Rainbow Power Nozzles Since 1974

[kirbyclassiciii]

Rainbow power nozzle battle:

Could anyone please tell me which of the Rainbow power nozzles supplied since 1974 is the most reliable???

The timeline of power nozzles:
R-1024 (by Eureka) (1974 to March 1981)
R-1650 (April 1981 to 1986)
R-2800 (1986 to 1990)
R-4375 (1990 to 1994)
PN-2 (1994 to 1998)
PN-2E (1998 to present)

The R-1024 is where I begin because it is a very common design. It was made by Eureka for its own Roto-Matic Power Team canister units from 1972-1990 and it was also supplied to other D2D vacuum companies such as Fairfax and Compact/TriStar.

I do not so much favor the PN-2 and subsequent PN-2E basically because of them being a bit too short in width compared to the R-1024 and the R-1650.

What do you say about this, Rainbow fanatics?

~Ben

 

[kirbysthebest]

I am agreement with you.
The Eureka sourced PN is very dependable and effective.

My only complaint is the flex elbow hose that is always cracking or pulling off. (If you have any suggestions, they are appreciated.) Other than than it has been flawless for the last 37 years with only belt and brush replacements.

 

[williamr1248]

Rainbow power nozzles since 1974

Not sure what model number I had but it came with my Rainbow SE That I bought new in 1992. Here is what I did not like about that power nozzle:

(1) too wide and bulky
(2) the head flopped around from side to side
(3) the hose did not lock onto the wand,so it was always pulling apart in use
(4) no light
(5) would not stand up by itsef-always faling over
(6) had an extra plug-in at the top of wand and at the machine
(7) had 2 sets of wands to mess with-one for the power nozzle and one for the floor brush

Good points:
(1) no problems with the motor after 18 years
(2) only replaced the belt a few times

Now my favorite is the new Back Rainbow power nozzle design

(1) direct connect at both the hose handle and machine
(2) smaller more compact design-can get between furiture easier
(3) led lights on front
(4) IT STANDS BY ITSELF
(5) active brush eadge cleaners-work wonders around chair legs and next to baseboards
(6) easier to remove bottom plate
(7) ONE hose and set of electric wands and step-on power nozzle release
(8) power nozzle can be used with hose end,one or both wands
(9) off/on switch right on hose handle-brush can be stooped at the end of a light weight rug
(10) steerable to go around corners and furniture
(11) new scratch resistant cover with padded foot release
(12) bigger wheels and rubber covered to not mar highly polished floors
(12) better bottom channel design for increased air flow and better air flow seal
(13) very quiet operation

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

@williamr1248
The original PN for your '92 Rainbow was model R-4375. It was the last in the design going back to the R-1650 of mid-1981.

I also want to know whether or not any Eureka lighted power nozzles were ever brought in for conversion to the 3-wire setup during the '70s-'80s.

~Ben

 

[constellation86]

I still have a R-1650A ser number 019323 that still runs like new. It is from April 1981 it must be pretty early.
I had to convert it to a two wire cord when the D3A died, and I think it is on it's second belt. But at this rate it should outlive me
Nicholas

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

D3A and D3C

Nick (constellation86),

The D3C replaced the D3A in late 1981, and on that version the PN receptacle was changed back to the 2-wire version that the very first D2s had. Because of that change the R-1650A became the R-1650C. So try to find an R-1650C for it has the 2-wire cord.

~Ben

 

[constellation86]

Was there ever a D3B? I have seen pictures in the owners manual that have the two wire socket but the older white backround with black bars colors that the D3A had. Was this never sold to the public? Or was it just out for a very short time?
Also was the suction adjustment added to the nozzle at the same time as they changed from the R-1605A to the R-1605C?
Nicholas

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

D3B

The D3B was the early Canadian market version of models D3A and D3C. Over there, the R-1650 PN variation was type B.

~Ben