Windsor Sensor XP12

[luxkid1980]

I came across a Windsor sensor xp12 vacuum at a thrift store recently. It’s scuffed up in places and dirty, it all the parts seem to be there, including attachments. Were these primarily used in hotels and commercial settings? I haven’t seen one of these in person before but the first thing I noticed upon picking lifting it up is the heft! Seems to be a well made machine. Cord looks pretty long and has no rips or tears. Maybe 30-40ft long? I’m hoping I can clean it up so it looks presentable. Maybe pick up some bags and filters for it. All in all, I don’t think it was a bad purchase for the $12 they were asking.

Anyone have experience with these? Also, when was it manufactured bashed on the date code?

Thanks!
Luxkid

 

[luxlife]

Check your auto height adjustment control.

It should raise the brush all the way up when you have the machine upright and it should go all the way down on bare floor or really short pile carpets. If it works properly then you stole it for 12 dollars. You’ll probably need a new brush and filter. These can be easily found on Amazon and eBay. These are very sturdy machines and many people believe that the blue ones are more reliable than the newer models. You’ll want to disassemble it and thoroughly clean the inside before using a new filter.

 

[panasonicvac]

Yes these Windsors were sold for commercial applications including the Trump hotels lol. I'd say you got yourself an excellent deal because normally I'd see these in the same condition like yours or worse but much more pricier. My only criticism with these that they fixed on the newer grey ones today is the handle catch that's in your 8th photo. Anyways, you'll find a couple of time date codes inside the bag compartment that should tell you the month and the year that it was made. It should clean up real nicely. With a new bag, filters, brushroll, and a squeegee, this would quickly become your new daily driver. If you'd like to know how to disassemble the entire thing and clean it, check out these forums from Manchester Vacs.

https://manchestervacs.co.uk/DysonForum/index.php?topic=3195.0

https://manchestervacs.co.uk/DysonForum/index.php?topic=3596.0

 

[luxkid1980]

Thank you luxlife and panasonicvac!

This is helpful info! I tried taking the hood off myself yesterday eve but had trouble so I'll check out the links to see if I can get to the insides to check them out.

 

[luxlife]

Manchestervacs is a terrific resource!

One of his videos showed me how to disassemble and reset the height sensor mechanism. I had no idea what I had gotten into but he walked me through it.

If you don’t already know, it’s Sebo who makes these machines in Germany and they have long since updated their selections of bags and filters for this model, so I don’t think it’s going to be obsolete for quite some time. The only thing it won’t have is something I wouldn’t buy until absolutely necessary and that’s the updated power supply board with the “soft start” circuitry.

It’s going to clean up very well and fortunately, looks like no one’s housekeeping department has permanently defaced it with a black sharpie. That stuff just doesn’t come out!

 

[panasonicvac]

From my understanding, they still use the exact same paper bags and microfilter. The exhaust filter has been changed so they wouldn't fit with the older models. But you can still get the other exhaust filter for it, especially since Sebo themselves is still currently selling their X4 which is pretty identical to your XP12 but just for residential usage. You could if you wanted to upgrade using cloth bags and a HEPA microfilter for it, I'll put a link down below. I have a white X4 and a blue X5 which I really love. I also have a Sears Kenmore Professional 12 that is basically a XP12 or a Sebo X1, I prefer my X4/X5 over it because it's got the same handle catch design as your XP12. I like that Sebo upgraded it on their X4/X5 including the newer XP12. The only thing that I could care less about the newer XP12 is the swivel neck. I do agree with luxlife about the soft start feature, I get why they did that because it adds reliability but to me I think it's just annoying to have honestly.

https://www.sebo.us/accessories/9570AM/FIL

 

[luxkid1980]

@luxlife. Yeah no sharpie marks thankfully, only a serial number carved in the plastic in two places but not even really noticeable unless you are looking for it. It's very small.

Is the brush/up down feature supposed to work when the machine is off or only when turned on? It physically moves up and down? I can't tell when its off.

@panasonic vac. Thanks for the info on the bags and filters. Looks like the internal micro filter on this machine is well used and needs replacement. Same for the dust bag and exhaust.

 

[panasonicvac]

The automatic height adjuster works only when the machine is on. It's designed where it'd adjust to a level where you'd have plenty of airflow and agitation onto the carpet while the brushroll would still spin at over five thousand rotations per minute.

 

[luxkid1980]

Ok thanks. That’s helpful to know. Under the hood was really clean with very little dust. Motor sounds healthy as well. I only ran it for a moment to make sure since the bag is mostly full.

Do these belts typically need to be changed periodically? They seem to be in decent shape.

 

[panasonicvac]

The belts are lifetime, no need to replace them I'm not surprised that it was clean underneath because I really like these do the filtering before it gets to the motor.

 

[repairman]

I would STRONGLY recommend purchasing a service box which includes the HEPA filter, exhaust filter, squeegee, and 8 HEPA bags. That way you save $10 instead of buying everything a la carte. The part number for the kit is 5827AM.

In regards to the height adjustment, when you stand the machine up, you should see the head slowly raise to the highest position. If the magnet in the neck is missing, then this won't work. After many years, you also might need a set of boards.

 

[luxkid1980]

Thanks repairman for the kit number! I’ll probably go ahead and purchase that.

 

[panasonicvac]

Unfortunately the HEPA service kit doesn't come with a squeegee, the regular service kit does however. But if you wanted just a squeegee, it's like $8.