Royal Metal Uprights - Narrow and Wide Wheels

[kirbyclassiciii]

I have thoughts about all Royal metal uprights.

On models with front wide wheels and rear narrow wheels, weight distribution is uneven (like if you had a power lawn mower with bigger rear wheels to aid in hilly areas), which is something I'd experienced while using my newly-acquired 1985 Royal 880 ("Stark Deluxe" printed on bag) compared to my 1988 Stark Deluxe 5000NA and my 1993 Royal 6103 Preferred Collection, both of which have wide wheels on all fours.

Bottom-tiered models through 1991 (also applicable to all top-tier and commercial-duty models through 1975) had narrow wheels on all fours and so weight distribution, like with all models having wide wheels on all fours, is not as bad as those models with the wide wheels up front and the narrow wheels in the back.

What are your thoughts on all Royals with... ?
A - Narrow wheels on all fours?
B - Wide wheels in front and narrow wheels in back?
C - Wide wheels on all fours?

~Ben

 

[nubz3760]

I just unboxed my Stark 880 a little bit ago. Honestly, I think the 880 is more stable than my 801, which has all narrow wheels. The 801 tends to tip towards the bag side. I am liking the 880, much more powerful than my 801, but my 801 may need bearings. I also got the headlight working on the stark, bulb was loose

 

[jfalberti]

That's a good question.

I have an 880 with wide wheels in the front and narrow in the back, and a newer machine that has wide wheels on all fours.  When I get home tonight, I'm gonna have to try them both, and see if I can tell a difference.  Speaking of the 880, mine is missing the deodorizer cover.  Anyone know where I can get a replacement?


 


Thanks,


 


Joe

 

[sanitaire]

maybe the wider wheels leave less tracks in the carpet....

 

[kenkart]

Very Definite Opinion!!!

The narrow wheels are 10000% better, i have used all of them, with any combination of wide wheels the machine will track sideways!! the old narrow wheel models run straight and true, I have a almost nib 880 that I never use because it is so aggravating, my old 801 is far superior.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Joe,

A replacement cover is part #R-028563 according to HESCO.

~Ben

http://www.elkypro.com/hoops2005/vacuum_parts/royal/994.html

 

[jfalberti]

Thanks Ben,

I really appreciate it.


 


Joe