A Little More Set Completing

I happened to snag this on eBay:

This is a nearly complete set of attachments for the Electrolux Lux 4000 and Aerus Lux 6000*; the only missing item is the combo dusting brush and upholstery tool. I already had an electric hose, but I had been looking for the colour-matching Sidekick and baby crevice tool, so I'm happy to have these. The manual, bag order form, Clean Sweep Chips, and what I assume is the cardboard tube holder for the combo dusting brush and upholstery tool aren't too shabby in themselves. 

Except for a tiny bit of thread wrapped around the brush roll of the Sidekick, this set looks completely untouched by dirt of any kind. The electric hose I got to complement the Aerus Lux 6000 shortly after I bought it was the same. Did people ever use the attachments? After all, the electric hose and Sidekick were included with the vacuum, not separately purchased add-ons. I suppose because they weren't onboard, people tended to store them away in a closet most or all of the time. So much the better for me, I suppose.

Here are the Electrolux Lux 4000 and Aerus Lux 6000 together (again), with even more accoutrements than before. One can see the white crevice tool on the Lux 4000; the 6000 has the black one, along with its black HEPA filter. As pointed out here, black is technically a matching colour for these machines. 

As a 'by-the-way', this year (2020) is the 20th anniversary of the Lux 4000. As I said elsewhere, I wish they had kept making this style of machine, with the subsequent improvements in power they offered with their other uprights.

*I'm going to assume that the later models of the Aerus Lux 6000 (U140C, perhaps, and the U156A) eventually got an electric hose that didn't have the 'Electrolux' logo on the handle, the same, one assumes, as the cylinders that were coming out concurrently. 

Out of the Workroom and Into Service

Further to my Aerus Lux 9000 Makeover post, here he is back in service. I did the living room and bare floors to give him a good workout.

The full ensemble shot. Assuming the Aerus Lux 9000 was introduced in 2003, that makes him 15 years old. Not too shabby looking for a 'teenage' vacuum, I have to say.

Just for the hell of it, here are the Aerus Luxes (?) 9000 (top of the line cylinder) and 6000 (top of the line upright) posing together. As mentioned elsewhere, the companions for these two machines were the Lux 7000, Lux 5000 or 5500, can't remember which, and Lux 3000.

Matching graphics, colors, and logos. Pity about the scar on the Lux 9000, but what can you do?

The Crevice Tool: Small, But Significant

In my posts on the Lux 4000 and 6000, I noted the fact that neither came with the 'baby' crevice tool, which clips on to the side of the handle. I did have a couple of older ones, but the problem was, none had the small ridge on the outside that keeps them secured to the handle of the Lux 4000 and 6000. Consequently, in use, the crevice tool would fall off and, not infrequently, disappear under some article of furniture.

Well, problem solved:

Here it is in use on the Lux 4000. Pity it couldn't be white, but then again, the 4000 and 6000 have black cords, black switches, and black undersides, not to mention that my 6000 has a black HEPA filter, so, it does technically match.

Most importantly, at least this one won't be falling off the handle all the time.

Holiday 2017 Cleaning Team

Electrolux purists would naturally disagree, but here are the two Electrolux/Aerus vacuums I like to use and depend on more than any other. Note that the Lux 4000 is more or less interchangeable with the Lux 6000, for both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Despite being warned, as a little boy, that "...little boys who play with Electroluxes don't get to...etc, etc", I still like them, 40 years on, and don't care what people think of me for doing so. I might also add that, in all my years of using (and playing with) Electroluxes and Aeruses (?), they've never let me down.

2018-03-30: I decided about a week ago (mid-March) to break out the white, grey, and red Epic 3500 to use for a while. I was astounded, after months of using the Lux 4000 + 6000, just how lightweight the Discovery variant uprights are! It literally felt like lifting a feather compared to the 4000 and 6000.

Stepping Up on Stage for an Encore

The Style R family is steadily growing. Here is the latest member, the Electrolux Guardian Encore, Model C134C.

Logo closeup. Yes, its still dirty, as the machine is fresh out of the box, but it will of course be getting the full-on 'Eluxurious' spa treatment before it gets put into regular service.

