or it's franchise. Electrolux did make parts available outside for a short while. The exact dates are debated. NOS brush rolls are out there. In my experience, the aftermarket brush rolls are as good or very nearly as good as the originals and at least 50% less expensive.


 


Even working at a franchise, I have to bully the Service Manager to order parts for me or a customer who wants to do the work themselves. There is a warranty on work done in the shop, but for minor repairs: switches, brush rolls, etc, it's not worth the bench charge. The only machine I won't dig into is my Platinum (at least until it's out of warranty).

 

[ronni]

Thanks for the info, Tom. As always I appreciate your honesty.

So, have there been any improvements on the vintage brush rolls over the years and are there 3-row options available?

I spoke with a vacuum store owner who said he encourages his customers to replace their brush rolls (Electrolux and others) every 3 months or so (of course he was speaking of the majority who own only one vacuum which gets used at least weekly), because the bristles get soft and aren't as effective at the end of that time period.

Does that sound reasonable to you if the length of the bristles is still acceptable?

 

[pr-21]

This is the latest

This is the newest. It is stiffer and grooms the carpet better. More spirals....




Pr-21

http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mjWh6CfUqXkldMNxiLtjLLQ.jpg

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

I have 2 of the 3 row brush rolls but it's been a long time since I've seen one available. None are still made to my knowledge. I only change brush rolls when the brushes wear down. I don't find they get that much softer, unless they've gotten wet or very hot... depending on whether they are natural or synthetic. Natural bristle will revive if soaked in warm water and allowed to dry naturally. I think that 3 months is a way to make more money. Most of my customers need a new brush roll every 6-18 months depending on surfaces and use.

 

[DesertTortoise]

I think as long as you have about 3/16 inch or more of bristle protruding from the base plate there is no need to replace the brush roll. I replace parts on condition, not according to any fixed schedule.

 

[suckolux]

the brush roll and breaker on my pn4 was replaced 15? years ago, its a very nice chevron style which I think works very well for me, still looks new, but then there are others for daily most times.Back then they came to your house and picked it up and took it in, delivered bags too. Miss that.

 

[suckolux]

Kind of a catch 22 on that machine. The Silverado is very sturdy, pretty, well made, but at times a bit heavy for daily for me. At the same time, pretty sure I could throw it through the wall and it would be fine, wall prob not

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Suckolux,


 


Aerus still does pickup and deliver, at least we still do here and I know of a few others that do as well.

 

[suckolux]

Great to hear, my dealer is 50 miles away

 

[tig21er]

Our

old manager and my father always said if you are willing to go the distance to sell you should go the distance to take care of your customer after the sale. I have a customer I am taking care of Thursday. Distance from my door step to theirs is 100 miles. They sometimes have a lead when I go see them.
I recommend a new brushroll on heavily used cleaners about every 7 years. The cleaner does work better on the carpet . The older brushers the softer and shorter they get, cuts down brushing action.

 

[ronni]

Thanks to all for your information. I thought every 3 months was a money-making scheme, too; although there may be some--such as businesses--that could use a new brush roll that frequently.

So, do Aerus/Electrolux brush rolls have natural or synthetic bristles?

PR-21: I am taking for granted that the brush roll to which you linked is for a later power nozzle. Let me know if the replacements for earlier models are stiffer and have more spirals, too.

I am satisfied with my vintage power nozzles' performances but want to ensure that they are working at their top capacity.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Like tig21er, I have several customers that are a hundred miles or more from my door. I visit them at least once a year, and most I see twice a year... they are my best referral sources since they have experienced the service first hand. I can't compete on price with the big box stores, I do have a vastly superior product and the very best customer service I can deliver and that makes a world of difference.


 


Ronni, the pictured brush roll is for the discovery and later uprights and the PN 5 and later PN's... and the improved, double helix design. The brush rolls for the PN 1, 2 and 4 remain the standard chevron pattern and the chevron pattern is also still available for the uprights and later PN's as well. Aerus/Electrolux are all synthetic bristle, natural bristle does not hold up well in a brush roll.

 

[ronni]

As always--much appreciated, Tom.

 

[vacman1961]

The one recent brush roll that was different was only used in short production it was on the Epic 4000 upright, the bristles were a green nylon and they were very stiff. I put one of those brush rolls in my PN6 which was used on my central vacuum it did a great job. I recently bought a new Aerus central vacuum accessory kit and am a little disappointed, the motor sounds like it is dying, I took it back to my local Aerus dealer he said it is normal they redesigned themotor and bet a few months back, it does a great job cleaning, but it does not sound like a typical Electrolux.