Well i've not seen a hoover like this before

[zipgun]

My Hoover's busted and i was just lookin' on the bay..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-RETRO ... _696wt_958

[JPB]

Brave bloke to connect that thing to the mains. I have a similar one in the attic and the first thing I'll do with that is fit a three core, PVC insulated lead to it. I prefer living to keeping ancient rubber wiring original.

Will I find that it's better at pulling the pile out of the carpets than my Dyson though? I do hope not.

[tractorman]

Obviously more reliable than a Dyson though!

Look for a Sebo vacuum, they are probably the most reliable as they tend to be used in the cleaning industry (or so I was told) and there is really good parts back up. There were several Sebos at one of the schools where I worked and they took a lot of hammer. A local dealer used to service (and PATS) annually, so it was one job less for me. They aren't necessarily cheap, but have wiped the smile of some Dyson owners' faces!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-SEBO- ... 27a78dfe19

Failing that, my main domestic vacuum is a 30+ year old Hoover. I changed the brushes this year and it's a lot better. Power isn't everything - the old machine has the "beats as it sweeps as it cleans" brush and surprised my sister (a Dyson fanatic) with it's performance! Not sure about new Hoovers - my 1998 one caught fire last year and is now recycled!

[Luxobarge]

Nah, don't buy one of those, they suck!

Well, somebody had to.....

Seriously, I'd go for a Henry, in fact I have, I have two of them - also built to industrial standards (or very close), not excessively expensive and a vast array of spares suppliers who can supply every single piece of one - and are likely to continue to be able to do so for a very long time to come. And they work very well too.

Sorry, I'm a bit of a vacuum cleaner enthusiast, one of the most useful tools I have, we own about 5 of them - sad, aren't I?

[JPB]

Puir wee Henry, he tried to quit but the lure of the Chas became too strong and soon only a pipe would satisfy his urge to do the Colombian snow dance. I found a clip of him in happier times, enjoying a cheeky poodle's leg:

[mach1rob]

ideal for hoovering up the biscuit crumbs after a brew I spose

[zipgun]

Our old Hoover turbo must be 25 years old, been repaired with self tappers and plates,bit of inner tube holds the front on.. I knew the plastic wouldn't last ,but at the time, the "headlight "on it looked good.Had our 80 quids worth out of it anyway !
I don't want a Dyson , the local tip has a skip full, which tell me sommat...

[Luxobarge]

I don't want a Dyson , the local tip has a skip full, which tell me sommat...

Ain't that the truth! Our local tips are the same, and I came to exactly the same conclusion.

Mr. Dyson is a very clever man - he's made a product that does the job and has high desirability, but he's made damn sure it doesn't last, and along with the never ending stream of "latest" models, this drives people to buy another one every few years. Brilliant!

Like you though, I'm not joining that party....

[TerryG]

My DC05 is 8/9 years old and still going strong :S

[JPB]

My DC05 is 8/9 years old and still going strong :S

Yeah, mine too, as is the other Dyson that I rescued from work when the offices were being moved and stuff was being given away. At least they don't use any complex ICs like Hoover tend to do in their equivalent devices, the Dyson's weaknesses are known, mostly mechanical and easily addressed with aftermarket parts from any of the dozens of specialists that have sprung up since the maker's monopoly on supply came to an end.

BUT.... There's one thing that really gets on my tripe about Dyson and that's their incessant use of codology in their marketroids' outpourings. The latest being the ad with Victoria Wood banging on about "digital motors". Maybe the term "digital" wants some clarification? Maybe Dyson know a successful marketing mȇme when they see one? Either way WTF is that all about?