Note that this logo matches the later Guardian Model C134E...on the latter, the black stripe bears the notation "By Electrolux", and the stylized "E" becomes a "G".

Logo and Good Housekeeping guarantee sticker, which leads me to believe the Guardian Encore and the Lux 4000 came out at the same time.

Left side view:

Kitted out with hose, wands, Sidekick, and combo floor/carpet nozzle. This, by the way, only came with the small attachments, which aren't shown. I just borrowed everything else from my other blue and white Style R models. I don't happen to have the original power nozzle for the Encore, which features the "Electrolux" in dark blue script, exactly like the Lux 4000 power nozzle.

I do happen to have a hose, the handle of which features the "Electrolux" in the same script as the side bumper, as this picture shows:

The hose itself is rather yellow; I'll just get a new or newer one one of these days and stick this handle on it.

Side bumper logo:

Ratings sticker. Same power ratings as the Guardian 75th Anniversary C134A, and right up to the Aerus Lux 9000, I believe. The Encore certainly sounds exactly like those models.

Speaking of sound, I naturally turned the Encore on, to see if things were good to go, and, to some extent, they were, but, when I put my hand over the hose end to check out the suction, the motor shut off. Uh huh. Something, of course, was askew in the auto-shutoff system, so I dismantled the front cover, and found that the little hose connected to the suction inlet had fallen off completely. Back on it went, back on the front cover went, back on the motor went, and all was good.

I'll be adding more comments after the Encore has completed its first tour of service, and after he's been cleaned and shined. In the meantime, I'm happy to have another addition to the Style R lineup. I still need to get the Electrolux Guardian C134B 75th Anniversary, the Electrolux Lux 9000 C134D, and the Electrolux Guardian C134E.

Since the Encore is its sister/brother/whatever you please to call it vacuum, and since its the current upstairs upright, here is the Lux 4000. Vacuums when not in use make good doorstops.

The Guardian Encore all cleaned and polished up. This was the first of the Style R machines with the new white and blue colour scheme.

Into service as the bare floor/dusting/upholstery vacuum, along with its model line-mate, the Lux 4000:

Uprighting the Collection

Here is the latest addition to the collection, and the first in quite some time: an Electrolux Lux 4000 upright. I saw it on eBay for a reasonable price and decided to snag it, as these models are not very plentiful.

Before I go on, since I got the Aerus Lux 6000 long before the 4000, and since the former is a virtual copy of the latter, and has the same groundbreaking features, one can read the details here

The Lux 4000 is a fairly significant machine in the company's history, being the first to incorporate a built-in hose and telescopic wand, and on board attachments*. Its also the first model to offer an electric, fully-direct connect accessory hose, and the first to have the electronic information panel, as featured on some of the cylinders...in the case of the Lux 4000, its on the power nozzle. Finally (and this is not particularly important), the Lux 4000 was the first upright with the new white and blue colour scheme, which lasted for another 8 or so years.

This purchase only included the combo tool and the machine, but no matter...the Lux 4000's younger brother, the Lux 6000, is happy to share his electric hose and baby crevice tool, and I have tons of Sidekicks**

I believe the matching machines for the Lux 4000 are the Lux 3000 (Discovery style) upright, the Guardian Encore, the white and blue Epic 6500 (possibly the last Epic before it changed to the Lux 7000?), and the Lux 5000 (non-automatic). At least, all of these have similar graphics.

Right out of the box, and festooned with dust and packing material:

Bits and bobs: stretch hose and telescopic wand, carry handle and bolt, combo dusting/upholstery tool, cord and handle assembly, and package of bags the seller included:

Logo, down both sides of the bag chamber. Looks kind of big and a bit garish, but hey, it had to go somewhere.

Power nozzle. I like this 'Electrolux' script. I believe its the same as that on the American Model G, as well as a few others.

Hose hook. A little ratty looking, but still functional.

You knew this was coming. The Electrolux Lux 4000 and the Aerus Lux 6000*** together at last. See here for my impressions of the latter, all of which pretty much apply to the former.

Note that these machines sound identical and look identical; the only differences are the graphics, the model and company name change, the model number (U140A in the case of the Lux 4000), the Lux 4000 'seal of approval' from Good Housekeeping****, and the green-bristled brush roll on the Lux 6000 (which, as I mentioned, I've since changed).

