Electrolux Model B-8 (& Others) Tips

[ronni]

I would appreciate some tips on efficiency and effectiveness when using the Model B-8 (or other Electrolux scrubbers/polishers/shampooers). I'd prefer that the thread doesn't become a comparison of other companies' machines and methods, as I own a Model B-8 and just want to be proficient in the use and care of it. Thanks.

Here are some initial questions (please feel free to add other information, too):

1) What have you found to be the best method for picking up the water after scrubbing--mopping or wet-vacing--and why?

2) Do you vacuum a scrubbed floor prior to buffing or waxing it ... and/or after buffing it?

3) How often should the shampoo dilution be released (each new pass, every other pass ...) to keep it from saturating the carpet or rug?

4) Do you think following Aerus (Electrolux)'s recommendation of just vacuuming the dirt crystals is effective, or would you recommend steaming or rinsing and extracting?

5) What store brands of waxes/polishes (perhaps more cost effective) have been successful for you? Would you recommend Aerus's floor care chemicals (e. g. wax, stripper, shampoo, spot remover)?

6) How should the motor be maintained (after 40-50 years)?



If anyone knows of a demo video that has already been posted online please let me know. I would also encourage anyone who has a Model B-8 to do a demo video with explanations.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Here are my answers based on my own experience with a b-10 (FloorPro)


 


1.) Damp mop. Wet vac or other methods don't remove all the dirty water and residue. Mopping does.


2.) Yes. You want as little dirt/grit on the floor as possible before cleaning/polishing to avoid scratches.


I vacuum between each step.


3.) I put down solution on the initial pass only and only add more if I see an area that has not been covered or is particularly soiled.


4.) I have done both, now I vacuum after dry. Using further steam or water extraction just saturates the carpet more and I have noticed zero difference in the time between cleanings (I live with 5 Great Danes and if is anything that can track in more dirt I don't know what...)


5.) I use a variety of products, though those from Aerus work just fine. I like Kirby's lavender scent shampoo because of the smell, there are products from Aerus, Stain-X, Franklin Floor Care that work just as well. Stain-X and Franklin have been the least expensive for me to find and I buy them when I can't get Kirby for cheap.


6.) Just like any good vacuum motor. Brushes and bushings checked and replaced if needed and keep a spare drive belt around since you never know when you'll need one and it's inconvenient to have to find one if you're right in the middle of carpet cleaning.

 

[ronni]

Thanks a lot, Tom. Much appreciated.

I am wondering where am I could purchase new drive belts? Do you have a product # or id? Do the Model B-8s use the same ones as later models?

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

When I get back home this evening, I'll find a part # and hopefully a source if someone else doesn't sooner.


 


Tom

 

[ronni]

Great, Tom.

I value your information, so if you have anything else to share by way of product ids or other tips please let me (us) know.

I am always baffled by the number of Aerus/Electrolux shampooers that are for sale (e. g. garage sales, Craigslist, Etsy, eBay, et cetera, that have seen little or no use. I used mine the other day and found it quite easy to use and effective in cleaning contaminants and odors from the carpets. I think some education, like you are providing, could go a long way in making the machines a useful component to customers' floor care regimens. That includes helping prevent misuse which leads to things such as saturated carpets and unsatisfactory results (likely due to incorrect diluting).



Btw ... For other Aerus/Electrolux Shampooer Owners That Don't Quite Get Using Ratios for Diluting:


The shampoo solution tank is marked in pint increments up to 5 pints. To figure out the proper mix ratio of 1:8 (1 part of Turbo Shampoo concentrate to 8 parts water) first note that the shampoo solution tank's cap is marked as 2 oz., then convert pints to ounces (1 pint = 16 oz.) so the "parts" are the same. That makes it easier to show the ratio, or relationship, between the shampoo and water.

So the mix ratio states that the amount of water must always be 8 times greater in relation to the Turbo Shampoo concentrate. So you would use 1 capful (2 oz.) for each pint (16 oz.), because 2 x 8 = 16. You can also halve the amounts if you don't need as much such as for a spill or mess area which you would use after the initial treatment as recommended in the manual: 1 x 8 = 8 (1/2 capful is 1 oz. and half a pint is 8 oz.). The Rug Washer accessory would probably be a more convenient machine to use in those instances.

Hope this helps.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Here is an e-bay listing for a b-8 belt that appears to be in great shape for $9.99 shipping included BIN. I'm 99% sure the belts are the same, but haven't been able to get a definitive answer. The 2 sources outside of Aerus that I've been able to find odd parts like belts are no longer in business. TotalVac.com listed them, but their web site is down and phone is disconnected so I'd say they aren't in business anymore and the other is definitely closed as I know the guy who used to run it and he closed it down when he couldn't sell the business to anyone for the price he wanted.


 


The belts are available from Aerus, but fairly $$



http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/141319665597?lpid=82

 

[ronni]

Thanks much, Tom. I'll check it out. If you ever do find a parts list for the belts and other replacement items please post them for future reference (that way I could more easily shop online rather than pay Aerus's exorbitant prices).

