Hoover PowerMax question

[ohio_tuec]

Seems nowadays, it's getting harder and harder to find quality vacs at the flea market, but today, a Hoover PowerMax model U3715-930 followed me home. It's far from pristine shape, but I liked the teal blue color. What I wanted to know is when did Hoover make the transition from steel agitator to the Elite style (like mine has) in their Concept line? Which cleans better? Also, did this model originally have a bag topper? It seems like a BOL model in this series, but I could be wrong. Thanks.

- Karl

 

[bagintheback]

Well, the Powermax was the top of line Hoover for that time. As far as I know, they went plastic with brush rolls with TOL vacs was with the Elite-style Powerdrives, and I believe their brush-rolls fit the Concept line. So it could be a replacement. To me the Quadroflex rollers clean better.

 

[xraytech]

The PowerMax uprights came out in 1992 and were around until I believe 1994. They Originally came with the Quadraflex agitator, but there was a replacement agitator made to fit the Concept/PowerMax lines that was a cheaper alternative to the Quadraflex.

In my opinion the Quadraflex is a much better performer with the brush stiffners.But all in all it is a great vacuum.

Sam

 

[ohio_tuec]

Thank you Sam & Nathaniel. Mine was manufactured in May of 1994 according to the S.N., so I guess it was one of the last. I figured with its short cord and lack of headlight it was a BOL version. Also, there's a cutout for a speed switch which I guess the TOL version had? I have another PowerMax in burgundy, but the base on that one is even more banged up than the one I just got. The hose on that one has a twist lock, whereas this one clips in, like the Hoover Elite II's.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I would love to see a picture of your powermax. I love those things. I have an early one with the quad and two later ones with the plastic.