turbo500
Well-known member
New Henry line up! Glad to see the addition of on-board tool storage.
New Henry's - Original, Compact & Professional
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spiraclean
Well-known member
I did wonder if/when Numatic would include some form of tool storage into Henry's rump at some point. Considering the drum moulding has been altered a few times over the years already, omitting this feature always felt like such a missed opportunity. Only two slots by the looks of things, but still far neater and more durable than that single flimsy clip they used to provide.
As for the compact Henry, I could see that being rather popular. By and large I think most users are perfectly satisfied with the standard Henry, apart from the occasional grumble that he is somewhat bulky to store and tote up and down stairs. For smaller homes, or as a second cleaner, a scaled-down version will probably do quite well.
As for the compact Henry, I could see that being rather popular. By and large I think most users are perfectly satisfied with the standard Henry, apart from the occasional grumble that he is somewhat bulky to store and tote up and down stairs. For smaller homes, or as a second cleaner, a scaled-down version will probably do quite well.
turbo500
Well-known member
I was thinking the same thing, Spiraclean. I know a lot of people who have Henry's as garage vacs for DIY jobs, cleaning cars etc so the compact in those circumstances makes perfect sense.
I wonder if Numatic will keep the current single clip in addition to the new tool storage, thus keeping 2 tools on the body of the cleaner. Or if it's intended for the user to swap the tools themselves based on which ones they use the most.
I wonder if Numatic will keep the current single clip in addition to the new tool storage, thus keeping 2 tools on the body of the cleaner. Or if it's intended for the user to swap the tools themselves based on which ones they use the most.
numaticrule29
Well-known member
OMg I really really really want them all. At the moment I have a very big thing for numatics and I am a very big fan!!!'
tomvacuum10
Well-known member
Single speed again?
Have they gone back to single speed again?
Have they gone back to single speed again?
sebo_fan
Well-known member
It was taken from a commercial cleaning magazine in the UK called C&M - or Cleaning & Maintenance
alexhoovers94
Well-known member
My God!
I wish Numatic would leave the flaming things alone! If it aint broke, don't fix it!
I wish Numatic would leave the flaming things alone! If it aint broke, don't fix it!
turbo500
Well-known member
Negative Nancy strikes again.
turbo500
Well-known member
I love the addition of the tool storage! I do hope they've kept the twin speed, high power is very difficult to use on carpet - certainly gives you a good workout!
I'm not keen on the models with the switch bank on the front, hopefully Numatic don't role this out across the whole range.
I'm not keen on the models with the switch bank on the front, hopefully Numatic don't role this out across the whole range.
spiraclean
Well-known member
To be fair to Numatic, I think they've hit upon exactly the right formula for Henry. From a user's perspective, outwardly it's still the same cleaner they are already used to, that functions and performs exactly as they would expect. Any changes over the years have been incremental, to keep the cleaner up to date and address users' wants/needs, but without going so far as to render it unrecognisable from the original.
It worked for the Hoover Junior, Lux Twin Turbo, Kirby and Oreck, to name just a few examples. Lots of revisions "under the hood" with a few styling changes thrown in along the way, yet still essentially the same product when all is said and done. Familiar enough to keep repeat customers happy and coming back for more, but still with something new to offer for those considering the product for the first time.
It worked for the Hoover Junior, Lux Twin Turbo, Kirby and Oreck, to name just a few examples. Lots of revisions "under the hood" with a few styling changes thrown in along the way, yet still essentially the same product when all is said and done. Familiar enough to keep repeat customers happy and coming back for more, but still with something new to offer for those considering the product for the first time.
cool
Funny thing that the price is the same for all three=) I am just wondering when they will add a telescopic wand for these? I would like to get to see this new compact model. This new floor tool is great comparing to old model.
Funny thing that the price is the same for all three=) I am just wondering when they will add a telescopic wand for these? I would like to get to see this new compact model. This new floor tool is great comparing to old model.
alexhoovers94
Well-known member
Chris I am not being negative, I am being honest, all I will ever be, Numatics obviously sell in large numbers as it is, I just don't understand the reason for Numatic keep modifying a design that has been so successful for years and still is. What next? Move production to china?
Must be new management!
I will be getting the compact Henry I think, all though, my observation so far, just going off that picture, it will be a regular Henry motor unit on a James type bucket. I am hoping It is actually smaller all together though. How cute!
