Expert advice needed.

[sebo_fan]

Yes but Dave did want a vacuum cleaner at the £200 mark, Steve. This is why I responded originally with the X1.1. Its all very well recommending any vacuum cleaner from the SEBO range but with the cost effectiveness put into place PLUS HAVING TO BUY A BOX OF BAGS as well counts as extra expense.

Thats a good price, Chris at £175.

Amazon UK have a WHITE AND YELLOW X4 listed for £199 - SEE LINK!! I might have to get one myself!

IMHO recommending the Sanitaire or Kirby vacuums FOR A UK flat really comes down to the size of the flat. Kirby or Sanitaire "dirty fan" uprights with their massive bags, full weight and retro style would probably be good enough for the likes of a bigger home rather than an actual flat.

At least with SEBO or any other modern brand you have small cleaning tools and hose on board, even if they are small, at least that's a bonus and the X series is probably one of the most nimble and thinnest to get under low furniture.

The other SEBO to consider is the Felix. It is a smaller bagged capacity upright with a swivel neck and very nimble and compact. It has a 3.5 litre capacity dust bag and thus will require more emptying if you are willing to compromise for a more modern design. Not sure if you can find the Felix at £199 though the Classic, Fun and Navy models are older by colour and sometimes go for under the £200 mark.

Personally I'd stick to the X series -it may lack the variable suction control and swivel neck of the Felix - but you're getting a simpler well thought out upright vacuum designed to last and give superb performance.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sebo-AUTO-automatic-upright-cleaner/dp/B0018RYT42/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kh_8

 

[dave]

Thanks

I've ordered my new vacuum. I've gone for the X4 Pet from Peter Tyson at £230 delivered. http://www.petertysonappliances.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/sebo_x4_pet_vacuum_cleaner.shtml
Slightly over budget but I didn't want a blue one or a white one and this model was £20 cheaper than the red Euronics exclusive. Will post a few pics when it arrives.

 

[hi-loswitch98]

Good Choice Dave - I'm sure you'll be happy with it for many years.

 

[sebo_fan]

Good- Glad you got what you wanted, Dave! SEBO have also released new synthetic dust bags for the X model - they last longer than the paper bags and are slightly better at filtration too.

http://www.sebo.co.uk/store/x-series/box-of-8-ultra-bags-for-x-and-c-machines.html

 

[dave]

Arrived today (free next day delivery). I'm resisting the urge to break it out of the box as Mr Spangle thought it would be hilarious to play out in the pouring rain for an hour and I have a wet carpet!

 

[madabouthoovers]

Brilliant, a brand new Sebo. All ready to do battle with Mr Spangle's dog hairs. I'm sure you will be very happy with this vac. One tip, take care when using the hose that the vac doesn't tip over backwards.

 

[sebo_fan]

Love both pics! 'Didn't know you had an Alsatian/German Shepherd. My best friend had one - the dog was originally trained up to be a police dog but he was absolutely useless and licked everyone to death rather than attacking. So the force called him "Spencer" as in Frank Spencer lol. When I called into stay with my chum, it was a right laugh watching my friend "being taken for a walk," as Spencer never heeled properly and would literally pull his owner right along the road, hoovering up all the food scraps if they were found. Happy days. Spencer died a few years ago but he was a well loved dog and unforgettable.

 

[suckolux]

Great and great looking machine! Enjoy

 

[manchestervacs]

I'd stick with the DC14 and find out why it isn't performing as well as it once did.  


 


We can have any Dyson in the range as we sell them, but my wife still loves our DC14. 

 

[madabouthoovers]

Dave could always clean up the DC14 and use it as a second vac, but please realise that there is more to life than just Dyson, and as collectors we appreciate more than just Dysons, and that, some of us DO like bagged vacs and Vax's.

 

[manchestervacs]

Quote: there is more to life than just Dyson


 


Indeed. Nice ladies, nice cars, juicy steaks and bottles of Chablis spring to mind. However, I simply commented what *I* would do. You are free to comment what *you* would do. 

 

[madabouthoovers]

The reason I said what I did, was that Dave had already bought his new Sebo - a bagged machine made in Germany, but you then came along and seemed to want him to repair the DC14. How do you feel that the DC14 is better than a Sebo X4?

 

[manchestervacs]

I have no experience of Sebo. Again, I merely suggested what *I* would do based on the OP. 


 


You seem to have a bee in your bonnet about something. Forums were for the exchange of views last I looked, not to train everyone to sing from the same sheet. Calm down fella. 

 

[madabouthoovers]

.

 

[sebo_fan]

Stuart, yes you are right - a forum should have an exchange of opinions, but the original theme of this post created by Dave - was to ask about info regarding the SEBO X series.

