Turbocat powerheads

[ocscott3085]

Hi,
I was wondering what your experiences have been with the Turbocat powerheads? My parents have a Silentmaster central vacuum and are currently using a Centec powernozzle with it. However, they are looking for something they could use with their stretch hose that would help control the German Shepard hair in-between weekly vacuumings. As of now, my father will only use his Dyson. Of course, my mom refuses to use that and will only use the Silentmaster. She just doesn't like pulling out the long hose in the middle of the week. I know it won't provide the same power as their electric-driven nozzle, but would it suffice for quick clean ups? Any insight would be appreciated!

 

[riccarlover]

We have the Turbocat at work

It works ok. But keep in mind that with the strecth hose and a turbo head, the hose is going to be very difficult to use.
Clayton

 

[bimmer740]

TurboCat Zoom

I have a VacuFlo 566Q with DirectConnect inlets, an electrified hose, and the VacuFlo Turbo Grip non-electric hose. When I installed this system I had to have the electric SuperValves because we too had a large German Shepard mix that shed like no tomorrow! Even though the dog has since passed away, I would have done it the same way. You cant compare a good electric power nozzle to an air-drive nozzle. However, for mid week or in between clean ups, a TurboCat is acceptable. I only have 3 rooms in the entire house that have wall to wall carpeting, and 2 of those rooms have berber carpets. The TurboCat does fine on them but I have a thick dark blue wool area rug in the upstairs hallway of the house that can be difficult to clean with the TurboCat. Its dense weave and static like properties cause the cat hair to cling to the rug and the bottom of the TurboCat. It seems a vacuum with a metal base plate, such as the Kirby does the best job on this carpeting. I havent used the original TurboCat, but I know that they have a metal brush roll plate. Overall, if you only intend to use it for lite clean up, you should be pleased with it. One huge factor to keep in mind though, you must keep the brush roll, its end caps, and the suction inlet execptionaly clean! My cat has short hair so its not a problem, but if I clean the small area rug that my sister has in her bedroom, I immediately clean out the TurboCat. Its a small price to pay to keep it in good working order.

Two other points to consider: cost of a turbocat and non electric hose, and the weight/size of the hose. A good quality non electric hose is not dirt cheap, nor is the TurboCat, and the hose is not that much lighter or easier to manuever than an electric hose. I dont know how well a Turbo nozzle would work with a stretch hose since the nozzle does restrict the airflow, and may cause a stretch hose to pull itself back together and make it diffucult to use.

 

[tolivac]

I have a couple Turbocats in my collection-they work quite well-The Turbocat slows down when Used on my NSS M1-think the Turbocat likes higher suction "pressure" rather than airflow the M1 provides.They are interesting tools.Yes-good for someone with low pile carpets and a canister or central vacuum that doesn't have provisions for an electric powernozzle.

 

[Klectrolux]

My old house had a Vacuflo system with a TurboGrip non-electric hose and old style, first generation TurboCat (the non-spacey rounded one). I loved it, I love the sound, especially when it was spooling up when you first stated using it. The belt is positioned in the middle of the brush roll, so it is, literally edge cleaning. and it has a slightly low profile too. so getting under beds and things isn't too difficult. The brushes are stiff, and positioned well.

Although, it is, as bimmer740 says, a high-maintenance device. I would always find myself cleaning it after I vacuumed the house. Taking the hair out of brush roll and end caps/bearings. One place you have to pay very close attention to is the belt cover and belt (unlike many other power heads, the belt isn't 'sealed' off from the suction area). Hair/thread can get caught and wrap around the shaft coming off of the impeller. These things can also get caught in the roller which is half way between the shaft and the brush roll. You should always keep the entire bottom side clean for optimal performance. Cleaning it all the time pays off.

I still miss it! I want to buy one just to add to my collection.