Must be new management!
I will be getting the compact Henry I think, all though, my observation so far, just going off that picture, it will be a regular Henry motor unit on a James type bucket. I am hoping It is actually smaller all together though. How cute!
turbo500
Well-known member
If it wasn't for modifying and evolving design, responding to market trends and customer needs, your beloved Hoover Turbomaster would never have existed. That's what ALL products do. Nothing can stay the same forever. If it did, we'd all still be vacuuming with Hoover Model O's, or old crank and bellows manual machines.
sebo_fan
Well-known member
Numatic have a unique position as with SEBO; they are both commercial brands that deal with both a commercial market and a domestic market. Both brands have recognisable products straddling both markets; a factor that Hoover and Electrolux/et al have not cornered all that well in Europe and UK in my opinion.
Numatic are lucky in the sense that they have the tub market all on their own in terms of supplying both domestic and trade markets with a very reliable and well tested product. Tie in widespread parts availability and brand recognition and it makes absolute sense for particular variants to see upgrades over time. It would be nuts for them to turn back on what has been *and still is, a very successful product. Hence why they have released three different variants of Henry.
Numatic are lucky in the sense that they have the tub market all on their own in terms of supplying both domestic and trade markets with a very reliable and well tested product. Tie in widespread parts availability and brand recognition and it makes absolute sense for particular variants to see upgrades over time. It would be nuts for them to turn back on what has been *and still is, a very successful product. Hence why they have released three different variants of Henry.
alexhoovers94
Well-known member
I am not saying it is a bad thing, it is just there is nothing wrong with Henry as he is at the moment. I like the idea of on-board tools for practicality, just I think it makes the machine look a bit messy...Not that it matters to most people I suppose.
sebo_fan
Well-known member
Id rather have proper tool storage. I can't count the times I have had a single tool ping off the clip around the rubberised belt of the Henry if the hose touches it. The slide in tool storage area mimics what has been done before with other brands, or storers at the rear. Better than trying to find a bag of tools.
delaneymeegan
Well-known member
I'm wondering when Numatic is going to redesign Henry and put the motor in the BASE of the unit, so he isn't so top heavy. With the dirt compartment on TOP, it would be easier to empty.
Also, he needs to have a bagless insert for those who chose to use such an option.
It would be good if he had a built-in turbo dust collector to cut down on bag use.
And where is Henry electric floor brush, or OPTION for one?
turbo500
Well-known member
delaneymeegan, you have to remember that manufacturers will respond to trends in the market. Powernozzle's have never been popular in the UK and probably even less so in mainland Europe where hard floors are more common. There's only a very small number of manufacturers that actually offer a powernozzle here and they're comparably very expensive. I'd guess about 80% of the cylinder market here is straight suction machines and about another 15% turbo brushes. Give or a take.
Whereas compact machines and vacuums with on board tools are big sellers, powernozzle's aren't. So it's only natural that any modifications that Numatic make are tailored to the market dempands that they're aiming at.
Don't forget also, as Nar mentioned above, Numatic dominate the commercial market here. You can't walk down a high street and not see one being used in a shop, bank, cafe or office. Lots of schools and hotels use them too. Powernozzle's make the machine heavier to use and it's another part to potentially break. The simpleness of Numatic cleaners is their strongest point. It makes for a more reliable cleaner overall, which is essential in the commercial market and one of the biggest reasons for their successful crossover into the domestic market.
Putting the motor underneath would require a complete redesign of a vacuum that has remained largely unchanged but hugely successful since the late 70's. Numatic continue to be the biggest vacuum seller in the UK. Whilst they've made design modifications to keep up with market trends over the years, such as twin speed, HEPA bags and now tool storage, the basic design of the machine has remained very much unchanged and rightly so. Henry inparticular is quite iconic over here, if Numatic were to start changing that, they would risk a decrease in sales. The Numatic brand itself is not well known, but you mention "Henry hoover" to someone and they instantly know what you're talking about, even though Henry is only 1 model out of the whole range.
