Most powerful vintage vacuum?

[suckolux]

I would also say of my newer vintage??? machines, the Silverado pulls really well. Decent grooming as well, brushroll was replaced by Electrolux along with new breaker when I bought it used 15 years ago, new hose then too.Very nice machine.

 

[mercuryman]

Miele!

My mother's Miele s230i that was purchased in October of 1985 is still hands-down the most powerful vacuum cleaner I've ever encountered. The motor was rebuilt in 1996, and when it has a new bag in it and the pre-motor filter has been cleaned and/or changed, that thing literally pulls the carpet up, and she doesn't have a power nozzle. (Sometimes I think the ridiculously powerful suction might be a bad thing, though. Last time I used her vacuum and I checked the bag, it seemed like the "dirt" was nothing but carpet fibers...and she doesn't even have a new rug.)

In fact, when I vacuum the guest room where I stay when I visit mom, I have to use the suction relief to tone down the suction so I can pass the nozzle over the rug, because the suction is so strong.

 

[suckolux]

My Titan does that too.

 

[briankirbyclass]

I remember A relative that had a 1975 Eureka (Ironside) orange cannister with a VG1 brush roll, that when on the full power suction setting would seal down to the carpet so tightly you could not push or pull it. Was not good for glued down, no nap indoor/outdoor type carpet, but was excellent on thick piled shag, or any carpet with a thick nap.

 

[djtaylor]

Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50

To Sablekid
I was once told by a Kirby salesman, when he came into the store to pick up a new machine and supplie, that he hated to go into a house to sell a new Kirby if they had an old D50. He said that they were some of the best machines Kirby ever made. I don't know if that's true, but I don't care. I love the D50, it's my favorite Kirby.
Justin

 

[Elektrolux]

My Most Powerful vintage pre '80 Upright; (DS50)

... has got to be hands down my 1965 Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 (DS50) I don't have any current running 70's Kirby's yet so I can't speak for them but as said many times in these forums, the D50 was one well built machine for its time and was a strong workhorse for decades to come.

Kristopher

 

[Elektrolux]

My Most Powerful vintage pre '80 tank;

right now will have to be my 1959 Electrolux Automatic F with motor upgrades for more power to the performance of the 70's.
This is 1 of my favorite Lux classics as it is an industry icon in modern vacuums of its time. (step in to correct me if I am mistaken) This was the industries 1st 2 motor system, "1" for vacuum & a 2nd to power all new "PowerMate 1" (PN-1) Power nozzle. Lux's 1st powered nozzle, $99 extra. The Automatic F carried over cool features of the still new 1956 - 1960 Automatic G including the automatic cord winder (optional at $19), automatic bag full release & onboard combination rug/floor brush & dust/upholstery tool making this 1 of the lightest tank units on the market at time.

I've always liked the old Fairfax tank units so if I owned 1 I may have to say it could be stronger dare to its straight suction and larger profile build.

Kristopher

 

[smow69]

my strongest

.my canister would be my eureka rotomatic with power head sucks to carpet like brian was saying hard to push.

 

[smow69]

my upright

my upright would be my eureka uprights`both have sanitaire motors work great my mom bought these new one upstairs one down.

 

[smow69]

uprights

THESE VACS CAME FROM OTASCO IN DISNEY OKLAHOMA HOME OF GRAND RIVER DAM THE LARGEST DAM IN THE USA.THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN UPGRADED YOU CAN SEE DOWNSTAIRS GETS VACUUMED MORE WE DONT HARDLY USE THE UPSTAIRS. NO ONE GOES UP THERE IT IS SPOOKY MY NIECE SAYS ITS AN OLD VICTORIAN 2 STORY BUILT IN 1955.......BUT THESE VACS ARE GREAT THE ONE STILL LOOKS NEW.

 

[Elektrolux]

My Most Powerful vintage pre '80 tank . . .

. . . runner up would have to be the all so classic and all new design of its time, the 1968 Electrolux Model 1205.

This machine essentially had the same motor type as the Automatic E but a new "Automatic Control" system & a bunch new features as it was a complete re work in design build in almost 20 yrs. This is the 1st Electrolux with a solid state control board, electric power hose (wiring built inside hose, no more pig tail o connection on vacuum side) & electric telescopic power wand (it can be broken down for storage) & incorporated motor protection features.

This was one of the best performance units of its time as it came from a ground up re work design. It offered features not seen before in a home vacuum.

It's a close match on power between my rebuilt Automatic E & 1205. If w/ original motors, I feel the 1205 has an edge in both performance as well as quiet for its design. But I just can't help remember that classic turbine sound of the AE, especiall when it shut off, the spin down sounds were so classic & distinctive.