Of course, I have a lot more cleaning and detailing to do on the Lux 4000, but he did get a scrub down with detergent for these pictures. He works and sounds fine; I did a brief test run. When I get around to it, I'll add a HEPA filter*****

Magic-erasered, washed, and Armor-Alled, with a brand new bag, carbon pre-filter, and after filter...I'd say Mr. Lux 4000 is ready for service, and that's what's going to happen tomorrow.

UPDATE June 29th, 2016: I put the Lux 4000 into service today, doing the carpets, floors, dusting, and baseboards of the upstairs and downstairs. He works perfectly. As I said above, all I need now is to add a HEPA filter*****, and the properly matching attachments mentioned in Note 2 below, to have everything perfect. One point: when I use this and the Lux 6000 in the summer, I tend to wear rubber gloves, as my sweating hands tend to slip off the rubber or rubber-like handle.

Lights ablaze, and motors running:

I should say that I have never used an upright to vacuum the car, but why not? The Electrolux/Aerus uprights have long enough cords to reach right from the house (same with the Style R models), and a long enough electric hose to reach all over the car without moving the vacuum.

*Some earlier uprights, as I mentioned in another post, had clips on the back to store the two plastic wands, as well as the combo tool and baby crevice tool, but this was, I'm reasonably sure, essentially an add-on. The Lux 4000/6000 incorporated the tool holders into the vacuum body.

**Actually, the dusting/upholstery brush and electric hose I'm using with the Lux 6000 have ‘Electrolux’ stamped on them, so they seem to match the Lux 4000. To complete both vacuums, I need 2 white and blue Sidekicks, blue and white electric Aerus hose (no logo?), blue and white Aerus dusting/upholstery brush (no logo?), white Aerus baby crevice tool with outer ridge (no logo?), and white Electrolux baby crevice tool with outer ridge. In addition, the little yellow sticker on the inside of the bag door about using genuine bags and where to order them says, in the case of the Lux 6000 "Only use genuine Electrolux bags". Clearly, they whipped this one out to take advantage of the company name change.

***The Lux 6000, as a matter of fact, just got a brand new rocker switch; very appropriate timing as his older brother had just arrived.

****I'm not sure of the arrangement and rationale behind the Good Housekeeping guarantee sticker on the machine, but I believe this did feature on some of the company's other models as well (I have seen it on the Guardian Encore, for example...maybe it was only this particular lineup that featured it?).

*****Today (July 16th), I did in fact add a HEPA filter. I might also try some of the aftermarket HEPA bags for some of my machines.

Reflections

Eluxurious is getting near to its second anniversary, and I have to say I've quite enjoyed every moment of administering it. I can't remember exactly when or why I wanted to create my own personal vacuum collection showcase, but it had been building up for some time, and I'm satisfied with having shared one of my favourite hobbies with the world, as it were.

I still have more than a few models in my collection that are waiting to be featured, and some of the content on this blog will no doubt be revised and/or expanded upon. I'm also sure that I'll find some new and interesting content to add. As for adding more models to my collection, I'm not sure. Right now, my financial situation doesn't permit me to do it, but I can't rule it out completely for the future. As I mentioned in my Discovery Advantage post, however, I do want to concentrate on the machines I have. I still have my Diplomat restoration waiting, for example, and I definitely want to completely disassemble one of my uprights this year (I've never worked on an upright before).

One of the biggest changes in my vacuum collecting and usage habits over the past several years has definitely been my interest in newer Electrolux and Aerus models. At one time, I was only interested in collecting and using vintage machines, but that's not so anymore. Mind you, I still do like the vintage models, and still put them to use on occasion, but I'm much more drawn to newer models these days. If I do add any more vacuums to the collection, they'll definitely be newer models. 

Speaking of newer (i.e. released in the past 20 or so years, give or take) models, my cleaning team for this holiday season was (and still is) the Lux 6000 and Lux Guardian. These are my favourites out of all my models for everyday use; the 6000 somewhat more so than the Guardian, because it's the only upright of this type that I have. 

At any rate, I look forward to another year of chronicling my hobby. Happy Electroluxing and/or Aerusing to all, and Happy New Year.