"Also, he needs to have a bagless insert for those who chose to use such an option"
Does he really? Why? It wouldn't add to the performance and again is another part to potentially go wrong. Tell me, how many bagless commercial vacuums do you see in the US? Have you ever seen a Dyson or Bissell or something being used in a shop or a hotel or a school? Bagless don't do well in commercial environments and as Numatic are largely a commercial cleaning company, it would be a pointless move. People who want bagless will buy bagless vacuums, although I have to say I have seen an increase in people moving back to bagged vacuums in recent years (thankfully!).
Whereas compact machines and vacuums with on board tools are big sellers, powernozzle's aren't. So it's only natural that any modifications that Numatic make are tailored to the market dempands that they're aiming at.
Don't forget also, as Nar mentioned above, Numatic dominate the commercial market here. You can't walk down a high street and not see one being used in a shop, bank, cafe or office. Lots of schools and hotels use them too. Powernozzle's make the machine heavier to use and it's another part to potentially break. The simpleness of Numatic cleaners is their strongest point. It makes for a more reliable cleaner overall, which is essential in the commercial market and one of the biggest reasons for their successful crossover into the domestic market.
Putting the motor underneath would require a complete redesign of a vacuum that has remained largely unchanged but hugely successful since the late 70's. Numatic continue to be the biggest vacuum seller in the UK. Whilst they've made design modifications to keep up with market trends over the years, such as twin speed, HEPA bags and now tool storage, the basic design of the machine has remained very much unchanged and rightly so. Henry inparticular is quite iconic over here, if Numatic were to start changing that, they would risk a decrease in sales. The Numatic brand itself is not well known, but you mention "Henry hoover" to someone and they instantly know what you're talking about, even though Henry is only 1 model out of the whole range.
"Also, he needs to have a bagless insert for those who chose to use such an option"
Does he really? Why? It wouldn't add to the performance and again is another part to potentially go wrong. Tell me, how many bagless commercial vacuums do you see in the US? Have you ever seen a Dyson or Bissell or something being used in a shop or a hotel or a school? Bagless don't do well in commercial environments and as Numatic are largely a commercial cleaning company, it would be a pointless move. People who want bagless will buy bagless vacuums, although I have to say I have seen an increase in people moving back to bagged vacuums in recent years (thankfully!).
delaneymeegan
Well-known member
Redesign
I think if they took the iconic Henry tub, as he looks now, and rearranged the inside ONLY, people would not care.
A Henry that is easier to empty, who could complain about that? With his bag/dirt chamber on the top, all one would need do is lift it off to empty. No need to first remove a heavy top, put it down, detach the hose, then remove the dirt or bag, then replace everything.
It's true, all canisters should have NON obtrusive tool storage, and I applaud the recent improvements. It could be better though.
As for pns, they should offer the choice to add one by putting a receptacle on the front and offering a pn and electric hose sold separate. It's reasonable to believe that more Henrys will be sold in other places than just the UK. I'm seeing them on Ebay and have considered buying one too, in the U.S.. The lack of a pn is a negative. It isn't a big deal to install a receptacle on the machine. I'm surprised too Henry doesn't have an electric furniture brush. Brits have a lot of stairs and those work great on that.
I wonder how feasible it would be to install a dual voltage motor in these. So all one would need to do is slide a switch to get it to work on 230 or 115 volt. That would streamline manufacturing and make a single Henry usable for more markets. I wish the U.S. and Canada would convert to 230 volt. It's a better system.
Numatic has slapped Henrys face and colors on many versions over the years. It would be foolish to think they are still making the same vacs as they were 30 years ago. The changes haven't been as extreme as say Hoover or Electrolux, but they have changed, and they will no doubt continue to make improvements. Any change has the possibility of losing customer. It also has the chance of greatly increasing customers. Failing to make changes can bring similar results.
I think it's a neat vac and I keep going back and forth about possibly adding one to my collection. I like his simple flex retraction system. Numatic seems like a good company and one Brits, I'm sure, are proud to call their own.
I think if they took the iconic Henry tub, as he looks now, and rearranged the inside ONLY, people would not care.
A Henry that is easier to empty, who could complain about that? With his bag/dirt chamber on the top, all one would need do is lift it off to empty. No need to first remove a heavy top, put it down, detach the hose, then remove the dirt or bag, then replace everything.
It's true, all canisters should have NON obtrusive tool storage, and I applaud the recent improvements. It could be better though.
