NZ Electrolux machines

[cheesewonton]

I'd definitely be grabbing that 346 and the 820 at those prices. We did get the 346 in Aus as well, I dismantled one years ago and it was the same colours.

With the 820, a common fault with those is that the power cord for the powerhead breaks where it connects to the machine end of the hose - if it is still working i'd recommend using a cable tie or something to hold it to the hose end and stop it flexing back and forth.

I'd be interested to see your Husqvarna, if it's the one that I'm thinking of it could be similar to some of the 'Eureka' branded vacuums we had in Aus, in the 1990s.

Buy the K-35 hose. It has the wires inside the hose. There is a short pig tail from the hose to the canister and a plug with an on off switch on the hose handle for the cord that runs down the back of the wand to the power nozzle.

https://www.ebay.de/itm/28668312933...R1RGfqqAo1r3hDpv/D3wlIDQ==|tkp:Bk9SR6yK7bWVZg

 

[cheesewonton]

There is also this little gem, an adapter that lets you run your D820 with the electric hose from a Lux Intelligence Premium or the Powerprof electric hose. They you use the nice all metal Intelligence telescopic wand and a choice of Lux PB1 or Sebo ET2 power nozzles.

https://www.ebay.de/itm/31661723139...i1ho90tnE0CAKIr/K8NdjtiA==|tkp:Bk9SR7LQhLaVZg

 

[eluxfan71]

All of the plastics in the Sauber models seem to be very poor - the difference between a Lux 1 and the Sauber internally is like night and day - the sauber motor is just a single stage unit that is also used in wertheim, pullman, hoover and other backpack vacuums - definitely NOT a lux product. The plastics used in the base, lid and throughout the sauber are so thin and brittle that you can snap them by hand, or they shatter if exposed to shock. I tried to dismantle a sauber and things just ended up breaking apart, definitely not the sort of high quality thick ABS plastics used in the last of the Lux 1 Royal / 820 models. I wouldn't be surprised if the Sauber intelligence is one of the reasons that Godfreys went bust, so many warranty claims and pissed off customers who found bits of their $1500 vacuum would snap/break/shatter so easily. I didn't recongnise much Lux / Electrolux internals inside the Sauber. Most Saubers are now being sold on marketplace for $200 or less.

Thinking out loud, but because the Sauber was sold through Godfreys and it shares components with Wertheim/Pullman/Hoover vacs, would it have been commissioned by Godfreys and built by Wertheim etc? I remember when they first came out, Godfreys had old Electrolux 300 / 700 series vacs on display next to them in stores and were touting the Sauber intelligence range as the successor to the Electrolux vacs and a high quality vacuum that were just as good. Ironically you'd now pay more for a good / restored Electrolux than a Sauber.

I made the same experience with the European Lux Intelligence…the plastic is very thin and it breaks easily. So for me it has nothing to do with Electrolux AB anymore. They were designed completely different to what i know from Electrolux.
The vacuums cleaners sold here as Electrolux (ultra one for example) at the same time, were made much better with high quality plastics.

 

[cheesewonton]

I made the same experience with the European Lux Intelligence…the plastic is very thin and it breaks easily. So for me it has nothing to do with Electrolux AB anymore. They were designed completely different to what i know from Electrolux.
The vacuums cleaners sold here as Electrolux (ultra one for example) at the same time, were made much better with high quality plastics.

I have a close cousin the Ultra Silencer. Really nice piece of equipment though complicated to disassemble for cleaning. In the US they came with a power nozzle but alas there are no longer any parts available for them. No brush rolls, no belts and genuine Electrolux filters are becoming hard to find. Another beautiful vacuum I have to park for lack of normal wear items.

 

[eluxfan71]

I have a close cousin the Ultra Silencer. Really nice piece of equipment though complicated to disassemble for cleaning. In the US they came with a power nozzle but alas there are no longer any parts available for them. No brush rolls, no belts and genuine Electrolux filters are becoming hard to find. Another beautiful vacuum I have to park for lack of normal wear items.

We had the version with PN too. But here the „entry“ ultra one is still on sale. And the filters are the same as the new generations use, so no problem to get anything. On PN I don’t know, as it is good 10 years out of sale. But we don’t use PN as we nearly have only hard floors

 

[cheesewonton]

We had the version with PN too. But here the „entry“ ultra one is still on sale. And the filters are the same as the new generations use, so no problem to get anything. On PN I don’t know, as it is good 10 years out of sale. But we don’t use PN as we nearly have only hard floors

European Excellios and I believe some Volta Geminis could be ordered with a Wessel Werk EBK280. Also the Volta Mega. But they had one loooong cord from the power nozzle all the way up the wand and down the hose to the canister body.
A clever soul can put an Electrolux K35 hose from a D720 through D795 on the Volta Mega and Electrolux Z457 and run it with a Ze3 power nozzle.

 

[eluxfan71]

European Excellios and I believe some Volta Geminis could be ordered with a Wessel Werk EBK280. Also the Volta Mega. But they had one loooong cord from the power nozzle all the way up the wand and down the hose to the canister body.
A clever soul can put an Electrolux K35 hose from a D720 through D795 on the Volta Mega and Electrolux Z457 and run it with a Ze3 power nozzle.

