Vacuflo Vs. Dirt Devil Central Vacs

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Ok yes there are differences with some Central vac's.
Having said that most of them that share the Common Lamb motor, regardless of cyclonic suction, etc........etc.....at some point in time the motor will have to be either rebuilt or replaced.

Lets be realistic here after 10 years most products loose their worth, appeal and effectiveness. Technology is changing so fast.
Why spend $1,500 on a great Vac now when the future will have better machines with unique features that we only ever dreamed about...!
 
Dean,

You're right that most manufacturers have access to the same motors, and a few popular motor models are in many, many different central vacuums. However, the design of the central vacuum unit can greatly influence not only the motor life, but the suction and airflow available for cleaning.

After ten years (perhaps even sooner) most products lose their worth and appeal. However, they don't necessarily have to lose their effectiveness. That's why I pay so much attention to the differences between products...one of my biggest goals is to identify products that WILL work as well in 10, 20 or 30 years as they did when they were brand-new. They're out there, but you have to distinguish the differences to find them - NOT assume that they're all just a "can with a motor".
 
Erik,

If you want a bagged central vacuum, the MD SilentMaster will be a far longer-lasting and better-performing choice. The NuTone VX series no longer uses Lamb motors and so far what I've seen is that the motors they are using do not give a satisfactory lifespan. The bag system, while innovative, is complicated (you have to open the door, release the bag, then take the bucket off to remove the bag). MD units still use Lamb motors, which have been proven in the central vacuum industry for 50+ years. The bags are twice the capacity of NuTone bags, keep their airflow longer because they're supported by a cloth bag and suspended by the rim, and allow the use of a metal, canister-mounted utility inlet. The upside to a NuTone is that it's quite a bit less money, and the VX550 actually has some good performance stats. My biggest concern is long-term reliability and ease of use.

I would avoid the Aerus power unit -- the foam filter is subject to the same issues as the Hayden and Vacuflo Filtered Cyclonic units, that dust can circumvent the filter and build up on the motor's fan blades, causing the motor to make God-awful, horrible noise levels. Most of the Aerus/Electrolux installations (at least around here) have been horrendous, and you run a much better chance of getting a quality installation from a Vacuflo or MD dealer. Finally, cleaning that foam filter is no fun at all. It's the "paint roller from hell".

Your cyclonic unit selections are both good choices, but unless you're going with Hide-A-Hose, the MaxAir is unnecessary. If your system is designed around a 30-foot, 1 3/8" hose and has properly laid-out piping runs, you can take advantage of higher CFM without the need for higher waterlift. I am a huge fan of the Vacuflo 566Q, as its one large slower-running motor is quiet and has excellent lifespan and performance characteristics. If you want even more power, the 760 is wonderful, though the dual 5.7" motors make a little more noise. This is the one I put into my parents' house. The "mother of them all" is the 960, and you can have two users going at once, both "sucking the paint off the walls". Downside is, the unit is huge, and it's the only one in the Vacuflo line without a clear dirt bucket.
 
I installed my VacuFlo in my house myself, fairly easy to do, with a little bit of careful planning it went very smoothly. I have the VacuFlo Turbo Kit with the original turbo grip hose, turbocat zoom, and what they call premium tools. I also have a genuine electric VacuFlo direct connect hose to use with a power nozzle. If you clean often and have a small amount of wall to wall carpet in the house, then I'd highly recommend buying both a low and high voltage hose. The 35 ft low voltage house is very light weight and its the one I use 9 out of 10 times.

As I said earlier, my 566Q was worth every last penny and then some. I highly recommend because its powerful, very quiet, and you can't beat the lifetime warranty. I had a faulty ciruit breaker in my unit when I purchased it, apparently their was a bad batch that VacuFlo had received, and my dealer came out to the house and replaced the breaker right away. Its been a little over 5 years now and it hasnt skipped a beat.
 
20 or 30 years.....

Later well that machine would be a Garbage can by then......
Are the brushes and Bearings still good after 20 years..?

The older vacs are most appealing (uprights and canisters), I think thats why this site exists today.
 
OMG!

Vaci-finder, your last posting is fighting words. Why do you think a central vacuum will be a garbage can after 20 years? The motors in these machines are just like in any typical canister vacuum. They are servicable and with the same care given to an upright or canister vacuum can last for many years. I still use in the only home I still clean-where I've been doing the housework for 31 years, a wonderful 1964 VacuMaid. It is serviced when needed and is still has the power it did when installed. O.K. for all the orientals in the house, we use a Hoover 62. But for 90% of the cleaning, the VacuMaid is still used today. The Hoover is even older and we laid in a supply of bristle and bearings before Hoover decided to discountinue parts for those machines. I even know of several homes here in Seattle that had installs from the 50's that have been updated and are still in use today. An older central system is as usable today as it was when it was installed! And just like any upright or canister vacuum can be replaced if needed or wanted!