As for pns, they should offer the choice to add one by putting a receptacle on the front and offering a pn and electric hose sold separate. It's reasonable to believe that more Henrys will be sold in other places than just the UK. I'm seeing them on Ebay and have considered buying one too, in the U.S.. The lack of a pn is a negative. It isn't a big deal to install a receptacle on the machine. I'm surprised too Henry doesn't have an electric furniture brush. Brits have a lot of stairs and those work great on that.
I wonder how feasible it would be to install a dual voltage motor in these. So all one would need to do is slide a switch to get it to work on 230 or 115 volt. That would streamline manufacturing and make a single Henry usable for more markets. I wish the U.S. and Canada would convert to 230 volt. It's a better system.
Numatic has slapped Henrys face and colors on many versions over the years. It would be foolish to think they are still making the same vacs as they were 30 years ago. The changes haven't been as extreme as say Hoover or Electrolux, but they have changed, and they will no doubt continue to make improvements. Any change has the possibility of losing customer. It also has the chance of greatly increasing customers. Failing to make changes can bring similar results.
I think it's a neat vac and I keep going back and forth about possibly adding one to my collection. I like his simple flex retraction system. Numatic seems like a good company and one Brits, I'm sure, are proud to call their own.
sebo_fan
Well-known member
“I think if they took the iconic Henry tub, as he looks now and rearranged the inside ONLY, people would not care.”
Its not about the customer - if the base of the unit fails to cradle a dust bag cleanly and doesn’t impede the suction air flow, why change it?
“As for PNs, they should offer the choice by putting a receptacle on the front, offering a PN and electric hose separate. The lack of a PN is a negative, it isn’t a big deal to install a receptacle on the machine…surprised it doesn’t have an electric furniture brush.”
Um, because the company aren’t making a solely designed home vacuum here. Its a commercially based vacuum so its simplicity all the way.
They would not fit optional this and that only for something else to break off and damage their reputation for solidity. Numatic are a tub vac company and that's what they're known best for worldwide despite other private label appliances that might be processed under the Numatic name.
"Numatic has slapped Henrys face and colors on many versions over the years. It would be foolish to think they are still making the same vacs as they were 30 years ago. The changes haven't been as extreme as say Hoover or Electrolux, but they have changed, and they will no doubt continue to make improvements. Any change has the possibility of losing customer. It also has the chance of greatly increasing customers. Failing to make changes can bring similar results."
Nope, you're assuming Numatic is the same as Electrolux, Hoover and other DOMESTIC brands. There are very few changes to a Numatic Henry in my opinion sold in the 1980s to the models we see now. Numatic also sell worldwide, and a bit like SEBO use private labels to their machines and models. Some Numatics are not sold with the smiling faces, particularly in the commercial market where bigger capacity models are available.
Until you actually get one Delaney you won't really know how much worth a Henry vacuum can provide. It is simplistic cleaning at its core, nothing too fancy and nothing too stylish that will make others coo over the vacuum if they see it. Henry is a great suction vacuum at the end of the day. Buyers won't look on it as a Miele sledge alternative.
To ram home the idea that Numatic are more of a commercial vac company, look at these versions. Where are the domestic equivalents from some of the other brands you mention?
Its not about the customer - if the base of the unit fails to cradle a dust bag cleanly and doesn’t impede the suction air flow, why change it?
“As for PNs, they should offer the choice by putting a receptacle on the front, offering a PN and electric hose separate. The lack of a PN is a negative, it isn’t a big deal to install a receptacle on the machine…surprised it doesn’t have an electric furniture brush.”
Um, because the company aren’t making a solely designed home vacuum here. Its a commercially based vacuum so its simplicity all the way.
They would not fit optional this and that only for something else to break off and damage their reputation for solidity. Numatic are a tub vac company and that's what they're known best for worldwide despite other private label appliances that might be processed under the Numatic name.
"Numatic has slapped Henrys face and colors on many versions over the years. It would be foolish to think they are still making the same vacs as they were 30 years ago. The changes haven't been as extreme as say Hoover or Electrolux, but they have changed, and they will no doubt continue to make improvements. Any change has the possibility of losing customer. It also has the chance of greatly increasing customers. Failing to make changes can bring similar results."
Nope, you're assuming Numatic is the same as Electrolux, Hoover and other DOMESTIC brands. There are very few changes to a Numatic Henry in my opinion sold in the 1980s to the models we see now. Numatic also sell worldwide, and a bit like SEBO use private labels to their machines and models. Some Numatics are not sold with the smiling faces, particularly in the commercial market where bigger capacity models are available.