 

[eluxfan71]

Yes right the PN and K35 was sold separately. But the K35 was not fitting the Volta Mega or the Excellio as they had an other hose connection with one button on the side. So the K35 was only sold as Lux.
But at that time there was also a rechargeable battery driven PN. Also the air driven was available

 

[eluxfan71]

Thanks for the photos and information. Until this thread I had only seen a UK AB Electrolux model list. Do you have a document showing the earlier Swedish cylinders, too? If so, I am interested in viewing it.

 

[cheesewonton]

An example of that very first Electrolux vacuum came up for sale late last year in Denmark on an internet auction site but it was local pick up only. No shipping. I don't think I would have remained married if I flew to Denmark to buy a vacuum so I had to let is slide.

 

[vacerator]

The Excellio for the USA, branded for Eureka as the Europa home cleaning system had a modified three wire coupling on the canister end, and the Eureka gas pump handle with a three position switch. Power on, off, and brush on. Rather than the wireless remote control, the motor speed is regulated by the red slider on the top. When this handle was used on the subsequent Oxygen series, the red slider was an air bleeder. The switch was only a two position for the beater brush. Main power was on the canister. A sliding electronic speed control is on the top for models 6997, and the first series 6998. Later model had the speed control handle mounted.

 

[cheesewonton]

The Excellio for the USA, branded for Eureka as the Europa home cleaning system had a modified three wire coupling on the canister end, and the Eureka gas pump handle with a three position switch. Power on, off, and brush on. Rather than the wireless remote control, the motor speed is regulated by the red slider on the top. When this handle was used on the subsequent Oxygen series, the red slider was an air bleeder. The switch was only a two position for the beater brush. Main power was on the canister. A sliding electronic speed control is on the top for models 6997, and the first series 6998. Later model had the speed control handle mounted.

The Eureka 6984 "Home Cleaning System" also had the sliding power control and three position rocker switch on its hose. I have one. The identical looking 6982 hose has a mechanical air bleeder and a simple two position rocker switch to turn the power nozzle on and off. I have one of those too. Like I said, I'm weird for these European Eureka models. The Eureka version of the Excellio is way up there on my Holy Grail list.

 

[vacerator]

I admire the euro Eureka's too. Sadly the only one I have is the first series blue Oxygen 6997. I regret not buying the Excellio version when I saw it new. I guess I like it because it's more Miele looking. When our central vac needed a new power unit, I wanted a Miele C-3 Mari blue, Red complete, or black Brilliant, but I was shot down.

 

[paul]

Thanks

 

[tonynz]

tonynz, your collection looks terrific. Are those neon green electroluxs resprayed 328's or a different model. I guess they were either resprayed by Godfrey's or a sub colour of 328.

Hi ya, just had a cleanup on the spare room and can give you a bit more info on the green Electrolux (I literally couldn't get to them before lol). The lime green model is model number 336, made in NZ (I think it's D336 but the badge is partly covered by its clip). They are basically just a later version of the 328, seems to have exactly the same body design, but has a 850w motor (all of the 328's I have are 700w motors), and an updated power cable and plug. It came with the same braided hose as the 328, but it's plain off white. I'd never seen this colour until I came across one for sale. I also have a quite rare blue and white model that i think is an updated version of the orange and white 333 (cord-o-matic), unfortunately it's currently in storage so I cant grab its model.

Now I can actually get into the spare room, I have a small mountain of Electrolux, Hoover and Kirby's to restore

 

[centralsweeper63]

I believe that that those lime green machines might be the green remake of the 328 that is mentioned in the NZ Electrolux timeline. That would mean they were sold alongside the 720 and 725 as the basic option. Your blue 346 ( I think) would be the model to go with the 735. DDK848, that model would be sold alongside the 740 and possibly the 745. I was also wondering why all of the Electrolux machines from the 80s/90s have a sticker that says "quality control passed 557". They always say 557, never a different number. TonyNZ, what is your email address. I have a few questions for you.

 

[tonynz]

I believe that that those lime green machines might be the green remake of the 328 that is mentioned in the NZ Electrolux timeline. That would mean they were sold alongside the 720 and 725 as the basic option. Your blue 346 ( I think) would be the model to go with the 735. DDK848, that model would be sold alongside the 740 and possibly the 745. I was also wondering why all of the Electrolux machines from the 80s/90s have a sticker that says "quality control passed 557". They always say 557, never a different number. TonyNZ, what is your email address. I have a few questions for you.

Sure, sent via private message

 

[cheesewonton]

Hi ya, just had a cleanup on the spare room and can give you a bit more info on the green Electrolux (I literally couldn't get to them before lol). The lime green model is model number 336, made in NZ (I think it's D336 but the badge is partly covered by its clip). They are basically just a later version of the 328, seems to have exactly the same body design, but has a 850w motor (all of the 328's I have are 700w motors), and an updated power cable and plug. It came with the same braided hose as the 328, but it's plain off white. I'd never seen this colour until I came across one for sale. I also have a quite rare blue and white model that i think is an updated version of the orange and white 333 (cord-o-matic), unfortunately it's currently in storage so I cant grab its model.