As for Vacuumland. I'm not a card carrying VCCC member anymore, but from the inception of Vacuumland, central vacuums have been discussed along with the other parts of a good cleaning arsenal. We talk about floor polishers, carpet cleaners of all types, even carpet sweepers! As was pointed out in the last two days, even Fred Nelson, the past webmaster is a central vacuum devotee. He also has a wonderful collection of vintage vacuums, as have I. I love Kirby's, 50's Hoover and have a vast collection of Electroluxs'. I love them too. But since I first used a central vacuum at the young age of 6-7, they have fascinated me and I'm hooked. You live in Canada, where more homes have central vauums than any other country in the world.
Education is also part of what Vacuumland is about and I think the viewers of the site are both interested in learning new things, sharing in the joy of a great find, teaching each other about service techniques. It's all about being open to learning and leaving your ego at the door! Owen, Fred, Steven, myself and others love another part of the wonderful world of vacuums...central vacuum systems! That doesn't leave us out of talking about them here!
Greg Bushman
 
Hey Greg, I'm curious about your 1964 Vacu-Maid. I'm aware that early Vacu-Maid machines used a single large fan attached to a non-Lamb motor. Is that the way your unit was built? What's the performance like? I would love to see pictures.
 
not down playing central vacs or any other vacuum. just stating a fact that machines become obselete after a few years. The newer central vacs now have information centres right at your finger tips, they never had that 20 - 30 years ago. And they have other features like anit-vibration, noise reduction etc......etc.....

Having said that central vacs even 10 years from now will be totally different.!
 
The Wessel-Werks kit is the way to go and definitely avoid the Stealth nozzle. I have the Stealth and I think you will be very dissappointed with it, especially if you pay full retail. I bought the Stealth brand new on eBay several years ago for a fraction of what the retail cost is and I'd be kicking myself if I paid the full price. The Wessel-Werks nozzle is almost the same as the Miele SEB236 which I had when I owned a Miele Red Velvet and its a great p/n! I think the Lux p/n might work well with a central vacuum but I dont think the Lux nozzle cleans as well as the Wessel-Werks does, but certainly would do a good job.
 
Erik, the Aerus set is very good quality and worth having, but I have found that I don't like the heavy wire-reinforced hose that Aerus uses - like any wire-reinforced electric CV hose, I feel they're too heavy, rough on furniture and they do choke off noticeably more airflow than crushproof hoses. However, some people really prefer the heavier, sturdier feel of the wire-reinforced hoses and don't seem to mind the weight. So, try both.

Steven, I'm curious what you didn't like about the Stealth. I've had both and liked both. Quality wise I feel they're on par with each other (same with the fantastic SEBO ET-2), cleaning-wise my only insight was that the Stealth seemed a little less aggressive, though it still left beautiful lines in the carpet (I love me some perfect vacuum lines). What are your thoughts?
 
Hey guys!

<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;">Been out of town or would have chimed in earlier.   Indeed, I am a huge fan of central vacs.  Whatever some folks feel about them (dragging and storing the hose, emptying, etc. etc.) I could make the case that in those instances where you can get one installed, they are one the best and most efficient systems for vacuuming.  The advantages of course are power (way more than a portable vac) no bulky unit to push or pull around, time between emptying, etc.  When I do a heads down cleaning , which isn't often due to my housekeeper, I go right for the central vac.  It's the fastest and easiest.  My housekeeper obviously can choose what to use and she uses the central exclusively.  I feel good because the system uses electric power nozzles (Stealth and Aerus) and I know the house is getting its best cleaning.</span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;">With respect to the choices, they are many.  Primarily between cyclonic and bagged.  I prefer bagged but hold no grudges to those who like no bags.  To each his own and enjoy.  I just emptied the Silent Master S5 and got no dirt on me.  The new designs are much more user-friendly.  The bags are high-filtration and the ring around the top makes all the difference in the world.  With the old bags I was covered with dust after emptying and had to use another vacuum to clean the unit before putting in a new bag.  Now no flying dust from the cloth bag.   I have had a few units over the years and this one is the best.  Worth the money.  And yes, well cared-for those machines can easily run over 20 years.  The MD units are good when any parts need to be replaced.  Lamb motors and Honeywell relays easily found off-the-shelf.  Plus you can use any combination of tools and hoses.</span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;">One last comment here.  This site is definitely for all things vacuum.  Why would anyone's interest in vacuums be excluded?  I originally felt a bit of rejection over my love of central vacs, but worked to eliminate the prejudice.  Bring on more discussion. </span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;">BTW Owen I am very interested in the HAH.  Are they fairly easily retrofitted?  I have a perfect setup for it on the first floor with hardwood floors and kitchen.</span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; color: #3366ff; font-size: medium;">Fred</span>
 
Hi Fred,

It's easy to retrofit a HAH and hook it into your existing system, and I'm certain your SilentMaster (it's an S5, correct?) has more than enough power. Do you think you could reach your entire first floor with a 40 or 50 foot hose, centrally located? I've never seen your home but would be happy to take a look and give you an idea what would be involved.

-Owen

P.S. Did you see my posting on the Filtex "Perma Vac" I traded in? Since your CV history started with Filtex, I thought you'd get a kick out of it. I removed it from a home in Oakbrook Terrace.
 
Owen

I did see that Perma Vac.  If it had the two-button system, it must have been very early.  It had Filtex written all over it except for the color.  I'd love to see it.  Here is the Filtex brochure that shows the first Filtex I bought.  Installed it myself in a three story townhouse in Lakeview in Chicago.  The SB - 300.  Sweet.


 


I'll send you an email when I get back from the convention and have you come and scope out a possible HAH installation here.

compactelectra++9-10-2011-10-34-52.jpg
 
More centrals!

Here's a four page brochure for Central Vacuum International from the I'd say the late 60's. Pushbutton inlet, sytle of clothing and furnitre.

luxflairguy++9-10-2011-11-18-55.jpg
 

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