New finds vintage Columbus Carpet Saver and Electrolux B33 polisher

[gsheen]

So I have this drive to find all the different models and design styles of the machines produced by Electrocol South Africa badged as both Columbus and Electrolux. Electrocol was a local company owned by the late Wally Horn that wer3 the local manufacturers and distributors of Electrolux and Columbus cleaning machines. While Electrolux had plenty of cylinder vacuums to manufacture South Africa  back then was fast becoming upright country and Hoover was domonating with the 652 and later the ranger. With no  upright model to compete ( the 170 was a bit small ) They did what South Africans do and made a plan and designed their own. 


Many many variations were made. With a few styles of hoods. Their was also a 3 brush suction  floor polisher that was hugely popular.


My peronal interest in the machine was My Gran had the Electrolux version badged a 404 . I loved how big the bag expanded when on. It took many years to find one . No one seemed to have one I had not seen one in 20 years and then a visit to  Joannes Aunt,s in Calvinia and her  neighbor was still using her Moms. . 


 


So this is the Columbus version the Carpet saver. At the same time Joanne found this lovely Electrolix b33 3 brush suction polisher. 

 

[gsheen]

The columbus came with a really odd bag but I found the origional 


 

 

[gsheen]

Right so here it is with the origional bag and running it just needed a polsih still

 

[paul]

Congrats, Gareth - they appear to be in great cosmetic shape! What were their production spans and what years was Electrocol in business? How many machines of theirs do you own and how many do you need to make your collection complete?

It's very cool, too, that you own a long-sought replica of your grandmother's cleaner.

 

[gsheen]

HI Paul


The patent for the vacuum version was filed in 1974 my newest production date model was a 1983. I am actually busy getting a copy of it, its not available online so its a process. 


Their were a few versions of the vacuums.


S32 columbus metal base


Columbus concorde store( specific )


Columbus carpet saver 


Electrolux 404 


Electrolux commercial 


These were the most common models  but as i am discovering their werw quiet a few small production runs including export versions. 


The 3 brush suction polisher has been easier to find because people kept them for longer. Their are still a huge amount still in use 


These also ran from 74 but were in production as a Electrolux badged version till 1996 


 


I have a good few of them. I also have the same model my gran had this is it pictured below .


 


I am particularly fond of this model as it was Designed here . Many many years later I worked in that same design office. 


 

 

[midcenturyfan]

I have only owned two columbus machines. I have still got the later model with the bag on, but I passed the other one on to another collector several years ago.

Robin.

 

[gsheen]

MidCenturyFan 


Yes the one of the right is the s32  was designed and manufatured right here in Cape Town, They exported a few to the UK but your one could also have been brought over by someone who moved from SA to the UK . Tell me can take a pic of the underside of it , also the serial number the first two digits are the year of manufacture 

 

[gsheen]

The Columbus Carpet Saver with its near twin the Electrolux z 404

 

[gsheen]

Here is the Columbus concorde and the z 404


 


The columbus versions featured a push down auto switch on handle relase system were as the Electrolux had a handle release lever and on off button. Very late versions of the columbus carpet saver had a on off button like the Electrolux so attachments  could be used 

 

[midcenturyfan]

Here are the pictures of the Columbus s32. It would appear that it was manufactured in 1973. Sadly, I do not know the history of this particular example, as a friend of mine acquired it from a deceased collector, and then sold it to me, years ago.

I am delighted that you are able to provide information about Columbus machines.

Robin.

 

[gsheen]

I have two versions of this machine. It is such a odd machine to use as it only makes contact with the carpet on its pull back stroke, lifting up when you push it forward 


Some versions had a rear wheel instead of the skid plate at the back 

 

[paul]

Hey Gareth,

Thanks for the info and pic's--knowing the back stories of cleaners and corporations makes this hobby more fascinating. I can see why you're proud of the canary yellow Z404--being that your grandmother had one like it, that it was designed in SA, and that it's an attractive machine.

Regarding the Columbus, typically I prefer original parts and attachments, but that non-original flowered bag gives it more of a '70s flair. The original, though, is snazzy, too; along with the Z404's.

The suction polisher is a neat concept. I'm not aware of such a design that was sold in the US, unless there were commercial versions.

Sounds like you'll have a time collecting all the special store models of both cleaners. Enjoy the hunt!