Question on Windsor Vacuums

[cap10323]

Hi all, Cap10323 from YouTube again.

I last posted about being given a Hoover Concept 2, which ironically enough. 4 days after I posted that.. Blew the motor.. What fun.. Kept the DustBuster anyway though, So not a total loss..

Moving on.. Since then I had been given a Kenmore Progressive bagless machine.. It works pretty well and appears to be based on a Panasonic design.. However, The filtration is Abysmal... Like dangerously bad!

So I have decided to stop using it and buy a new/good used vacuum..

I really like Windsor Sensor machines, Several of my friends own them and they work great, They are also exceedingly well made and very tough.. Which is a must for me as I tend to abuse things.


However, They cost an arm and a leg.. I went to my local vacuum shop and took a look at some of the lower priced Sebo machines they had there.. Which appear to be close replicas of the Windsor machines.. Although the plastic seems much cheeper and the Owner of the vacuum store says they don't last nearly as long as the Windsors..


My Question goes as follows, does anyone know of a good place to buy Windsor machines Used/refurbished? I don't care if they are used/refurbished.. Not having a new vacuum doesn't bother me in the slightest..

All I'm saying is, I don't really feel like shelling out $600 for a vacuum cleaner..

Cheers all,
And sorry for long winded post.

Cap10323

 

[durango159]

You could check eBay. Also did you check all vacuum shops in your area to see if they have any refurbished Sebos and Windsors? I find these machines to be more commonplace to hotels and commercial environments than the average consumer home. But many businesses will have them beaten to the ground unworthy of repair before they buy a new one. They're not usually traded in used from a business.

I might also recommend, for an excellent cleaner, excellent filtration, and high quality with bonus of being built in America looking at Riccar and Simplicity. They have a variety of different machines with to fit different budgets and cleaning needs. All high quality built with metal base plates, sealed systems. Powerful, quiet, easy to use designs!!

I personally have experienced higher cleaning performance with Riccar and Simplicity over a Sebo/ Windsor. I think Sebo does ok for commercial grade low pile but not as good in a home with variety of surfaces. Just my experience.

 

[jade_angel]

The Sebo and Windsor uprights are actually made by the same folks (Sebo), though yeah, the plastic on the commercial models is probably higher-grade than that in the home models.

You might look on eBay if your local vacuum shops and thrift stores don't have anything useful. Also, as recommended above, consider looking at Riccar/Simplicity, or Miele - both are excellent (though I think the Miele S7 upright is a bit bulky and cumbersome and not as well-built as it should be - but it performs *very* well.)

 

[sebo_fan]

Try Craigslist - this seems to be quite popular in the U.S where Windsor uprights are posted. Second hand of course. Either that or one of the U.S members might help you.

 

[stricklybojack]

I have a Versamatic I would sell you for $80 plus shipping

It's been thoroughly cleaned, has a generic cord plug replacement, stands fine but does not lock itself upright. I would include plenty of extra bags (which in this pic i am using the bungie cord to fasten my bag supply to the rear of the machine). The power cord is nicked up but well taped. All the indicator lights work fine as i recall. This machine is largely made of very heavy industrial grade plastic so shipping could be cost prohibitive.
I cleaned up the machine (dishwasher) and have used it little since simply because so many other machines have kept me busy and i only get back to California on occasion. Which brings up the final consideration, i won't be back there until mid June.
i will happily consider trades too.
These Sebo/Windsor machines are commonly used but somewhat rarely found, go figure...

 

[suckolux]

We used to have one like that at work, great machine. Nice sound too.

 

[sebo_fan]

The owner is right about the SEBO range in a way - they're more dedicated for home use rather than commercial, which is why SEBO still produce the older X series based "G" upright in other parts of the world. But they're both pretty durable regardless - just a softer edge on the bin and hood. Underneath there's virtually no difference - both have metal kick plates BUT the SEBO X4 has more suction power.

