I just

[gottahaveahoove]

Well, clearly, there is a noticeable

difference with a worn or stretched belt. They can make the rugs with rubber'skid marks'. etc. The cleaner slows down, too.
I keep my aunt's HOOVERS and mine supplied with correct, genuine HOOVER belts. I have a huge supply.........got genuine belts for $.99 a package, with 2 belts in each. They were on sale, so I bought them all. I also find them still sealed at thrift stores.
It is imperative to "keep your HOOVER cleasner operating at peak performance". THat is written in the book.

 

[floor-a-matic]

I miss the beater bars like the rectangular Rainbow PNs had

I also converted my R-4375C power nozzle to use geared belt; the PN's original motor gave out

All I had to do is buy a geared belt pulley & PN motor that TriStar used on the DXL & EX-20

Is there an option to buy soft bristle/beater bar or stiff bristle rollers for the new Rainbow PN?

 

[super-sweeper]

It all depends on the model,

I can't remember the last time I changed the belt in any Elite machine I own, They seem to last a LONG time and still provide excellent performance. They're genuine HOOVER, of course!


 


However, I notice on my HOOVER convertibles and Eureka F&G style cleaners, I find myself constantly replacing the belts, I went to take out the '78 Self-Propelled Eureka and Nope! I'm fresh our of belts, and the old one is stretch beyond use.

 

[durango159]

Hoover belts do well, but...

I would advise checking them. Sometimes we think the machine is working very well, but upon reinstalling a fresh belt, you'll notice a big difference. Grooming can get inconsistent with older belts. Also sometimes upon checking you'll find cracking or flaking on the belts and you know it's going to break soon.

I don't think upright belts last as long as canisters either. My grandmom had a navy blue Hoover Elite Supreme hard case bagged upright for several years until she sold her house and left the vacuum to the new owners. The belt rarely broke but it's good to go in about every 6 months or so and check things over.

My Hoover power nozzle belts never break, and the torque of the motor is powerful but I check and replace them as needed. Usually about once a year. Longer than I'd think they'd go, but the Hoover power head belts start out quite small so it takes a while for them to stretch significantly enough to lose tension. Great cleaners. I've had any problems with my Hoover power heads and most of mine have been used semi-commercially, cleaning customers houses of mine on occasion.