New Vacuum from the UK...

[henrydreyfuss]

Always thought these things were adorable, and when I found a decent deal on a 110v version online, I couldn't resist! Got it shipped from overseas. This is a commercial Numatic vacuum, but it's got Henry's smiling face, so I'd like call it a Henry. I really like him!

This vacuum is very quiet! It has terrific suction, even on the low speed.

I've been using it for pretty extreme "garage" type cleaning, so please ignore the dusty hose.

 

[henrydreyfuss]

Serious Plug...

This is the huge plug I had to replace to get it running. Why is it like 4 inches long??? To keep the British spirit intact, I put the largest commercial plug on it I could find.

 

[henrydreyfuss]

Here's the HUGE pre-motor filter!

It's a nice thick material too! It's like the fancy inner liner bags you can get for Tristars... but better!

 

[henrydreyfuss]

And for cleaning carpets...

I have a nice matching Turbocat EX that does a beautiful job with this vacuum. The Turbocat is very lightweight, and grooms the carpet surprisingly well. The Henry has more than enough suction to run the nozzle without bogging down. It even does a great job on shag carpets!

 

[henrydreyfuss]

Big ol' Bag!

These vacuums use really big bags! I already filled the first included bag (which was a thin, decent HEPA material), so this is the genuine replacement bag. The bags are a snap to change, and you can seal 'em shut before tossing them.

This genuine paper bag is a little on the thin side by today's standards, but nothing is gonna' get past that secondary filter!.

 

[henrydreyfuss]

With all the tools...

Here are the attachments I am using with the Henry. The large carpet/floor nozzle does a good job on carpets considering there's not brushroll, but the bristles are a little stiff for bare floors, so I use that bare floor brush for those.

I was disappointed that this vacuum came with a more basic set of tools than other models. The hose is kinda' short, so I'm gonna replace it (it's like 6 ft). The vacuum comes with a nifty set of interchangeable wands, so the reach is pretty good. The dusting brush the vacuum came with is junk, but the crevice tool is fine.

I included the upholstery tool, and narrow bare floor brush in the shot because I use them far more than the tools that came with the vacuum! The upholstery tool is scuffed, because I've used it for hardcore cleaning for years!

I'm not being very faithful to the tools that came with this vacuum, but it's much more enjoyable to use as a result. This has quickly become my "Shop-Vac" sweeper.

 

[henrydreyfuss]

One of my fav features...

The cool cord reel! The cord has a good-quality soft casing, and it's really long! The hand-crank cord reel is fun to use, and really a very good idea. Just be careful not to pinch your fingers as you're winding the cord back in (already have twice ><).

You can also see the simple switches, and fold-down handle in this picture.

Hope ya enjoyed the pics! I'd never seen one of these vacuums in person before buying this, and using it so far has been a great experience.

There are a couple things about the vacuum I was a little iffy about when I first got it. The first thing that bothered me was the basic set of tools it came with, which I resolved.

Out of the box, the vacuum had a few scuffs on it, which I polished away. I feel a new vacuum should have no scratches, smudges, or fingerprints out of the box. I've actually seen this problem on a lot of new vacuums, and I can't tell you how many times I've pulled a new Hoover Tempo out of the box, only to see it covered with scuffs, scratches, and dents in the plastic!

I think this vacuum is a little larger than the popular Henry Micro, and it's not as maneuverable as I had initially hoped it would be. It's easy to pull around, but I think a longer hose (I've seen you can get them on ebay up to 5 meters) would help it a lot.

Only other thing that would be nice... a place on the cleaner to store even a couple attachments. I believe other models have clips on them where you can allow a couple tools to tag along (or a bucket on top of the cleaner to throw everything in), but no such option on mine.

Other Henry users on this site: What do you think of these vacuums? I've been really impressed with mine! I can't wait to detail the car with it as soon as all the snow here melts.

 

[piano_god]

Numatic vacuums...

Great machines, in fact one of my favorites...

