112 Combined Years of Vintage Vacuum-ness!

Today, mostly for fun (and why do something that makes you sad, I say), and partly because I needed to clean, I broke out my two favorite vintage Electrolux models, the 88 2nd version and the 55 1st version, respectively.

As I've said before, for hard surface dusting and bare floors, a massive amount of suction isn't needed, and, even though these machines are not as powerful as modern Electrolux/Aerus models, they do the job just fine, with less power consumed, and with considerably less noise. These machines are really astoundingly quiet, the 88 being somewhat more so than the 55. I can only imagine how someone who is used to more modern vacuums would react after hearing one of these running. Of course, if you add on the power nozzle, it becomes moot, as Electrolux power nozzles have never really been quiet. In addition to this, I used the 55 to vacuum the 88 after filter, and the 88 to vacuum the 55 cloth bag and after filter.

Note: This particular 88 (I have three) has the "Electrolux" logo stamped on both sides of the plug, as opposed to all the other 80 series machines I have or have seen, which have the logo only on one side. Completely random? Who knows?

Incidentally, I think the 88 2nd version and the 55 1st version are positively gorgeous machines, quite close to the first Renaissance in the looks department. It's a great pity they aren't as useful as the latter, for, on the rare occasions I use a vintage Electrolux, I can't get past the short cord, lack of fingertip power controls, lack of variable speed suction, and lack of on board/lock fit attachments. Sad, but true. However, as I pointed out before, different eras mean different levels of technology and performance, so it's not completely fair to compare vacuums like this. All of my models have their pros and cons (yes, even the newer ones, which I love using!), and the 55 and 88 are fine vacuums which do exactly what they're supposed to, quietly and efficiently.

For the carpet, I used my go-to boy, the Lux 6000. What else is new?

The Distinctive Advantages of Discovering a Clean Living Space

Presenting the Electrolux Discovery Advantage upright vacuum cleaner, made around 1989/90, or thereabouts. This machine came to me in fine cosmetic and running condition, and is unique (in my collection, at least) for having the optional add-on dual Sidekick and power plug port on the handle. In fact, that's the main reason I wanted it.

Close up of the dual port. The handle simply plugs in like all the others, and the hose cord or electric hose pigtail cord for the Sidekick plugs into the left receptacle. It even has a power switch. This port harmonizes perfectly with the shape of the handle and 'bulkhead' (as Electrolux calls it), and adds tremendously to the functionality of the vacuum.

Rear view, with electric hose inserted and plugged in, and Sidekick ready to go. Wires, wires everywhere, but at least it's not as bad as the old days of hose cords (it's not even as bad as the days of electric braided hoses!). Incidentally, this machine would have come out with a plastic standard hose, and the user would have added the dual port, Sidekick, and hose cord. The electric hose in the picture, while it came with the Discovery Advantage, is not original to it.

Handle, which is in the original style, but clearly a replacement from the pale blue Aerus days.

Front view. The light beige or grey of the body still retains its original color, with very little fading or yellowing. Graphics and color-wise, the Discovery Advantage exactly resembles the Genesis, and in fact I'd say that the latter came out very shortly after the former.

One thing I noticed...the model number of the Discovery Advantage is 1572E, which is shared by the Discovery III, and both are rated at 8.1 amps (unless, of course, the power nozzle hood in this case was simply taken from a Discovery III). In fact, I'd say the only differences between these two models are color and logos, because the motors sound the same, and the performance is the same. There were also two other uprights with the name 'Discovery', namely the Discovery II and the Discovery Plus. I can't remember, but I THINK the Discovery Plus shared the same graphics and colors as the Discovery II, so I'm guessing the order of manufacture was: II, Plus, III, Advantage. Don't quote me on that, however. As for the matching cylinders, I have no idea...perhaps the Model 90 was one of them? There were so many machines released only for a short time by Aerus/Electrolux that its hard to keep track, not to mention the overlapping of one model line or part thereof with another. 

Another thing I noticed only recently about the III and Advantage is that you can clearly see the outline of the space where the "Discovery II" logo was on the tail of the L on the power nozzle. Clearly the company didn't manufacture brand new power nozzle covers for subsequent models.