You're a great guy--It is unfortunate for Aerus that you discontinued your employment at one of their franchises. Hope all is going well at your new job.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

I may still do some part time sales... the franchisee has re-evaluated some of his positions shall we say... Since I was selling most of what was keeping him afloat, he's in a bit of a bind and making much more reasonable noises. But we shall see if he keeps his new religion or not. I'm only going to do one weekend a month for now and service my existing customers (the second part I was going to keep doing anyway, I mean a little extra pocket money never hurts right?) and any referrals from them. If it goes well, I'll add another weekend and if not, I'll re-evaluate at that time.

 

[ronni]

Sounds like a good plan. You're been very gracious to the franchisee, so hopefully he won't go back to his former position. Good idea to keep servicing your customers and getting referrals from them.

 

[marks_here]

Tom

I really applaud you on knowing what your worth, it's such a shame that other people don't see it until it's too late...you'll come out good & on top!

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

LOL.. Mark, I'm smart, but slow to the finish line sometimes I get there eventually and I don't enjoy playing games at work... didn't like it in corporate life and I'm not going to change that for anybody. I won't prey on emotions of customers and I won't make them feel shame to make a sale. So as long as we keep this understanding, I'll keep selling - and getting a little bit bigger piece of the pie for me. I'm paying him a flat fee for the machines and overhead and I get whatever I sell them for above that. I've agreed not to go below certain pricing - which is an Aerus number not his and it isn't that out of reach for many more people. I'd rather sell 10 and make a certain income than sell 2 for the same income and fewer customers. 10 people need more bags, filters, belts and service over time which is all good for me.

 

[marks_here]

You got it!! That's how you do it!!! And they will tell someone & so forth. Reputation is everything but some have forgotten that...can you imagine out & the store, you see some you've screwed, they see you & make a big stink..this hasn't happened to you (thank God) but I've seen it happen before & it's embarrassing to the person, company & to myself because I had to witness it, didn't want to but someone got me involved which I told them not to but we are no longer speaking, some people don't change, I am just me, it's tough just being me..LOL but don't get me involved with something I have no idea about & who is this person I thought I knew?? We need more people like you out there Tom that really know what customer service really is, not just lip service (I know you know what that means) ohhh I hated that...they drop the bomb & I have to pick up the pieces that are left over sort of say..

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

LOL.. That's how I began to put the pieces together about the Aerus frachise here.... he'd send me to the 'tough' customers.. who weren't at all difficult but he'd pissed them off and they wouldn't buy if he came. About the 3rd one I caught on that the only time he or the office had an appointment for me was when he was hoping I could save the deal. And I do, most of the time. Some are too far gone to salvage, but most aren't. Just takes some un-common sense and a bit of patience and an open heart along with an honest reply and most of the time things work out just fine. I had one woman who'd bought a Kirby Sentria just because she couldn't bear the thought of him coming to her home again. She hated that vacuum and had she not been so angry with him she'd never have bought it, her home only has carpet in the bedrooms and slate tile everywhere else the Kirby just isn't cut out for mostly tool use. Anyway, she ran into the bookkeeper/office manager one day at the grocery and asked her if he still was in charge. Finding he was she was ready to walk away but the office manager said she'd send me out for her. I went, listened to her story, looked at the brand spanking new Sentria and made her one hell of a deal just because she was so upset about it all and the root cause was the MAN. Anyway, she's now a very happy Legacy owner - didn't want the complicated electronics of the Platinum - and I have a Sentria II in my collection that I bought from her for a good price and the trade of a destroyed G6 that I found curbside one week which became her trade in. Everybody is happy. I bought a Sentria II for cheap, she got a good trade in and I took a very small commission. She will only call me if she needs repairs or supplies and she is my best referral source. She earned her discount several times over.

 

[marks_here]

You know it's Murphy's Law & it always hits at the most un-opportune time & sometimes it's just so delicious & other times it's not. Sometimes it's a big explosion & others it's just a piddly fizzle. Have a dust pan & broom to sweep up the mess & one of those wide tracks if it's really bad!!

 

[ronni]

I just noticed that the Model B-7 had a two-speed motor. Did any of the Model B-8s? When were they discontinued?

 

[tig21er]

The B-8s

did not have 2 speed. They were discontinued in September 1984 when the B-9 was introduced October 1984 as A Diamond Jubilee model.

 

[paul]

If I were able to find an extra set of B-8 brushes would swapping their plastic centers out with B-9 and later nap lifters work?

Do you think using nap lifters with a B-8 would accelerate motor wear; otherwise what would have been the reason for the note on the page you posted above?

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Also, I am wondering if the tan B-8s (that were sold with same color Model Gs and Model Ls) had tan cords. Mine has an ivory one, but the one in the photo below appears to me to be tan unless it's just the lighting.

 

[ronni]

I recently bought a "Kit B" for a Model B-8 at a garage sale which included three nylon brushes, a storage tray, and a sudser shield. Did "Kit A" include the wax mist sprayer, splash guard, and bristle brushes? Was there a "Kit C" that included the dispenser tank and cleaning agents?

I'm wondering if the same kits are sold today or if the current Floor Pro is used exclusively as a shampooer? I ask this, because I recently saw a Model S165A/Floor Pro manufacturer's label which was titled "Floor Shampooer".

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

The current floor pro is sold as a shampooer, however there are scrubbing brushes, scrubbing pads and polishing pads sold to add to the machine.