Panasonic modification

[motojoejo]

In my small collection is a Panasonic MC-5115. I'm clueless of the year its made but its near mint condition. For the most part I love it; its simple, great suction, and very easy on the ears. My problem is the front is a self adjusting floating brush roll part. Its just too light so it just doesn't seem to get deep into carpet but graze the top.

I'm toying with the idea of adding weight to the base. There is an empty compartment space behind the brush roll and I've got small lead weights used in pianos to epoxy in. I was curious to see if anyone has tried something like this and its effectiveness.

 

[kirbykid]

i havent really done it, what i did is i ductaped a ten pound wait to the front of a vacuum like that before

 

[motojoejo]

I'm not thinking of 10 lbs. of weight. Maybe more like 50-100 grams. These lead weights are meant for piano keys so they are about the size of peppermint candy. I was thinking in terms of adding weight to the base to give the same weight as a canister power head.

 

[mark40511]

Hmmm - I do know exactly what you mean. I don't know about a vacuum, but I did this with a hoover steamvac Jr. Added a weight to the top of it so it would extract more water and it worked great. But the brushes are floating (Unlike the vacuum) so I do not know.

 

[kirbylux77]

Josef

Before you go about adding weights, can I suggest a much simpler solution? I have a couple of these Panasonic uprights, as well as a Sanyo Performax, that has a couple of small wheels built into the brushroll bottom plate. I have found that removing those wheels will make the brushroll groom the carpet a little bit better.

Plus, even though you say it's in mint condition, I would also consult with a dealer to see whether you need new brush strips for your brushroll. If they are worn enough, that would also explain why you aren't feeling the brushroll groom the carpet as aggressively as you may like.

Hope this helps you out.

Rob

 

[motojoejo]

This model doesn't have any wheels in the front to remove. Also I installed a new brush roll last year so I don't think that's the issue.

I'm not really keen on dealing with the local dealer since he's kind of known as a rip off artist.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I have wanted to ad weight to mine as well. I never thought this line of panasonic did a very good job. The line before and after were great machines. This model does not have removeable brush strips so a whole new brush roll might help but I doubt it. I bet little weights would help. I can tell you a vac shop friend of mine in the area did the same thing with his elux uprights and he said it made a world of difference with that.