Incidentally, this is the last acquisition I'll be making, at least for a considerable time to come. I feel that I have more than enough of a collection to enjoy and use right now, and I'm not willing to spend any more money on any more machines, nor do I have the space to store them. I have a small, disused bedroom downstairs where all of my vacuums, parts, and supplies are stored, and, all things considered, I feel the situation is at a manageable and enjoyable point. I don't want my hobby to become a burden, which is what I fear will happen with any more acquisitions. In addition, I have a fairly decent representation of cleaners from different eras of Aerus/Electrolux history, and most are in a useable state, so, unless I win the lottery, now seems a good time to stop and enjoy/use/maintain what I have.

A Clean and Upright Citizen

I'm quite pleased to present my latest acquisition, an Aerus Lux 6000 Model U140B upright. Electrolux and Aerus only made three* upright models like this, namely the Electrolux Lux 4000, this one, and a slightly different Aerus Lux 6000*, so these machines are definitely a unique part of the company's history. I had long wanted at least one of them, and I'm quite happy to have this one. Incidentally, this is the first 'Aerus' upright in my collection.**

On the patio:

What sets the Aerus Lux 6000s and Electrolux Lux 4000 apart from all the other uprights?

1. On-board one-piece stretch/flexible hose and telescopic wand (with variable height adjustment). All the other models had a separate hose and wands, stored in a caddy. The telescopic wand is definitely a bit of a throwback to the 60's and 70's Canadian Electroluxes. Incidentally, this hose and wand ensemble forms part of the suction/intake path when connected on both ends...i.e it must be connected on both ends for floor and carpet cleaning, and the wand end must be inserted to run the power nozzle.

2. On-board attachments. The combination dusting/upholstery tool fits onto a post on the bag door, and the baby crevice tool clips on to the handle. By the way, this machine didn't come with these attachments, but I have extras to fill the gap.

3. Direct-connect electric hose (for the Sidekick). Sadly, this didn't come with either of these items, but they'll be purchased in the future for sure. All of the other models had a pigtail cord on the end of the hose that plugged into the bottom of the steering handle, or a hose cord for the earlier ones.

4. "Information panel", located on the power nozzle top cover, to inform the user of a full bag/bag change, jammed power nozzle, and normal operation/all systems go. The green 'information' light comes on when both motors are running, but stays off when only the suction motor is running. I believe the current Guardian and Lux Commercial are the only other models with this panel, but I'm not sure. I note that the brush roll bristles are green, as are those on my Lux 9000. I don't recall seeing green bristles on any other Electrolux or Aerus model. 

UPDATE 12-29-13: I've since swapped the green-bristled brush roll for one with the extra row of bristles, for (supposedly) better 'sweeping action'.

All systems go(ing)...green light.

5. Bag door - made slightly bigger to accommodate the Style R hose end and the wiring for the electric hose as well.

There are other minor changes, such as the 'extruded' motor compartment with accessible screws, and in fact I think this was at the time or at least became a common feature to all the uprights. The bottom cord wrap is slightly larger, and, of course, the handle is noticeably different, mainly to accommodate the stretch hose hook. Incidentally, I like the thicker, heavier cord as used on this model and others, although its a pity it's black...it doesn't fit with the rest of the machine. I believe most of the white and blue Aerus models have black cords.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure if there are supposed to be screw covers on this handle...all the pictures I've seen of these models don't have them, as far as I know. In any case, its not a big deal.

Naturally, as soon as I unboxed the Lux 6000, I assembled everything and fired it right up, for a brief test run. The first thing I noticed was a considerable difference in suction and airflow at the power nozzle, far beyond any of the other uprights I have. The second was that it seemed somewhat more difficult to access the power switch, but this may be a 'learning curve' situation. The third was that the suction motor was ever-so-slightly louder than previous models, but not annoyingly so.

I thought, with the addition of the hose, that the ensemble would be slightly heavier to push in use, and, in fact, this is so, but its not difficult, and will get easier with repeated use.

So far, I'm quite impressed with the Aerus Lux 6000. I have to put it through its paces for a while before I can be definite, but so far, all seems good. I'll definitely be adding more detailed comments to this post as time goes by. One thing is for sure, and that's that the Lux 6000 certainly seems of a much 'higher class' than any of the other uprights, and I wonder why Aerus discontinued this style of machine***.

UPDATE 1: The Aerus Lux 6000 went 'on duty' today, and I used it to do the entire house...carpets, bare floors, baseboards, hard and soft furnishings, and table tops.

1. Bearing in mind that the nearest upright I have to this is the white/grey/red Epic 3500, the suction and airflow seems to me to be about ten times greater. Absolutely amazing, and I believe the models that followed were even more powerful. This consideration alone (admittedly, one of the most important considerations!) ranks the Lux 6000 as the best upright I own. This will most certainly be the 'go-to' upright from now on, and I'll probably add a HEPA filter to it to give it superior filtration.