 

[cap10323]

General ramblings

Thanks BoJack, I'll keep that in Mind! The Versamatics look nice.. But I've used many Sensor machines and really liked them... I've never even seen a versamatic in person.. So I have no idea what they are like..

I have been checking Craigslist regularly.. I actually found a versamatic in decent shape for $150, and a Sensor which was brand new and some delusional individual was trying to get $800 for it.. (They ain't that much new Mate!)

That Riccar Canister is pretty nice, Although I am not really looking for a canister as I already own an older Hoover "PortaPower" Which I use all the time and works fine for my needs..

Thanks again
Cap10323

 

[cap10323]

This one is on Ebay At the moment.. He says it's refurbished.. I Highly doubt that.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Windsor-Sensor-S12-Vacuum-/171219839381?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item27dd7f6995

 

[chris1234567897]

I got one

I actually got one of these at goodwill of all places but it was TOTALLY trashed, it has a bad motor and is missing it's back wheels. But it has a good hose and circuit board that controls the motor. Let me know if you need any parts from it.

 

[cap10323]

I don't think so Chris, I'm looking for a vacuum to replace my current one.. So I don't need any bits I don't think..

Cap10323

 

[sebo_fan]

Good lord, that's an awful ad.

"...This is refurbished to my standards. " I hate to think what standard the seller's home is at....

Steer clear whatever you do!

BTW the Versamatic is a bit quieter than the X/Windsor Sensor and you get manual height adjustment as you would with the S12.

Cap - is it the XP 12 model with auto sensor you're looking for or the manual height adjustment?

The Versamatic has a similar dust bag capacity but due to commercial origins, it is also available with a reuseable washable dust bag as well as the paper disposables.

 

[sebo_fan]

Cap - on EBAY.com at the moment there are a few SEBO uprights listed that are below the $600:

131087731769 SEBO Essential G - same as the S12 but brand new and has a green hood - it is exactly the same the S12 and uses the same older, more durable body as the Windsors. As you will see, the price is $495 best offer.

http://www.pjpmarketplace.com/Windsor-Sensor-XP12-Upright-Vacuum-p/299078.htm

$530-99

 

[cap10323]

Sebo_Fan, I am definitely looking for an S12.. Automatic height adjustment is just another thing to break In My opinion..

I see tons of them for $350-$600 But that is just out of my price range, And seeing as I don't require a new vacuum I don't see myself spending it..

I may very well post in the "Super-Market" Section a wanted ad, or perhaps post a wanted ad on Craigslist..

Cap10323

 

[sebo_fan]

Well mine has never broken in 15 years. Unless you are going over rough ground with it, you'll never break the auto sensor.

That G1 listing I gave (first one) looks like a superb deal -= it has manual height adjustment and it is brand new.

 

[bagintheback]

Anybody on eBay is going to be asking market price; one in good shape under $300 is going to be hard to find. This might sound crazy, but maybe you would have some luck calling local hotels. They might have some surplus they would be willing to sell. Speaking of surplus, I checked some government auction websites and couldn't find any Windsors. One will pop up someday....


 


 

 

[stricklybojack]

Consider the Hoover Insight...

it directly targets the Sebo you want in general appearance, function and features.
It comes in 13" ($450) and 15" ($500) versions, both from this same retailer, with free shipping.


http://www.allbrands.com/categories/2650/31934-hoover-ch50100-commercial-insight-100-upright-hepa

 

[stricklybojack]

GoVacuum video review...

Sebo vs Insight, *spoiler alert* he prefers the Hoover. See link below:

 

[cap10323]

Insight is nice, But Windsor is for me.

I also "Test drove" The Insight at my local Vac store.. Didn't like it.. Didn't clean half as well as the Windsor, And the brushroll is awful.. So It would be terrible on pet hair.. Which my house is full of..

I Am Going to keep looking on Craigslist, And E-Bay and see if I find anything..

Cap10323