Eureka Bravo uprights
These machines IMO aren't as bad as some make them out to be. Yes they are noisy due to the dirty air design and exposed motor cooling. The lower amp units or higher end deluxe models were quieter and actually those deluxe units had some steps to deaden sound like a foam piece built into the handle and another foam/metal piece that sat housed in actual motor housing.
The single biggest failure item is the fan end roller bearing. This is especially true on the newer higher 11 and 12 amp models. I have saved hundreds from death by simply re-packing the upper and lower ball bearings when they start to sound dry or noisy.
The fans on the majority of these are actually cream colored nylon and last a long time unless one severely abused the machine and sucks up rocks etc. The wheels are held on with metal shafts and seem to last quite a while, especially if they are properly lubricated. The tool caddy was attached very well on the handle assembly and the outer bag is fixed into place with two upper torx screws and the bottom portion slides into two side clips and the one long screw keeps both the handle and bag from moving up and off.
Having worked on both many Bravos and Elites I would say they each have their weaknesses and strengths and both can be a good machine overall.
The Bravos have better original factory fans. Elites are almost always bad when we get them. The newer replacement fans
The Bravos have the attachment and bag assembly attached better than how the Elites did it with plastic clips on certain models
The Elites seemed to save more stout motors and bearings but they too are getting old and need re=packing often
The newer mid to late 90's Elites used plastic wheel shafts that wore quickly
Both Bravo and Elite's have fragile plastic fan housings that can develop holes easily if something sharp or hard is picked up
The Bravos in 11 and 12 AMP guise on certain models are louder than the Elites if they don't have the sounded deadening
As mentioned the Bravo has a larger capacity bag that is a bit easier to change than the side zipper on the Elites
The late 1980's Original non tool Elite was a pretty stout machine and is usually found with a light green hood and white outer bag but you're stuck with a short 18' cord unless it is swapped out
Both machines can have their power cords swapped out with longer versions and each use there own unique end that plugs into the motor housing with Hoover making two different styles for 12 AMP and lower amp machines
Hoover wins for attachments in the newer versions with the Bravos using the rather cheap combo brush/upholstery tool but the Bravo counters with a larger diameter hose on most models
Bother do a fantastic job cleaning the carpet assuming a fresh belt is installed and the brush strips are in good shape