UPDATE 09-24-13: I added a HEPA filter today, and, in conjunction with the Home Solutions bag and carbon pre-filter, it filters quite well.

2. Even though the handle looks somewhat awkward, it's extremely comfortable to use, and the machine maneuvers perfectly.

3. The stretch hose is definitely going to take some getting used to. It snaps back in use, and the wand is a little bit awkward for above the floor use, especially at close quarters to the machine. Perhaps it would have been a little better if they had added a proper gas pump/pistol grip handle to the hose, if this would even have been possible. You need to hold the handle of this machine when dusting even more so than the models with a 'normal' hose, or it will topple over. However, it's extremely easy to pull the wand from its receptacle for a quick cleanup, and its perfect for baseboards and near-the-floor cleaning. The attachments are easily accessible as well, but its a pity they couldn't have used the latch fittings. I can't count how many times (already!) the combo tool has fallen off in use, especially when using the dusting side. The clip for the crevice tool could have been made a little tighter, as well, for the tool does tend to fall off sometimes (and roll under furniture, as I've discovered!). Further to this, some of those little crevice tools have a ridge on the outside that would prevent slippages. I'll have to get one.

Of course, if you were using the Lux 6000 to do any lengthy, detailed above the floor job, such as detailing sofas, you can always use the electric hose, but for a quick once over, the on board hose works fine.

4. The switch is definitely, as mentioned above, a learning curve. It'll take a while before I can get the knack of reaching down and flicking it without letting go of the handle.

UPDATE 2: After a week or so of Lux 6000-ing the house on a daily basis, I think I'll have to change my tune about uprights with on-board hoses and attachments, as I mentioned in note 9 here. I recall a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, to the effect that he wished to say what he wanted today, with the proviso that he might change his mind tomorrow. In other words, one can try new things, and accept them, without being inextricably bound to 'old ways', and I've found the Lux 6000 very good as an 'all-round' vacuum. Since the machine is significantly more powerful, and because its so effortless to pull out the wand and dust off furniture, tables, or baseboards, more cleaning is accomplished in a shorter time, and with less effort than the conventional Electrolux/Aerus uprights. Mind you, I still like my other uprights as much as ever, but the Lux 6000 has moved to the top of the heap.

*The other Lux 6000 (Model U156A) is part of the "Aerus by Electrolux" lineup, along with the Guardian C154B and front-filtered Lux 3000 (The UltraLux 2000 also has "by Electrolux", but I don't think it says "Aerus" anywhere). It has the front after filter, with "Aerus by Electrolux" above the filter, "LUX" on the power nozzle, and "Lux 6000" on the side(s) (?) of the bag chamber. It also has, according to a video I saw of it, a different, louder, and possibly more powerful suction motor. I'm not sure which one came first, but I'm guessing that the one I have did. The Aerus website shows the manual for the '2nd version'. One thing I noticed in reading the manual for this version is that Aerus recommends replacing the front after filter after three bag changes, rather than after six bags for the other electrostatic filters. I have heard mention of a Model U140C, which would be, I assume, some variation of the U140B, but who knows? The only time I've ever seen one was in an eBay listing, and it looked identical to the U140B. There was no picture of the bottom of the power nozzle, which (possibly) would have shown the model number, and, at least, if there was something different about the brush roll. 

**The Aerus Lux 6000, along with the Lux 9000, Lux 7000, Lux 5500, and Lux 3000, are pretty well the only models of that time that give a sense of being 'wholly' Aerus. All of these models, unless I'm completely mistaken, share the same graphics (I.e. "Aerus" in white on a dark-ish blue background with the orange oval under the "A", and the handwritten "Lux"), and so one can assume they were released at the same time (I'm not sure when...early-mid 2000's?). Some other models around that time have all the business of "Aerus by Electrolux", or "Lux Thingamajig by Aerus" on them. This one is quite simply "Aerus".

***I suppose the main reason was cost-cutting. Witness the change from the Style R Guardian to the Guardian Ultra. It's possible that users found these models a bit less comfortable to use, as well. This design is now used on other uprights...the "Proteam" and a few others, so I guess Aerus sold the design. They should have kept the 4000/6000 as the top-of-the-line upright, and offered the Discovery style as the middle or bottom model, with perhaps the option to add the longer cord found on the commercial upright (instead of having a seperate commercial model) to either the 4000/6000 style or the Discovery style.