My First Riccar!

[fantomfan]

A neighbor approached me a year ago with a problem. Their Riccar 8850 was having an electrical connection problem in the handle. I was able to find exactly where the problem was, but I was unable to fix it. They kept the vacuum, as it still ran ( If you jiggled the handle to start it up ). Well one year later, it is now mine! They wanted something new and lighter (they are elderly), so they bought a Hoover Windtunnel Air. I was able to fix the switch finally by installing the handle at a slightly different angle, with the switch engadged, so the metal switch connection is better with the prongs attached to the vacuum. I am very happy with it. It came with some tools, and I'll post later. Based on the sticker and manual, I'm guessing that it was purchased in 1996 or 1997. It was made in Taiwan. (Which I already knew.)

 

[fantomfan]

Here are pictures!

It came with 2 belts, 2 filters, 3 bags, the owner's manual, dusting brush, extension wands, floor tool and the extension hose. I love how you can use it as a "canister". It cleans VERY well on carpet, and the suction is very good. The motor sounds identical to my Fantom Thunders, so I'm guessing it's a 2 stage Lamb motor? The only thing that doesn't work is the change bag indicator, and the lower cord clip is missing. Everything else works. I also don't have the crevice tool or upholstery tool. Also pictured is my somewhat uncommon Tacony-made Hoover. It is one of my best carpet cleaners, and is worlds better than my Oreck!

 

[fantomfan]

So I can proudly say...

I'm satisfied with these Tacony products!

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Very nice

Mitchell

I used to have that Riccar I sold it years ago . I love all Tacony vacuums

Dan

 

[fantomfan]

Thanks!

I really like your machines as well! Great products from a great American company!

 

[blackheart]

Congratulations!

Congrats on that Riccar. You're gonna love it, they're so powerful aand pretty quiet.

 

[jkbff]

If it is still cutting off when you use it, there is a felt bushing you can put in place to keep the tension on the micro-switch for the handle. The linkage for the switch should be fine but I bet the handle worked loose or the bosses for the screws are giving out.

That cord should be replaced if not taped, but the brush strips need to be replaced. You are missing a few sections.

That machine was made 3rd quarter of 1997. #2329

 

[fantomfan]

Thanks for the info!

I will just tape the cord, it is only a small cut. I will replace the brushroll strips eventually, but it's only missing 2 strands, so it should be fine for now.

 

[jkbff]

Tacony agitators are finicky when it comes to balance. If the machine will get regular use, I'd replace them before you have to replace the bearings on it.

The new agitators like this, in the vibrances, carpet pros, fullers, symmetrys etc are horrible for balance when a grouping of bristles is missing. The manufacture decided to 'thin' the recipe up for the steel so they would warp easier... There was a huge manufacturing debacle going on with them.

 

[fantomfan]

I won't use it much for now.

I'll order brush strips from the Riccar/Simplicity dealer when I go in to pick up repaired vacuums that I have there.

 

[director12]

Nice vacuum you got there. I didn't know a Hoover made from Tacony products existed.

 

[mark40511]

You know, I have always wanted a Riccar Canister .. I'll bet they are miles better than the Kenmore canisters (at least as far as durability goes)

 

[director12]

I'd love to have Riccar, but they are expensive.

 

[ultralux88]

I have a Commercial R800C from Austin, and a Radiance Premium as well as my 2 motor Riccar central vac with the attachment kit, I like the PN with the aluminum 3 row brushroll, it cleans very well. I also have a Simplicity 7 series with no tools, it was an NIB from the factory from 1997, and a BOL 6 series as well as my F3700. All of my Tacony vacuums are excellent and clean very well.

 

[director12]

Once I get the money, I will buy a Riccar/Simplicity upright.

 

[fantomfan]

I finally got the brush strips!

I got them saturday for $15 at the vac shop. I have a lower cord hook on order too. I notice a difference in cleaning. It works even better now.

 

[stricklybojack]

Yes!

.
I was going to mention that cord hook. One of my Simplicitys needed one too. A cheap and easy thing to fix that makes it so much better.
This brand, more than any other currently producing vacs, charms me, like Oreck used to. By charm i basically mean to like beyond identifyable tangible reasons.
They are largely made here in the States, and they are constantly refining their product etc. all good. But there is more to it. They are out there but not all over the place, so i have yet to burn out like i have sorta done with metal Royals and G Series Kirbys.
A TOL Tacony canister would probably be my number one machine if i could find one at my preferred price point, stupid cheap!
Likely, someday, i will sell a whole bunch of other vacs and reward myself.

 

[dysonman1]

If you are coming to the VCCC or the Vacuum Collectors Group conventions this year (both are in Missouri, one week apart), you can visit the Factory Outlet Store, where Tacony products are available at discount prices. Free shipping to get it home. Plus you can see the brand new products that have not been launched yet to dealers, as well.

 

[fantomfan]

I'm going to try to go next year....

And I just might buy a machine direct from the factory! What a nice souvenier that would be!