Sebo started in 1977 as a commercial floorcare company. Their first vacuum, the 350, was the first vacuum ever to feature a clutched drive belt system and, more significantly, the first upright ever with an on board hose.
Throughout the 80's, Sebo became the biggest selling provider of commercial vacuums in the world. Both The White House and Buckingham Palace use Sebo commercial vacuums.
In 1991, Sebo branched into the domestic market with the X1, taking the performance and build quality of a commercial machine in a smaller unit with features aimed at the domestic market. Because they come from a commercial background, the X series were designed to be repaired at home. The machine can be dismantled without a screwdriver to clear blockages, the brushroll can be removed from the side and the hose and handle are clipped on rather the screwed on.
The X1 ran until late 1999. As Nar said, the X1.1 and X4 Extra were launched as replacements. These added slightly higher wattage, extension hoses and turbo brushes, which were becoming popular at the time. The X1.1 is the entry level model at 1150w with 2 dusting tools. The X4 Extra had a 1300w motor, 3 dusting tools and the full stair extension hose, although all the tools will fit the X1.1. and are available from the Sebo website.
