The machine is a vacuum of sorts-its used before a carpet is cleaned to deep vacuum dirt and debris other vacuums can't get.then the Pile Lifter is used again to lift and fluff the carpet nap after it has been cleaned and shampooed.The pile lifter will also remove any remaining dirt from the carpet cleaning process.these are still made.I am looking for one for my collection.The one shown is a later model.If you look clesely-note that the suction motor is a Royal metal upright vacuum motor.The motor to the left of it spins the large drum shaped brushroll.There is a trap under the Royal motor to catch any pins,coins,pebbles,etc that are picked up.the trap is emptied after using the machine.It prevents those things from going thru the suction motors fan.older Certified Pile lifters had a Certified made suction motor.If I was in that area-would gladly pay the $50 and take the machine!!!A REAL bargain.these normally cost upwards of $2000 when new.Janitorial services and Carpet cleaning-restoration services have these machines.And they can be used on new carpets after installation to remove the loose pile.The Pile Lifter machine can then be fitted with a cloth dump bag for that.The bag shown in the picture looks like it can use a paper inner bag.