Thus in turn, though your opinion is valid, it's a bit late to the table now that the member has actually bought the new vacuum.

If you have read what Dave has said, the underlying feeling that the owner is fed up having to pay for parts of the previous Dyson and thus, in turn felt the need to buy something that would deep clean rather than go over the top of the carpet.

You refer to this post as what you would do based on your experience and in turn members have also shared their experience of the brands that Dave pointed out. Your comment about "sticking with the Dyson and find out why it isn't performing as it once did," is also valid - but taking into account that the OP is fed up paying out for parts from his Dyson model merely outlines why the change of brand and to something different.

 

[hi-loswitch98]

I comletely agree with Dave as to why he wanted to change to the X4 - even copy Dyson parts are not cheap & replacing belts on older Dysons with clutches are a pain in the ***.

 

[turbo500]

Back on topic...

Dave, how are you getting on with the Sebo?

 

[dave]

Mixed feelings

No doubt the Sebo is a quality and efficient machine, it's also very quiet and easy to use, stylish and quite elegant. It makes vacuuming a much more sedate and dignified affair. Rather than charging around in my Ford Mondeo of a Dyson, I'm taking a leisurely drive in an S Class Merc. However, I'm disappointed in it's performance. Suction is much less than that of my old Dyson (I thought it would be prior to purchasing it) but suction isn't everything though, and I could overlook this if my carpets were going to get a good thrashing and a deeper clean to make up for it. They don't though, in all honesty, I would have to say the Sebo doesn't bring up the pile as well as the Dyson and doesn't groom them as well either. The main reason I wanted to replace my Dyson was because it didn't clean deep down into the carpet pile and loosen the embedded hairs and grit. The Sebo doesn't either. Kirby here I come!

 

[hi-loswitch98]

I'm sorry to hear that dave - what pile carpets do you have?

 

[madabouthoovers]

What are you doing with the Sebo - returning it? I'm surprised you don't like it, but we cant decide for you.


A Kirby would definitely beat the carpet better, but you would have to buy a second hand one to make it economical. They are heavy vacs, and use a Tech drive power assist to make pushing them easier. Bear in mind they are a very old fashioned machine that uses a direct air system where all the dirt passes through the fan, rather like a 70's Hoover Junior, and picking up large objects/coins/screws can damage the machine's lexan/plastic fan.

 

[jade_angel]

If you're going second-hand, though, an older Heritage II Legend or Legend II might be easier to use than a Generation series, and probably performs just as well for most purposes. Earlier ones are harder to get bags for, and/or use dump bags, which can be a pain - but the last two or three models prior to the G3 are, IMHO, the finest Kirbys ever made. (Not that the G-series is bad - it's not - it's just that the Legend series is less clunky.)

 

[sebo_fan]

Sorry to read that Dave,,

Im absolutely, genuinely shocked. I haven't ever heard of a SEBO X failing to groom a carpet, let alone NOT deep clean.

But I suppose it could be down to the carpet pile. It could be that the brush roll isn't suitable and you might need a softer brush roll - rather handily, SEBO also do produce a softer brush roll - but you should gauge the feel of the brush roll on the Dyson and compare it with the SEBO. If the tufts are softer, the more delicate brush roll might be the answer - I use the delicate brush roll on my woollen carpets.

Dependent on the carpet pile, a dirty fan vac may be the answer but then it may also ruin your carpet in the long run. I wore out my parents' previous carpet (but they were grateful since it was red tartan that never went with anything and came with the house) with the Dyson DC01 and DC04 we had. You could see the red colour of the tufts in the bin...

 

[vintagerepairer]

I have to admit, I have not been at all impressed by the two Sebo X4 cleaners they have here.

 

[dave]

Undecided at the moment, I really like it. After I used it tonight I wiped it over with a damp cloth, checked it for any scuffs, inspected the contents of the bag, gave it an affectionate little pat on the handle and parked it up neatly in the corner of the lounge looking very sexy. However, if it doesn't perform well enough for my requirements, and try as I might, I may as well get rid of it if I think I can find something that will do a better job. I'll see what the dealer's returns policy is, failing that it'll probably go on eBay. I've seen a few local Kirby's that I'll go and have a look at and a test drive (Heritage II and a Legend I think), see how I get on with one of those. Failing that, I'll probably end up with another Dyson. I think much depends on the surface/condition of the surface/what's underneath the surface etc etc and what works really well in one home might not necessarily work well in another. The only time it seems to do anything is when it goes from hard floor to carpet and you get those few seconds before the brushroll goes back up. I've done the sugar on the carpet, the one goes after the other, the other one goes after the other etc etc, but alas, I remain completely unimpressed by it's performance in this case.

