Electrolux CA on Ebay

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OK, a little history here, kids???

I know nothing about the CA. I was not aware it even existed until I saw a picture of Marty Rocha's. Did the Automatic Control just shut the motor off? Surely it didn't open the cover. And wet pick-up? I know a little bit about the CB, as they were still selling these when I worked for Lux ('76-'77)[I think]---they were still 1205 blue color schemed. I don't think they were equipped for wet pick-up. What years were these produced? Sorry if I'm going on and on. This unit is just so new to me!

Thanks, Rick
 
The CB and CB2000 were dry pick up only. Electrolux also made a CW and a CBW that were wet pickup machines (Though I've never actually seen them) and, apparently, there was also a wet pickup adapter for the CA.

The CA was out at the same time as the blue G. The CB started its run with the Blue G as well and I have seen them to match the Blue G, Brown G, 1205, and Olympia 1. The CB2000 took over from there matching the Silverado, Marquis and Marquis Delux. After that it went to a straight grey color.

I'm not exactly certain when the CW and CBW were out but have them in my repair manual.

Charlie (Or anyone else for that matter) can you help us out with production dates for these machines?
 
Beasty lookin bugger ain't he? hehe.

Pure Electrolux design, just like a giant Model G or w/e.
 
I know a few tidbits...

The CA came out around 1960-62 and was produced until ca. 1966. At that time Electrolux acquired a bucket company and they decided that a commercial machine could be produced cheaper by this new company. Unfortunately, they did not have the tooling to make a square bucket (tepid attempt at humor) and new machine was born - the CB.

The CB and later models are rather nondescript and simple vacuums compared to the CA. The CA was, and still is, a deluxe commercial sweeper. It had a large, disposable bag for dry pickup with very good filtration, a large fiberglass exhaust filter, a larger version of the model G motor (think Hoover 700 vs. a 972), great suction that did not drop off as the bag filled, and it was wisper quiet.


The original hoses were 10ft. long. It came with a dry hose in the Model G pattern, and a white rubber wet pick-up hose was available at extra cost, as was the entire wet pick up kit (hose, tank insert, squeegee floor nozzle). The model G power nozzle was also an option.

Yes, Marty Rocha has a beautiful machine. They are still out there and pop up from time to time. The one on ebay is a well-used example and it looks to have rust issues, but it has the wet pick-up kit. Charles Richard knows about these machines, and Mike Rogers is very knowledgeable about them too.

There is something about the model G and the CA that still give me goosebumps when I see them...

John
 
Awesome!

Great info, John!

Do you have the original 10' hose for yours? That sounds absolutely dreamy!!

I agree with your last sentence... they are absolutely stunning machines.

I'm not sure which I like better, though--the LX or the G. I like them both for different reasons. Both machines are very pleasing to the eye... I love the rolling on/off switch on the LX, I love the bag ejector, and I remember my next-door neighbor having one that she used to do all of her dusting with. Then...I love the color of the G, the feel of the switch, the integrated cord winder, and the powernozzle option.

:-)

~Fred
 
As I recall eureka also made a similar styled (but round) commercial machine around the same time. I've never been able to find one though. (or even a picture of one)
 
Fred

I only have a 6' hose with my machine, but I made a 10' hose with aftermarket supplies. The quietness with the strong suction is only matched in modern times by the Wap/Alto brand commercial vacuums. I have an Alto Attix RDF 12 and a Wap SQ10 that are phenomenal machines, but lack the cool design and color of the CA.

What did Electrolux make up to the mid-80's that wasn't spectacular? I have always thought of the tank-like LX as a war machine - it could go into battle and come out with scars, but alive.

John
 

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