Royal 9700 versus Royal 1020z

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william

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 25, 2016
Messages
50
Location
Philadelphia
Can anyone tell me the main differences of these two models from the 90's? Which one is preferable for standard home cleaning? Looking for some opinions on these Royals! Thanks!

Bill
 
william

Bill,

The 9700 was a "master-class" (hence being a part of the "Preferred" ensemble) equivalent of the model 994/996 household upright produced from 1990-1995, and had a 7 amp (non drop in) motor. Later examples had a BPI (brush roll performance indicator) light which showed if the brush roll and belt were functioning properly, so make sure the brush roll in it is correct.

The 1020(Z) was a heavy duty commercial upright produced from 1995-2002, and had a 10 amp drop in "screamer" motor. It replaced the 670(Z) which like the 9700 had used the 7 amp (non drop in) motor. Some 1020s had a shake-out bag on them; these of course lacked the "Z" suffix ("Z" = zipper denim bag for disposable paper bags).

Both machines used brush rolls with double bristles and stiffeners.

~Ben
 
Ben and others.....

I have an opportunity to buy the 9700. I found one
With a serial G90022786A
For around $160. Somewhat concerned that it is an early version rather than a later year but it is shiny in good condition. What do you think? Should I grab it or wait for a later version of the same model?
Bill
 
Ben and others.....

I have an opportunity to buy the 9700. I found one
With a serial G90022786A
For around $160. Somewhat concerned that it is an early version rather than a later year but it is shiny in good condition. What do you think? Should I grab it or wait for a later version of the same model?
Bill
 
william

Bill,

Yes, I would like to see you purchase that 9700 because of how rare that first-year model is. The one you found was made in July 1990.

Back then, it looked similar to the model 9089.

The only problem might be with the brush roll if it requires replacement, since the old-style square-end brush rolls have been deleted from TTI's inventory recently.

~Ben

kirbyclassiciii-2016033015493108963_1.jpg
 
9 blade propeller or 6?

Ben,
I bought the 9700. Hoping my newly acquired unit has the 9 blade. Do you think it does with the July date of 1990?
Is there any way to tell without breaking it down?

Bill
 
william

Bill,

Yes - all 9700s will have nine-blade impeller fans. The way it attaches to the armature is different than with all the pre-1990 Royals: it slips on rather than being screwed on in reverse.

This is what your 9700 would sound like:


BTW, good luck on finding an original outer bag for this machine! The model 4000 and 4008 (both of them pre-2002) have the same bag.

~Ben[this post was last edited: 3/31/2016-15:25]
 
Excellent Content!

Boy, I love this website! I learn so much from you veterans and everyone is so helpful! Just saw these posts. I appreciate it very much. I may need to source bulbs for the indicator light Ben was referring to. Are these readily available somewhere? Not sure what type it is. Great videos! Watched each one. Poor James Dyson. He must be unhappy to lose that battle to Royal!

I will post pictures after I get it up and running. I intend to do some polishing and to take great care of these units (I guess Aluminum polish?). I find myself creating a collection which was not my original intent but you all inspire me with these wonderful stories of pride and adventure. I can't help myself! I hope my wife won't leave me LOL!

Bill
 
Brushroll Performance Indicator (BPI)...

The BPI indicator light is not a light bulb, but a green colored LED which should never burn out! So if it doesn't light, there are several possibilities:


 


1. The Brushroll is not spinning because the belt is not properly engaged.


2. The Brushroll is not spinning because the belt is broken or missing.


3.The Brushroll is installed backward.


4. The Brushroll is the wrong one for the 9700. It may not have a magnet imbedded into the wood at one end. The magnet is what energizes the BPI light. AS the brushroll spins the magnet passes very closely to a tightly wound coil of wire on each revolution. This induces a small current in the coil which lights the LED.


5. If the brushroll bearings are imbedded with hair and dirt/crud, the brushroll may not reach full speed of approx. 3900 RPM. If not, the BPI will blink rapidly. I have seen brushrolls so clogged up with hair and gunk, that they are completely seized and won't spin at all.


 


Here is a very good video of how to replace the Belt and Brushroll on your Royal: 


 





 
 

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