Until you actually get one Delaney you won't really know how much worth a Henry vacuum can provide. It is simplistic cleaning at its core, nothing too fancy and nothing too stylish that will make others coo over the vacuum if they see it. Henry is a great suction vacuum at the end of the day. Buyers won't look on it as a Miele sledge alternative.
To ram home the idea that Numatic are more of a commercial vac company, look at these versions. Where are the domestic equivalents from some of the other brands you mention?
vintagerepairer
Well-known member
As above, very well said Sebofan. Clearly one "issue" Numatic have to address is that when using a Henry or whatever cleaner of theirs you own, in a domestic setting, the chances of it ever wearing out are none existent. Thus they have to constantly find ways of keeping the same product more up to date than the one someone may already own. It’s about making a consumer lust after a new purchase without making the product either over engineered or of a quality that will fail far too soon.
As regards the Henry 160 being a Henry top on a James sized based, that would make it a regular sized Henry. The James is the exact same size.
As regards the Henry 160 being a Henry top on a James sized based, that would make it a regular sized Henry. The James is the exact same size.
I think Numatic are to applauded for having an excellent product & refining it so that (a) it's an improvement & (b) actually listening to what the customer wants.
In so many ways if the rest of British industry had done this & not had a "take it or leave it" attitude, we might still produce rather more than we now do.
In so many ways if the rest of British industry had done this & not had a "take it or leave it" attitude, we might still produce rather more than we now do.
alexhoovers94
Well-known member
The James has a shorter bucket, if you put it next to a Henry it is not wuite as tall, it was just a thought was all...
vintagerepairer
Well-known member
Alex I stand corrected as I had no idea at all Numatic were now using a different base on James. I can even see the difference in the photos. I wonder why this is? The bag capacity will be the same so you’d think the Henry tub would be made the same way.
sebo_fan
Well-known member
Numatic could well be making the compact model with a smaller dust bag.
Also in response, or rather to back up with Benny has said, an example of another model I owned springs to mind also by Numatic - the Charles wet and dry model. I owned one for a few years. I adored the power and I appreciated the massive 15 litre dust bag, more so that ONE bag seemed to last a year and a half when used solely as a home vacuum.
But oh how I missed the Bowler hat manual cord winder! Again whilst this reiterates that Numatic can make a good vacuum, I didn't half lust over having the hand cord winder instead of having to manually wind up the 10 metre cable after every use with Charles, and like the James vac I also had, Charles also had the awful difficult to remove aluminium tubes compared to Henry's easier stainless steel ones.
Also in response, or rather to back up with Benny has said, an example of another model I owned springs to mind also by Numatic - the Charles wet and dry model. I owned one for a few years. I adored the power and I appreciated the massive 15 litre dust bag, more so that ONE bag seemed to last a year and a half when used solely as a home vacuum.
But oh how I missed the Bowler hat manual cord winder! Again whilst this reiterates that Numatic can make a good vacuum, I didn't half lust over having the hand cord winder instead of having to manually wind up the 10 metre cable after every use with Charles, and like the James vac I also had, Charles also had the awful difficult to remove aluminium tubes compared to Henry's easier stainless steel ones.
tomvacuum10
Well-known member
Is the Compact a different size?
If the Compact is the had the base of a smaller Numatic like the James, would it not have the 'dip' in between the castor wheels? I think that it is a completely different size to the 300 that we are used to using. I may be wrong though. I found a photo of a Henry with a smaller 180 type base. It looks different to the 180 (compact)in the photo of all three vacuums. I have a photo of the James base (and annotations thanks to Snapchat
) and also the Henry I found on Google images. (Sorry about the photo of the Henry, I forgot to crop it)
Thomas.
If the Compact is the had the base of a smaller Numatic like the James, would it not have the 'dip' in between the castor wheels? I think that it is a completely different size to the 300 that we are used to using. I may be wrong though. I found a photo of a Henry with a smaller 180 type base. It looks different to the 180 (compact)in the photo of all three vacuums. I have a photo of the James base (and annotations thanks to Snapchat
) and also the Henry I found on Google images. (Sorry about the photo of the Henry, I forgot to crop it)Thomas.
