Hoover Elite 350 U4533-900

[thevacuumman]

After getting rid of the two Hoover Runabouts I’ve had over the years, I decided it was time to get another soft bag Elite. I found this gem on eBay and it’s only issue is the lower cord hook is broke off. The brush roll wasn’t in very good shape as far as missing some bristles in spots so I bought a new CWP brush roll. I had also stripped out the fan while putting it back together, and managed to find a new fan for it, however I had installed a 20 bladed fan to try it out. I’m pleased with how the machine performs, and I’ll be keeping this one for sure.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Nice vacuum!

I have several models. The Elite replaced Convertible, by accident. HOOVER couldn't make them fast enough. They were lighter, had fewer parts, some have onboard tools.
Nice find. With good care, it should last for years. I have some that are 20+ yrs old... still going great!
John

 

[jo]

Oh those Elites!

When they first came out to replace the convertibles I thought they were very snazzy and looked great. I wanted to try one for the longest time.

Finally, after some years, I rescued one of these somewhere.... it was that rosy mauve color. It was one that had the onboard tools and hose but there was a little door on the top side that you had to open to insert the hose when you wanted to use the tools. It worked well, but I’m not sure what I ever did with it. Likely gave it away to someone or sold it at a garage sale. I think I also had a green one pass through my possession at one time.

Then later I had a black plastic bag compartment model. I did like that one a bit better, easier to change the bag and the paper bag was more protected so as not to rip from the fabric bag being bumped into furnishings, etc. I don’t the think that one had tools but I remember giving it away to a friend. When I was doing house cleaning for a side business, I remember using it on the job for a while but then when my friend needed a vacuum I passed it on to her. But I always felt they were nice and ergonomic and did a pretty good job on carpet...were an improvement over the old convertibles they replaced as they did a better job containing the dirt and the attachments, if equipped, were on board though still cumbersome to use.

I picked these up in my new house development on peoples trash. I think a lot of these people were apartment dwellers previously and now were in new and large homes with new carpet and a lot of it. This was around 2002...plastic machines were getting more advanced and bagless was coming out and attachment hoses were getting less complicated to use so I think people were opting to upgrade and just sending the perfectly working somewhat worn older ones out on the trash.

I never felt these had good suction on the tools in particular...kinda wimpy if you ask me, but I compare everything to a good working Electrolux because it’s what I grew up with and have maintained to have primarily. Never saw much point in keeping something that wasn’t as powerful or easy to use as what I have so most plastic uprights get passed on after some rehab if needed.