Hoover model U3109--Attachments??

[cleaning-girl]

I recently inherited a Hoover upright "Concept One" Powerdrive Model U3109. Stored beside, but not attached to, the vacuum were various attachments (hose, wand, crevice tool, hardwood attachment, etc.) I looked in vain for a way to connect the hose to the vacuum, and I visited a website with diagrams in pdf format. One diagram showed a "connector" on the vacuum, and it was noted that this connector wasn't present on certain models, including U3109. But since I am no vacuum mechanic, and there was no user manual written in layman's terms describing the machine's features and capabilities, it's not clear to me whether or not the "connector" is intended to receive attachments. If so, then evidently I cannot use a hose with Model U3109 and I am beginning to think the hose, etc., were purchased after the fact and found to be inappropriate.

What do y'all think? Is there anywhere that a hose can be connected to this model?

 

[raycarter]

The hose adaptor for the Concept One takes the form of a wide, shallow plate with a castor wheel at the bottom and an L-shaped lock at the top front. To connect the convertor, you place a pair of projecting fins at the back of the convertor onto the lower rim of the cleaner's carpet nozzle (where the agitator brush is) and then pivot the convertor upward until it completely covers the nozzle's suction opening. Then, while holding the convertor in that position with one hand, turn the lock at the upper front of the convertor to that the squarish tongue fits into the narrow groove in the front of the furniture guard.

Hope this helps,

Raymond

 

[cleaning-girl]

Raymond,

I believe those were the most incredibly helpful, clear and concise instructions I have ever received about anything! After reading them, I immediately looked at the pile of plastic parts and discovered that the gadget I had presumed to be a hardwood floor attachment was the very converter you described. Within a couple of minutes, I succeeded in attaching the converter and am now in bliss. It really is amazing how reading, let alone writing, the directions for a simple process takes longer than the doing of said process, but I thank you for taking the time to educate me, and so promptly, too!

What in the world did people do without the internet???? Great site! I can see how the world of vintage vacuums could become quite an obsession.

Best regards,
Lisa, the cleaning-girl

 

[cleaning-girl]

Raymond,

I believe those were the most incredibly helpful, clear and concise instructions I have ever received about anything! After reading them, I immediately looked at the pile of plastic parts and discovered that the gadget I had presumed to be a hardwood floor attachment was the very converter you described. Within a couple of minutes, I succeeded in attaching the converter and am now in bliss. It really is amazing how reading, let alone writing, the directions for a simple process takes longer than the doing of said process, but I thank you for taking the time to educate me, and so promptly, too!

What in the world did people do without the internet???? Great site! I can see how the world of vintage vacuums could become quite an obsession.

Best regards,
Lisa, the cleaning-girl

 

[cleaning-girl]

PS--Sorry for the double post. As a VCCC non-member, I'm unable to delete the redundancy. Those with the power to do so can be my guest.

 

[raycarter]

You're very welcome!

As a Concept One owner myself, may I congratulate you on your find! It truly is a marvel of cleaning efficiency!

Hete is mine, a 1989 model U3315-070.

 

[cleaning-girl]

Which vacuum would you ditch?

Raymond, yours looks very similar to mine, thought the color scheme on this one includes peach and brown tones.

This bring up my next question: A friend's college-age son needs a vacuum, and since I have three, all of which are in working order, I'd like to contribute one to the cause. The three I have are:
1) Hoover upright Allergen Filtration with Removable Tool Rack, Model #U5134-900
2) Hoover upright Concept One Power Drive with attachments, Model #U3109
3) Kenmore upright bagless Quick Clean Advanced Allergen Filtration with attachments, Model #116.34720402

I would like to hear, not only which vacuum you would give up, but the reason(s) for your postion. I'll keep my opinion to myself pending responses from other contributors.

Thanks in advance!

 

[raycarter]

Frankly, I would give him the Kenmore, both because he won't have to buy bags for it and, should it need service, parts are readily available through any Sears store.

 

[cleaning-girl]

Thanks, Ray.

No other responses, so maybe it was a no-brainer question.

I, too, felt that the Kenmore was the one to give away. As you say, no bags to buy.

After using all three vacuums in demanding situations, I observed that the Kenmore was prone to rapid buildup of fines in the filter, which must be brushed out thoroughly and often to maintain good suction. The Kenmore is adequate for homes in town where minimal outdoor detritus is tracked in. However, it isn't the best where large amounts of pet hair is regularly shedded.

 

[jmurray01]

"What in the world did people do without the internet????" Go to knowledgeable people in person and ask them!

I'm glad you got your answer, I was going to reply but realised I wouldn't be of much help so decided against it.

 

[cleaning-girl]

the housecleaner's take on vacuums

Scotland, eh? Do you have Sears (the chain that carries Kenmore) stores over there?

LOL, I would expect Hoover fans to choose their favorite brand over a Kenmore, not that there aren't completely valid and objective reasons for doing so.

As a housecleaner by trade, I've used Kirby, Bissel, Oreck, Rainbow, Electrolux, Dyson, Kenmore, Eureka and Dirt Devil. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them, it seems, but I'll keep my opinions to myself. How's that for diplomacy? : )

However, I will boldly assert that, for the vast majority of households, no vacuum is worth a thousand dollars or more. There are so many perfectly good used, even new, vacuums available for much less than that if one is willing to do some homework. And many of the older (hence, often less expensive) models are actually sturdier and more reliable. Thus, when I see a used household vacuum advertised on Craigslist for $1500 US or more, I can only wonder how much it originally cost that the owner feels compelled to recover that much.

One brand I've not yet tried is Miele. And I've never seen a robotic vacuum operate "up-close and personal". Anyone care to venture an opinion on either?

 

[raycarter]

A friend of mine has a Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner (In addition to a Hoover Encore Supreme upright) which is good for day-to-day surface cleaning of carpets and floors. However, they cannot match the deep-cleaning power of a conventional full-sized vacuum cleaner on carpets. Furthermore, transitioning from a hard floor to a fringed area rug can present problems in that the fringe often becomes caught in either the drive wheels or rotary brushes. Addditionally, they cannot be fitted with a hose and attachments, thus cannot be used for above-the-floor cleaning.

They generally perform well on bare floors, but, because of their random pattern of operation, they take much longer to complete the task than an upright or canister would.

To summarize, the intention behind robotic vacuum cleaners is good, but the technology still must improve considerably before they can truly compete with the long-established upright and canister designs.

 

[cleaning-girl]

All good points about the Roomba, Ray. As you say, rug fringes would be a problem. And to clean under, say, a dining room table, the chairs would still need to be removed for some period of time while the machine runs its random course, no? So not entirely labor-free....

Overall, the Roomba sounds like a novelty with limited capabilites and, as such, is a non-threat to the vacuuming aspect of my housecleaning career.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I saw one once in K-Mart

it was on clearance for $75.00 Wow. No worry here, either. The HOOVERS aren't threatened at all.
John