Royal 9700

[ed]

Hi everyone,

This is my second post on this site but I'll include my first as it may be relevant:

"Hello everyone, I'm Ed and I'm new here

My cheap plastic vacuum cleaner died, and in the course of researching for a replacement, I was sucked into a rabbit hole of unending options and countless reviews. I came across this site while researching, and well, I've found it very helpful. What a wonderful little corner of the internet this is! Very pleasant reading.

Anyway, I would appreciate some advice. I've narrowed down two options from eBay and would like to know more about them, if possible.

One is a Royal 6005, and its listing only states that it has only been in an office environment, but no real age/serial# given.

The other is a Royal 9700 serial# A93B228234.

I would prefer a machine with type B bags, and if possible, the "non-drop-in," slightly quieter motor. In any case, I might be leaning toward the 9700 but I'd still love to hear your thoughts. If anyone has any opinions or information regarding these two machines, or anything for sale with my preferences, I'd really appreciate your input.

Thank you for your time, and for keeping up this site.

-Ed in Los Angeles"

So after researching more, I went ahead and purchased the 9700-- which seems in good condition-- for what I think was a fair price.

It seems this model is very well regarded, so I'm wondering if any of you who also own/are familiar with it can share some comments/opinions/experiences/advice with them?

I'm actually excited now over an old vacuum cleaner-- up until a day or two ago I didn't think that was possible! I don't think I have desire to collect them; however, but I can see why others would-- they really can be beautiful pieces of industrial design.

Thanks again,
Ed

 

[human]

Careful, Ed...

That Royal just could be the proverbial camel's nose under the tent!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

ed

Ed,

Both machines do have that motor design you're speaking of. Although, the 6005 is the quieter of the two... if it was made before March 1990 and has the six-blade impeller fan. It also has the old-style "Rite-Hite" screw-type adjuster, which several Royal fanatics say is better than the "Au-Toe-Matic" your 9700 has.

The 9700, of which the one you found was made in January 1993, has a BSI (brush speed indicator) light that lets you know the brush roll is working properly; if it goes out either the brush or belt will need to be checked (most likely you'll need a new belt if this happens; order part no. 3672260001). Also, the brush roll itself (part no. 2673274000) should have a magnet in order to jibe with the green light.

~Ben[this post was last edited: 8/23/2016-19:27]

 

[ed]

human,

Luckily, tight quarters and budgets at the moment prevent me from fantasizing about collecting anything, really. But I do consider myself something of an aesthete, and I appreciate durable and no-nonsense design. I'm hoping this vacuum will last me a long time, and I'll keep it shiny, because it sure is good-looking

 

[ed]

Ben,

Thank you for the information.

After a lot of research, I did expect what you described about the 6005. I contacted the seller and asked about the bags the 6005 uses, and it takes Type A/F&G bags. I would prefer Type B because Royal still makes them, and in HEPA which I prefer due to allergies. Type A HEPA bags are difficult to find, unlike Type B.

And about the Au-Toe-Matic adjuster-- it's not an issue at all. From what I've read it's still one of the better adjusters because it doesn't have set increments. I'll be glad to adjust height without bending over, also.

In any case, it seems the 9700 will be head-and-shoulders above the dead vac in every way... I'll post a pic when it comes (to its new) home.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

ed

Ed,

You are welcome!

Again, if you need any of these replacement parts, order as needed:
3672260001 - three 1672260001 belts
2673274000 - brush roll with stiffeners and BSI (brush speed indicator) magnet
3871075001 - three 1871075001 Type "B" HEPA paper bags
1880629000 - headlight bulb

~Ben

 

[ed]

Ben,

Thanks! I'll save this elsewhere for quick reference.

 

[vac-o-matic]

Bags

Ed, I'd go to a local independent vacuum store to buy bags. You should be able to find at least micro-filtration bags in the F&G configuration.