Carbon Pre-filters

I noticed these the last time I was at my local Aerus shop...carbon post-bag or pre-motor filters, made to fit the Style C/R/U models. The new Aerus Lux Guardian Platinum comes with one of these (in a plastic holder, if I recall rightly), and I guess the company thought it a good idea to make them available for the other models. Naturally, I bought a couple of packages for my machines.

Installed in the Aerus Lux 6000:

Installed in the Renaissance:

Style R and Style U carbon pre-filters:

Since I just bought and installed these today, I'm not sure how they work practically, but I'll see how it goes and report back in the near future. Theoretically, with a Home Solutions filter bag, a carbon pre-filter, and a HEPA after filter, (and, of course, providing the motor is clean!), there should be next to no smell coming out of an Electrolux or Aerus vacuum*. Of course, the new Platinum goes one step better with the second HEPA filter.

UPDATE 08-29-13: I've been using the carbon pre-filters for a couple of weeks now, and they definitely do seem to absorb odors well. It remains to be seen how long they can do so; perhaps they're meant to be replaced at the same time as the after or HEPA filter.

UPDATE 09-05-13: I've since tried the carbon filters in a couple of machines that had fairly full (and smelly) bags as well as used after filters, and the exhaust air smelled quite clean and neutral. It seems, therefore, that these carbon pre-filters do their job.

*My experience with Electrolux and Aerus HEPA filtration has been with the Style R vacuums, so I can't speak about the models that followed, but, as I've pointed out elsewhere in this blog, the Style R HEPA filter works quite well for me. It does a good job of making the house smell cleaner, for a longer time. In addition, since I have more than one Style R machine, each one only gets used semi-regularly, and therefore the bags and filters last for a longer time. With the addition of the carbon filter, the air quality in the house will be even better.

Everything That Happens is Supposed to Happen, and it Doesn't Always Suck

(Rather than prolong the Lux 6000 post, I decided to present this here)

Coincidence, or what may very well be the natural order of the universe, can sometimes be a fascinating thing. Within a week or so of getting the Aerus Lux 6000, minus the electric hose, Sidekick*, combination dusting/upholstery tool*, and baby crevice tool*, I happened upon an auction selling an electric hose, combination dusting/upholstery tool, and after filter, all in unused condition, and all to match the Lux 6000**, for a most agreeable price. Naturally, I ordered it.

What do you think I was doing when the mail carrier came up the driveway with a small box? Vacuuming the carpet with the Lux 6000, of course! What do you think I did once I opened the box? You'd be quite wrong if you thought I did anything other than connect up the hose, find a Sidekick, and vacuum off the sofas!

Everything was quite intact, and obviously never used...there wasn't a single scratch or speck of dirt to be seen. Even better, my Aerus Lux 6000 is fully functional, as it was intended when it was released. One of these days, I'll probably happen upon an exact-matching Sidekick and baby crevice tool, and wouldn't it be great if they were included with an Electrolux Lux 4000 or the other version of the Aerus Lux 6000? I know I said that I had to stop collecting, but if I had the chance to get one or both of these, I'd be sorely tempted.

One can see the Sidekick tracks on the sofa. This Sidekick is borrowed from the white/grey/red Epic 3500.

Machine end. Exactly the same as the Style R hose end, but this only has two prongs/pins.

The Aerus Lux 6000 is really a deluxe model that stands a cut above the rest, I must say. Naturally, this goes for the other Aerus Lux 6000 and the Electrolux Lux 4000 too. I wish these had never been discontinued.

*I do happen to have numerous extras of all these attachments...it's just that, from a purist/pedantic/collector perspective, they aren't a strict white and pale blue color match for the Lux 6000.

**Further on the subject of matching, this hose and combo tool are the exact white and pale blue of the Lux 6000, but they have the "Electrolux" logo stamped on them, leading me to believe they might have come with the Electrolux Lux 4000. As far as I know, after the company changed its name to "Aerus", the attachments and hose handles have a blank space where the "Electrolux" used to be. Why can't they put "Aerus" there?

UPDATE 12-29-13: In fact, after looking at my friend's Aerus Lux Classic, I can confirm that the hose handle and attachments merely have a blank space in place of the former "Electrolux". 

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.