Is there any history of numatic vacuums breaking?

[ultimatevacman]

Hi everyone,

I will be getting a numatic soon, and I know that they are virtually indestructible,
so does anybody have any history of one breaking? apart from carbon brushes wearing down, I haven't heard of one ever stop working.

Merry Christmas

-Joe

 

[vintagerepairer]

Yes, the leads on the models with cordwinders frequently fail where they enter the cord grip. That is par for the course. Any appliance can have the same issue. Motors can and do burn out, but it is not often. I have known motors seize due to damp penetrating the motor, something which happens more often with a Numatic than any other, due to the location many of them are stored in, such as cleaning rooms and garages.

 

[gsheen]

The motors fail after some time, the biggest problem is the hose failing as it enters the machine, the swivel mechanism fails continuously, I must replace about 10 or 15 a week and they are not as popular here as they are in the UK., the cords fail as they enter the unit and the floortools fail after some time, This may sound like a lot but in fact its no worse than any other commercial vacuum, if you use it yourself it will last a life time. I have a NVQ model that we use in my vac shop and its hose has never broken

 

[ultimatevacman]

Thanks for the feedback!
But they do still seem more reliable than most cylinder vacuum cleaners.

Merry Christmas

-Joe

 

[rutger]

The only other thing I heard of was the vertical press down switch that was introduced a while ago so that it could be operated with the foot, failing. Numatic don't fit this switch anymore as I think it gave quite a bit of trouble.

Colin (the Numatic in my garage)has this switch & it's never felt that great.

In my experience Numatics are very tough little machines & judging by the number of builders, car valeters & shops using them (who i doubt would buy something that needed replacing every 5 minutes),this seems to be borne out.

Merry Christmas & have fun with your new Numatic.

Dave

 

[sebo_fan]

The schools I've worked in seem to have weakening floor heads and the cords falling out - but the cords are more of an issue after a good couple of years as opposed to the floor heads failing. Other minor issues are that at times the front castors can come off. The hoses can also be torn easily but again this is after a few good years.

Domestically though I've only come across machines that require replacement hoses - a lot of owners don't ever check the part that screws into Henry's nose as this seems to be the area I've noticed where tears can occur.

Nothing is ever set in stone when it comes to a machine that spends most of its life being wheeled around, bumping off corners and being treated by all hands at different stages of abuse. Be thankful though that Numatic have an excellent reliability and build record - with plenty of spares on hand if it does go wrong.

I do hope that Numatic stick to their 32mm sizing as its great if you have Hoover or Electrolux spares that can be easily used in tandem.

 

[ultimatevacman]

Thanks Dave

 

[madabouthoovers]

Henrys are great cleaners - although not perhaps the build quality they used to be - but for the price, they cant be beaten.
Parts I've noticed that wear out a lot are the hose cuffs (where the metal pipe pushes into) which split or enlarge making the pipe fall out.
Floorheads aint the best, but they do offer a bright red turbobrush which is good for carpets.
They are best used with the Hepaflo bags, and although they can be used with no bags at all, I don't recommend this as it means the main filter needs to be washed regularly or the airflow will be restricted, possibly shortening the life of the motor.

Millions of Henrys have been sold since the early 80's when he was

 

[madabouthoovers]

Henrys are great cleaners - although not perhaps the build quality they used to be - but for the price, they cant be beaten.
Parts I've noticed that wear out a lot are the hose cuffs (where the metal pipe pushes into) which split or enlarge making the pipe fall out.
Floorheads aint the best, but they do offer a bright red turbobrush which is good for carpets.
They are best used with the Hepaflo bags, and although they can be used with no bags at all, I don't recommend this as it means the main filter needs to be washed regularly or the airflow will be restricted, possibly shortening the life of the motor.

Millions of Henrys have been sold since the early 80's when he was "born", and this is for good reason - the Henry is a very good little vac, its no frills and basic - but if looked after, will last and last.

 

[ultimatevacman]

Thanks again everyone, I will look after my Henry and hopfully he will serve me for years to come

 

[dysondestijl]

yeah, if you look after them then they will last for ages, just if you don't, then these problems can occur, but im sure you'll treat him well!

 

[ultimatevacman]

Yep, I sure will

 

[jmurray01]

Numatic breaking down? Pff, don't be silly!

Seriously though, the very few problems have already been covered, so all I have to add is - enjoy your new Numatic!

 

[ultimatevacman]

Thanks!