SupraLite vs CleanMax

[anontemp123]

CleanMax is the commercial version of the SupraLite (and former Simplicity Freedom) vacuums. So I know about the warranty situation, but I was curious about other differences. Here is the pricing of similar models at my local shop.

R10E $300 ZM-200 $280
R10S $500 ZM-500 $330
R10P $800 ZM-700 $380

The main difference I can see just by looking at them is that the CleanMax models don't have a light.

The R10P and ZM-700 have metal brushrolls. The R10S also has a metal brushroll, while the ZM-500's is wooden. The Simplicity S10S has a wooden brushroll, too. Can I just replace the ZM-500 brushroll with the metal one myself?

So I know the R10P and ZM-700 have lifetime belts. The R10S also has a lifetime belt, while the ZM-500 does not. I can't just install a lifetime belt in the ZM-500, right? I was hoping maybe, because it has the same 2-speed motor as the ZM-700, that I could.

Is there any issue with the 2-speed motor? I mean, is the single speed motor less likely to break down? I like that the 2-speeds have the on-off switch on the handle.

The single speed motor seems to make more noise than the 2-speed motor, even on the high setting.

Does the auto-height adjustment wear out over time? If so, can it be renewed?

Lastly, I like how the brushroll propels the vacuum forward. However, does that mean these vacuums should only be moved in a forward direction? Will moving in a backward direction harm the vacuum in any way?

I'm excited to read any and all responses. There's quite a difference in price between the home and commercial models.

 

[panasonicvac]

Yes you can swap out the wooden brushroll for the metal one on the ZM-500. However, you can't put in a lifetime belt on that model. You're better off to just get the ZM-700 instead. From when I was working at a few vacuum stores, I haven't found any issues with the two speed motors on these machines. Same goes for Oreck as well. Personally, I don't really use the lowest speed. You shouldn't ever have to worry about the automatic height adjuster, and so is moving the vacuum backwards.

 

[dysonman1]

The "P" (premium) models use a circuit board and hall sensor that has proven to be problematic. The rubber belt on the R10S model is changed once a year and is inexpensive AND you don't have a hall sensor. There IS a circuit board on the two speed models for the speed selection, but that doesn't really wear out. The brush turning in a forward direction with stiff bristles propels the machine forward. When you pull it back, it grooms the rug. Installing new brush bristles in the metal brush roller will cost almost as much with labor and parts as the wooden one. The wooden brush is preferred because it brings the dirt to the suction intake on both sides, the metal brush does not. Also when you replace the wooden brush roll, you get new bearings. When you put new brushes on the metal brush roll, you still have the old bearings.

 

[anontemp123]

I purchased the ZM-700 before dysonman1's response. I took in samples of our carpet and tested the hall sensor and checked out everything about the machine. But now I'm worried, maybe I should have gone with the wooden brushroll and regular belts.

I did find out the metal brushroll is hollow in the middle, so maybe it should be "metal" brushroll. I don't understand how the wooden brushroll will bring dirt in differently, the overall shape and size looked the same to me between the metal and wooden. I didn't think about labor cost when the sales rep was explaining that every part could be replaced in the brushroll, and also didn't think about new vs old bearings.

I know the SupraLite P has rubber wheels. I can't tell if the ZM-700 has the same wheels. The wheels seem plastic-y to me.

I'll see how it works over time as I get feedback from our staff. In a month or two, we will know if it was the right vacuum for us. We have very high volume, so that's why the "lifetime" belt was appealing to me.

 

[panasonicvac]

Honestly, I've never had a problem with the lifetime belts and the hall sensors on these machines. But that's just in my area. And honestly, I prefer to have both of those features if I were to buy a Supralite or a Freedom. Occasionally I'd accidentally vacuum up something I shouldn't like bed covers and changing the belts out can get tiring. Many consumers would agree. Also, I much prefer the metal brushroll over the wood. I find the overall performance better not just because they sweep up more but also they agitate the carpets more as well. Hope you'll enjoy your new machine!

 

[panasonicvac]

Also regarding labor costs, I know there are vacuum shops that would offer a special if you were to buy a vacuum from them. One of my local stores that I used to work for offered a metal brushroll rebuild at no labor charge since they're so easy to do that a DIY person could also rebuild the brushroll themselves if they wanted to.

 

[dysonman1]

If you set the wooden and the metal brush rollers next to each other, you will immediately see the difference. The brush pattern on the wooden brush sweeps toward the suction intake from both sides. The metal brush roll does not. There is a noticeable difference between the two brush rolls when sweeping up lots of surface dirt like cat litter. The way a hall sensor works to stop the motor during a stall condition, is very different than the way a circuit breaker works to do the same thing, like in a power nozzle.

 

[s2_82]

Just my 2 cents here..

I have the S10s from Simplicity. It's the basic (standard) model without the lifetime belt and metal brushroll.

It performs great. The machine basically propels itself across the carpet and did so more when it was newer. Now that the bristles on the brushroll have worn down a bit.. not so much. I think that when the roller is newer it makes the machine a bit easier to maneuver. I really wish that they had a had a manual carpet height adjustment which would make the machine practically close to perfect and would help compensate for brushroll wear.

I think they do make modification plate adapters that attach to the baseplate that elevate the machine to sit higher on the carpet to alow for more airflow when vacumming that newer styles of dense carpeting.

At first I feel I should have sprung for the Lifetime belt model, however now that I think about it Im glad I went for the basic model.. the wooden roller cleans very well despite having to change belts here and there.

 

[anontemp123]

Circuit board connected to hall sensor failed already. (Blinking red light, no circuit breaker on this model.) The shop was really fast, I told them I looked for blockage and checked the fan before coming in. They swapped out the circuit board in 5 minutes and I was on my way. Almost want the vacuum to fail again so I can use their service.

Seemed like the circuit board has soldering issues from the factory. The new one looks a lot better. Will be interesting to see if this is something caused by extensive use or truly a one-time problem. I do see some wear in the lifetime belt. Wonder how long it will last.

As I wrote earlier, we are vacuuming at least 5000 sqft of medium height, dense carpeting daily. I will try to update this thread. Hopefully it can help someone in the future.

One last thing, cleaning hair from a wooden brush roll is very easy. I can just cut across the wood with a utility knife. Is there an easy method to do this with a metal brushroll?

 

[anontemp123]

To answer my own question, I have found a seam ripper works well for a metal brushroll.

Sadly, the "lifetime" belt is about to go soon and it's only been a month.