 

[turbo500]

I'm with Ryan, I'm really shocked. Of all the complaints I've ever heard about a Sebo, not deep cleaning is not one of them. Even with the auto-height adjustment, every single one I've ever used has done a remarkable job (certainly better than a Dyson, just on default that the brushroll is of considerably better quality) at grooming the carpet.

It may feel like it's skimming the carpet, but that's always been part of the beauty of the X range - so easy to use and yet still getting deep into the carpet and pulling out grit.

 

[madabouthoovers]

If a Kirby cant deep clean your carpets, then nothing will. They are designed for American deeper pile carpets, and really do deep clean as well as vibrate the carpet. Bear in mind though that the pre=Generation models such as the Heritage 2 are all now well over 20 years old. The last of the Legend 2's finished in 1991, before the Generation series with the power assisted drive took over. The Heritage 1's I own are both 32 years old. They do a very good job still, and parts are all still available for them. If you go to look at old Kirbys, make sure that they run smoothly, and that the foot height adjuster works properly without slipping.


If I was you I would go for something like a G5, G6 or Ultimate G, as you will appreciate the power drive which wont make pushing the Kirby around a chore. The newer you can get the better really, as its likely to be in better condition. You could get a really nice Ultimate G (2002-2006) for about £200, with all the bells and whistles.


 


I would seriously think about selling the Sebo on though, and give it a bit of time for you to get used to it. You will not get back what you paid for it on Ebay, and as you have used the vac, the retailer may not refund you.

 

[sebo_fan]

Well, bear in mind that the Kirby doesn't have tools on board. Fine if you're into removing bits here and there to get the functions. Is the brush roll on your Dyson rough or soft?

 

[sptyks]

Dave,

I agree with Steve. If a Kirby won't clean your carpets, then nothing else will.

I also agree that you should get a G5 or newer. From the G5 and continuing on, Kirby discontinued using the Lexan fan and started using the Amodel fan. There is no longer any need to be worried about what you suck up! The Amodel fans are actually stronger than the metal fans that used to be used at one time. They are actually several times tougher than Kevlar which is used to make Bullet-Proof vests. Check out why the new Amodel fan is superior http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?23261

If you decide to purchase a Kirby from eBay make sure you get a Refurbished one. Not only will it look brand new, but it will have been completely gone through and anything that needed to be replaced will have been replaced namely new brushroll, belts new outer bag and fan. Also the aluminum will be polished like a mirror so that you can see your face in it. Some times the seller will throw in a package of new bags.It is MHO that you use the new HEPA filteret bags. Not only will it leave your home dust free but these HEPA bags also increase the Kirby's performance. (More CFM)

 

[spiraclean]

Hate to say this, but I had the exact same experience with the X series. Skimmed my low pile loop carpet, but would bury itself into deep pile. Took several swipes from different directions to pick up pet hair, and walking on the carpet barefoot afterwards I could still feel the odd few particles of grit beneath my toes that the cleaner had somehow managed to miss. It worked perfectly on plain old regular medium cut pile, but the only place in the entire house where I have that is in a dinky little entrance lobby!

What did help was fitting the optional soft brush roller. It causes the cleaner to sense less resistance against the carpet, so it adjusts itself slightly lower. Cleaned much better (the bag suddenly started filling up at a rate of knots), but unfortunately in my case, had the side effect of making the cleaner bog down into the carpet so it was incredibly difficult to push. Also made it totally unsuitable for hard floors, as the lower nozzle position caused the cleaner's baseplate to scrape over the tiles. Solved one problem while creating two others, so a bit of a waste of £15 really.

Had it been just the one machine I'd have assumed the height adjustment sensor was faulty, but both the white and red X1.1 models I had behaved in exactly the same manner. It's a real shame because it's actually a very nice cleaner overall, and one I could have quite happily kept around permanently otherwise.

If you specifically want a Sebo, the Felix may be a better option as it has a manual height adjustment that you can set however you see fit. As it's still early days, maybe contact your dealer, explain the situation and see if they are willing to work with you to find a solution. It could possibly save you from having to sell the X4 on at a loss only to potentially take a gamble on something else that may or may not work out for you.

 

[glenste]

I too have used two X1.1's in the past and have not been particularly impressed. Suction power fairly average and ease of use dependant on it's use in relation to the direction of the carpet pile.

One of the above was brought as a replacement for a DC04 in an office setting. Over time charcoal coloured carpet looked decidedly dirty and after about two years the auto adjust on the Sebo failed and the machine was scrapped. The replacement was a DC07 origin. Over a period of a week of so the charcoal carpet visibly changed colour and the amount of heavy dirt in the bin was astonishing!