Question on Windsor Vacuums

[durango159]

Electoluxxx is a great guy. Very trustworthy. I know Mike personally! No worries there.

You might also check vacuum shops local to you and see if they have any refurbed units!

 

[sebo_fan]

Well, Windsor don't technically make the Sensor or any of their uprights. I don't even think they make the cylinder/round canister tubs, either?

In Germany the old X1 based commercial uprights are available under XP1/2 & 3 with three different floor head sizes. Shame we don't get them in the UK. We get the X5 which has the 1300 watt motor though.

 

[cap10323]

Ohh, Alright.. I've dealt with so many Nutjobs and Weirdos through Craigslist it's not even funny.. So When Someone asks me to call them I get a bit jumpy..

I've seen some of the Wider Sensors around for not that much.. My House is really small though.. A Big vacuum is very awkward to maneuver about in it though..

Cap10323

 

[sebo_fan]

Totally off topic but also with Windsor - I note that in the U.S Windsor also sell Sebo's Felix upright but they have had two models, the Axcess and the Flexamatic, Flexamatic seems to be the old name for the Dart/Felix based model - I don't know if you have seen those or not.

Karcher ALSO have their own version of the SEBO FELIX but again this seems to be a U.S model only and not sold in the U.K.

 

[cap10323]

Felix

I was actually watching some YouTube Videos on the Felix last night.. They look nice, Perfect for someone who needs a light machine with a good bit of power..

I am not a fan of Dual motor systems though.. I prefer the motor of the vacuum spinning the brushroll.. Is that dislike granted? or am I just biased?


Cap10323

 

[sebo_fan]

The Felix isn't light by any means - the power nozzle alone adds considerable weight IMHO and the dust bag is smaller than the X.

The main problem with the Felix is that the exhaust filter blows too much hot air when speed is increased and you'd get that all the time with the fixed commercial upright models unless variable speed is fitted. To be honest though I don't use the high speed much and find that low speed is enough for instant pick up. It is so different to the X/Sensor models because it swivels around corners and isn't as slim as the X either. But I do like it. I find it a versatile vacuum and I often switch the PN for a suction only floor head for my hard floors. It's a great "kitchen vac" as I can go around worktops with the short hose down the side.

It is however great for a small to medium "flat" rather than a home with stairs. Certainly if you have tons of furniture to get around, the Felix is a good alternative.

Sometimes I think members on here should provide photos of their living room etc when they are asking for a good vacuum. We tend to base everything on spec rather than actual use.

Dual motors comes down to personal choice. The Felix offers brush roll on/off function which the more traditional, older X models don't as yet provide. You also get manual 4 height adjustment on the Felix.

 

[turbo500]

Is that dislike granted? or am I just biased?

You're just biased.

Please don't take this in an offensive way, but I think maybe you're being blinded by your Windsor experience. The Sebo and Windsor cleaners are pretty much exactly the same - they're certainly exactly the same in day to day use and performance.

The Felix is essentially like using a canister with a powerhead, but in the upright position - high suction power combined with a motor driven brushroll that really gets deep into the carpet pile. Despite my preference of the X range, I honestly think the Felix has greater suction power through the hose. It's ideal for homes with lots of nooks and crannies, small homes or homes with lots of different flooring. And, of course, it's very solidly built. My Mum has one and she absolutely loves it.

Why not try going to your local vac shop or showroom and trying a few out before making a decision on which is best for your home?

 

[cap10323]

Blinded by Windsor experience.

You could very well be right about that.. I'll go down to the Local Vacuum store and take a look around in a few days (It's -30F outside) and See what I like.. I know he's a Sebo Dealer, So I'm Sure he has Felix machines in stock..

Thanks for the input guys! I very well might still buy a Windsor Sensor.. But I am also going to look at some other options methinks!

Cap10323

 

[cap10323]

CATASTROPHE!

About 25 minutes after that last post I made.. I got out my current vacuum, Which is a 1983 Hoover Concept One and was going to vacuum my house with it as people are coming over later..

I turned it on and it wouldn't drive.. there was an audible strain on the motor and I could smell belts melting..

Turns out The mounting points on the replacement plastic transmission I had bought (The old metal one failed about a year ago) snapped off.. Causing the transmission to come into contact with the housing..

I simply removed the whole transmission and taped up the metal supports so they won't drag on the ground.. The vacuum still works.. But I doubt it's long for this world in this state..

 

[cap10323]

Another Picture of the busted mounts

.

 

[cap10323]

Taped up

.

 

[bagintheback]

Here's One!

This is a Sebo/Windsor relabeled as a Kenmore. It needs a bit of cleaning, but you can't beat the price! 



http://www.ebay.com/itm/NICE-KENMOR...725?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5afad29e4d

 

[cap10323]

Kenmore

I might have to make an Ebay Account for that!

I really like the color too..

Cap10323

 

[stricklybojack]

Another like it...

in vastly better condition with free shipping. The current bid is also much higher. If these prices held i still feel this may be the better value of these two ebay auctions.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181305717801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[cap10323]

I Know This might sound very odd to you.. but in terms of looks anyway, I personally like the Kenmore more.. I also like the fact it's a matte finish and not a shiny finish..

Call me weird..

I am going to make a PayPal Account tomorrow morning and then start watching that Kenmore.. I bet you If I swing this right.. I can get it for under $80..

Cap10323

 

[sebo_fan]

Cap - did you get/win the Kenmore?

 

[stricklybojack]

Well if he didn't...

here's another on Ebay right now see link.
Not gonna call you weird Cap, in this case we differ though. My weirdest vac taste choice would probably be the ultra rare all metal metal commercial Oreck canister, or the Oreck Dual Stack upright, (pics on the way)...actually i sorta have a soft spot for anyting Oreck and it just ain't right. I also held my nose and bought a Hoover WindTunnel as my most recent Thrift Store fixer and next thing i knew it was a daily driver.

Hard tellin' not knowin'

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sebo-AUTOMA...3266&pid=100011&prg=8532&rk=0&rkt=10&sd=18130

 

[stricklybojack]

Dual Stack pic

Don't own one yet...

 

[stricklybojack]

Oreck Pt57b Stainless Steel with Enamel paint

Never saw one other than online janitorial supply joints...i think only old stock now remains as very few are now on offer.

 

[sebo_fan]

Thing is, though at the end of the day, a collector can buy what they want. I can see Cap's point in this - after all, I only just sold my well cared for SEBO X4 a month ago - and I have no intention of buying another X4 ever again - much prefer my old X1 Automatic, which is like the Kenmore that Cap was after on EBAY.

That used X4 looks great until you see the sides of it. Oh my!