Now I can actually get into the spare room, I have a small mountain of Electrolux, Hoover and Kirby's to restore

Interesting bag door. Never saw that before. Always something new to learn here.

 

[tonynz]

Interesting bag door. Never saw that before. Always something new to learn here.

Seems to be somewhat standard for the NZ made models, quite simple, but obviously stands the test of time pretty well . From memory there should also be a foam or rubber ring around the inlet like the attached photo of a 338 (Ambassador), but I'm not sure if the cheaper models had it too, none of the 333/336/328 machines I have one fitted (they do break down & fall off so they might just be missing). This ring just seemed to help seal the disposable bag if you use one.

 

[cheesewonton]

Seems to be somewhat standard for the NZ made models, quite simple, but obviously stands the test of time pretty well . From memory there should also be a foam or rubber ring around the inlet like the attached photo of a 338 (Ambassador), but I'm not sure if the cheaper models had it too, none of the 333/336/328 machines I have one fitted (they do break down & fall off so they might just be missing). This ring just seemed to help seal the disposable bag if you use one.

Very different from the D720-D745 that came right after these. That is a beautiful restoration btw. I was magnifying the images and enjoying your work.

 

[auslux708090d2d]

Hi Tony,
Thanks for posting about this machine, we have them here in Australia made in NZ which is interesting considering that the glen waverly Victoria factory was still making Electrolux canister vacuums, we have a red Volta named the red devil very similar in appearance but more updated switches and air grille, so possibly these were being made in Victoria whilst we imported the green version from NZ, I remember that my neighbour ran over his mother’s 1960s Electrolux whilst cleaning the car and purchased his mother this machine as a replacement which I still remember the box being black with green writing and I am sure it was called the green goblin model D338 a with a 850w motor, the hose whilst still fabric covered was now just plain off white, combo tool white handle other tools brown, the plug was marked with the Electrolux emblem as well,the internal area was covered with a black foam which unfortunately is disintegrating as we speak, this made the machine much quieter than previous models which were not load to start with, I have only one example of this machine and rarely see them offered for sale ,this replaced the ambassador which was mostly white with touches of blue like the air escape/ combo tool holder blue fleck in the hose blue writing etc,in regards to the blue vacuum you mentioned, when I was in my late teens I purchased a new Electrolux that was mostly navy blue instead of the ambassador white, possibly white contrast and this machine was the first to introduce the plastic hose I believe this followed production of the green d338 a and most likely made also in NZ , I spent a considerable amount of time talking to Electrolux sales staff in the cbd store and learned a lot, they regularly gave me freebies like the lemon smell pads that you placed on the exhaust filter , but something else they gave me was a salesman’s model identification book which was in colour and featured every Electrolux sold in Australia, which tools came with them which new items ( 1980s ) would fit them, something I really wish I still had , hope I didn’t go on to much, thank you

 

[centralsweeper63]

I forgot to say that NZ Electrolux serial numbers are 7 digits and are read as follows, first digit indicates last number in the year, the next two numbers are the week and the remaining numbers are the number of that model to come off the production line. E.G. an electrolux d338 with the model number 2018467 means it was made in the 1st week of 1982 and is the 8467th example produced.

 

[auslux708090d2d]

I forgot to say that NZ Electrolux serial numbers are 7 digits and are read as follows, first digit indicates last number in the year, the next two numbers are the week and the remaining numbers are the number of that model to come off the production line. E.G. an electrolux d338 with the model number 2018467 means it was made in the 1st week of 1982 and is the 8467th example produced.

 

[auslux708090d2d]

Hope you read this, might need to retake it in day light lol

 

[tonynz]

I forgot to say that NZ Electrolux serial numbers are 7 digits and are read as follows, first digit indicates last number in the year, the next two numbers are the week and the remaining numbers are the number of that model to come off the production line. E.G. an electrolux d338 with the model number 2018467 means it was made in the 1st week of 1982 and is the 8467th example produced.

Thanks for that, I remember hearing there was a was to decode the serial number to get the build date but I'd not actually looked into it
Now I'm genuinely interested, how would I read the date from my 336 (photo attached), the first digit is 8 (so obviously 1988), but the next two digits are "00", do you think it might have something to do with 1988 being a leap year?

 

[auslux708090d2d]

Thanks for that, I remember hearing there was a was to decode the serial number to get the build date but I'd not actually looked into it
Now I'm genuinely interested, how would I read the date from my 336 (photo attached), the first digit is 8 (so obviously 1988), but the next two digits are "00", do you think it might have something to do with 1988 being a leap year?

I noticed on my 338 the number started with 8 as well, I really thought they were older than that, but come to think about it, a neighbour purchased a ambassador around 1986 ( really testing my memory now lol) so I guess this was the proceeding model then the very rare ( in Australia) navy blue and white model with crushable hose being sold alongside the 7 series digital models, my 338 is near immaculate birthday present from a friend and I still haven’t used it, I can’t find where to buy paper bags anymore unfortunately, if you know please let me know, thanks in advance