Question on Windsor Vacuums

[cap10323]

Bagintheback

That's not a bad idea.. I've seen them on Craigslist before.. Multiple times.. (In Fact there are like 6 versamatics on there right now and one overpriced sensor)

So I'm sure I'll find one.. If Push comes to shove though.. I will most likely buy one new I suppose..

Heck, it's much better value for money than a Dyson!

Cap10323

 

[sebo_fan]

The U.S are lucky to have the G1/G2. SEBO UK stopped them ages ago and put the Felix based Dart commercial upright in its place, which is good but not the same as.

 

[stricklybojack]

This Sebo looks better to me...

then the Windsor version imo.
I link to a Lindhaus Diamante, what do you think about those machines Cap?

http://www.vcdiscounter.com/380e.html

 

[cap10323]

let me explain why I Want a Windsor and only a Windsor..

I have used many Windsors, and I Know they are Powerful, Work great on pet hair, Quiet, easy to use, etc..

I Don't know anything about these other machines that look similar to the Windsor..

So that is the reason I fully plan to purchase a Windsor machine, And not a look alike Hoover, Lindhaus, Etc..

Cap10323

 

[ultralux88]

Do keep one thing in mind, Sebo builds the Windsor uprights. So if you see a Sebo it's the same thing. I personally think the Sebo is a bit sturdier than the similar machines and seem to be a bit more 'perfected ' in some ways. All of the Sebos for household use are made of the same plastic as the Windsors making them basically commercial machines. I love selling them and I use mine all the time. I also personally love the automatic height adjustment too. I've got a few different models and I love them all really. They even had a Kenmore version called the Kenmore Professional 12 or 15. I've got the wider 15.

 

[ultralux88]

One advantage of trying for a Sebo is that it won't have been used commercially, meaning used Sebos are usually in much better shape than used Windsors. Here's a nice one I found.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/181305717801?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

 

[cap10323]

Plastics

The Sebo machines seem nice, Although Let me explain something about plastics.

The Sebo machines are exactly Identical, They use the same molds as the Windsor machines do.. However the plastic is different..

Sebo machines are Made of "PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)" Plastics, Where the Windsor machines Are made of "PP (Polypropylene)" plastics..

PET Plastic when hit or dropped shatters and Cracks.. PP Plastic is much more durable and is shatter proof.. If you don't believe me.. Hit a Shop vac bucket or Dyson Bin with a hammer as hard as you can.. It won't break.. it wont even crack.

Cap10323

 

[ultralux88]

I've always been told they use the same plastic on both brands. But either way I never see the housings on the Sebo brake even when people really abuse them. As far as I knew Sebos are made of ABS, I know the bag housing, both the cover and main housing are as well as the hood on the base for sure. And I just looked for curiousity at the gray bag door on the Sebo canister and it's made of PP. I'll have to wait and take one apart again to see what the main base of the machine is. I'm sure it will either be ABS or PP.

 

[sebo_fan]

Thing is Cap, you've obviously made up your mind what you want even if the SEBO models are the same. As the owner of both models, the X1A and the SEBOX X series are very similar and near identical as you say. The X1A is more or less the same as Windsor's series bar the colour.

The G1/G2 is closer to the Windsors in terms of looks right down to the grey doors etc.

I'd say that in both cases, both are as durable as one another - both X1 Automatic and the X4 but even if other members say so, if you have your heart set on a Windsor upright and nothing else, then i respect that.

 

[cap10323]

I suppose you are right... I guess I do..

I really need to go back to the Vac Shop I think and look at some of the Sebos in greater detail perhaps..

I am One who values reliability and performance over looks 100% that's why I originally thought "Windsor! Windsor Make machines that are built like tanks!" and Went off of a search for one of them..

Speaking of which, Member "Electroluxxxx" Replied to my Thread in the "Super Market" Section saying he has one for sale if I just call him.. He won't give me pictures or anything.. Just that I have to call him..

I might very well do what he asks I suppose.. But It makes me a bit wary..

Cap10323

 

[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

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