All of their machines are well built, hold up to lots of abuse and the cord rewind system is practically bulletproof in a commercial setting. The latest machines all use a two-stage Ametek Lamb motor with a tapered fan, which Numatic refers to as "Twinflo". Older machines had an outlet for use with a powerhead. However, this was removed when the Hi/Low switch was added...

The majority of machines imported for the North American market are brought in by Nacecare. These machines, destined for the commercial market, all use 1 1/2" fittings and do not come standard with any tools other than a combo tool. There is another company that imports them with 1 1/4" fittings and a basic tool set (Henry Micro) designed for the residential market. The tool kit is made by Wessel Werk.

Regarding the bags, Numatic has their own cloth-like bags that they have branded as "Hepa-Flo". I have been using these bags in my Henry and NVQ380 recently and prefer them to their two-ply paper bags.

Here in Western Canada, Henry's are probably the most common commercial vacuum. Used in our government buildings, ferries, schools and hospitals...

 

[seamusuk]

Numatic......

Hey Corey....

Numatic are one of my favourite modern brands- robust, simple, quiet- And above all the fact they are the only British built cleaner im aware of!.

The commercial models as you are obviously aware come with a more basic tool set than Henry, but the other difference you may not have noticed is the bucket. The commercial machines have a larger base with the wheels set further back than Henry- this helps with stability but obviously makes it slightly bulkier.

Regarding the plug thats a standard UK/Euro 110v plug for use with building site 110v transformers. As the only time a 110v version is called for over here is for building site etc use it makes sense to fit that type.

See the link for Numatics site - it shows Henry and also his GF/Wife lol......

Seamus

http://www.numatic.co.uk/products3.aspx?r=4&sr=1

 

[kenmore81]

I like Henry

I have used them for years when I was in houskeeping at our hospital. They got rid of alot of them but I wouldnt let them take mine. They have nice strong suction and most of them lasted 20 + years with only needing a plug here or a switch there. The local bowling alley also had one when I was young. Also Corey like Scott said the Hepa-flo bags are great but at the hospital we used the reular 2 ply bags and I have allergies and with the seconary filter they seem fine. If they have the Numatic logo on the cardboard collar they are genuine bags. Congratulations on getting one, Id like to get George someday. And I do like Hetta as well they make a cute couple =~)
Kenny
P.S. I have been known to use Henry w/o a bag when we were out and Not much dust at all got by the filter. Our filters being older were/are made of a nylon materal.

 

[joe22]

the back view and wheels look like a nilfisk

 

[schwinnapproved]

That is an impressive little machine. I was givin the oppurtunity to witness the first startup of it.

I wasn't sure what to expect since I have never before used one but wow! It has more suction than a ShopVac! The waterlift is insane and surprisingly it still maintains great airflow as well. Not to mention its a good ten times quieter than a ShopVac.

 

[edgar]

I have a special made hetty

hetty = edgar

 

[kenmore81]

Nice Edgar =) Is it purple/lavender? Im at home so I want to be sure Im looking at the right color witch is pretty.

 

[shanonabc]

LOL... These vacs always fascinated me as a kid

 

[edgar]

shocking pink

Lol the color it is in would be pink.

 

[vacbear58]

See ourselves as others see us

Edgar
I know this has been discussed before, but I thought you might like to see the very attractive shade of lavender that many of us see

Al

 

[electroluxxxx]

for all those experienceing technical Difficulty
try and update Internet explorer to the most recent version, or download safari or Google Chrome
hope it helps
Mike

 

[richardc1983]

I see the above pic in a lavender colour.

I also use a henry mine is about 20 yrs old and was 2nd hand when I got it. my dad gave it to me from his work place as it was used to clean the offices.

It is still going strong with incredible suction and has never needed a part replacing.

They will last for an eternity and the plastic is very good quality.> Mine has fallen downstairs and allsorts and got a away with a few scratches.

Glad you like your Numatic!