Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

The Hoover Z was certainly not a great idea but at least looked like it might be.  It's main failing for all its feature is the rather small mesh filter between the dust bin and the self-cleaning filter.  It can become clogged relatively quickly and bring about a noticable drop-off of its already lackluster suction.  The compartmentalized dust collection set-up -- a compartment for incoming dirt and another for dust shed by the rotating filter -- also does no lend to easy emptying. However, that's all old news.

I visited a Home Depot in lower Manhattan about two days ago and was surprised to find the "Z" still for sale -- for $50.00.  After all this time, this isn't flattering.  It may not be good business, but I wonder why Hoover just didn't do a recall.  After all we're talking about a vacuum that hit the market at around $500 or more and that has been allowed to hang around on shelves as its price has plummeted down to ten-percent of what it was initially.  Of course a recall would have meant a loss to Hoover but might have meant saving face regarding this particular item.  This also might not have been possible due to plans for the company's changing of hands.

Though I hate the fixed prices some manufacturers demand their vacuums must be sold for, I must admit there may be some point to the practice regarding the maintenance of supposed value.

Venson

CarmineD wrote:
Hi Carmine,

How do you get at the primary filter? That to me is the biggest issue. To the best of my recall, Hoover placed no instructions for this in the cleaner's manual leaving me to assume that it requires a visit to an authorized repair person. I really felt it should have been more accessible for removal and replacement by users.

Best,

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson:

The self-cleaning pre-motor filter is accessible with the removal of 5-6 cover screws.  It's easy to clean and re-install/replace.  The post motor filter is also easy to access with just a turn/twist off of the filter cover. 

Carmine D.

Hey guys... I just bid on one on Ebay, but I bid on the z 400 instead of the 900 and then I realized that the 400 doesn't have a headlight or a bare floor tool.... I hope I don't win it!  I should have done more research first. 

Hello Vacuumfreeeke:

Here are the details:

HOOVER Z 400 is model U9125-900; the HOOVER Z 700 is model U9145-900

The diffs are:

Z 700 has everything the Z 400 PLUS:

• gentle brush setting;
• pet hair cleaning tool;
• lifetime LED headlights;
• 16 inch wand and 14 inch floor brush;
• 35 foot cord vice 31 for the Z 400.

Hope that assists you in your decision making.

Carmine D.

I don't care about the gentle brush setting or the pet hair tool (never liked turbo tools anyway) but I do want headlights and bare floor tool.  Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to win the 400.... I guess I can get an aftermarket floor tool and wand and just go without the LED lights.

Vacuumfreeeke wrote:
VacuumFreeke,
There are online companies that place eBay bids on your behalf ...  their computers place your bid moments (seconds) before the end of auction.  The upside to this arrangement is to keep a bidding war from taking the price up and you can remove your bid before set scheduled bid time, etc.

Google "snipe" and "eBay" and you'll see lots of info.  I use AuctionSniper.

Thanks for the info about the auction sniper... that may be helpful to me in the future.  I won the Z 400 for 42 bucks...  I'm excited to have it as a novelty, but wish it was the 700 instead....

Hello Vacuumfreeeke:

Excellent price.  Will probably need a good going over since these models are approaching 2-3 years old now.  Easy to do and well worth the time/effort.  Enjoy your new [old] "Z."

Carmine D.

Carmine... I know that the belt and filter are supposed to be lifetime.... what should I do to it when I get it?  I always clean the scuff marks off and wax and spray Lysol all over a machine when I get one used....  I'll report back and let you know what I think of its performance.

Vacuumfreeeke wrote:

Hello Bobby:

What should/needs to be done depends on the performance and condition.  The lifetime HEPA, while it is self-cleaning every 6 seconds, may/should be removed and throroughly vacuumed and cleaned and reinstalled.  You may/should remove the motor housing for the post motor filter.  This is a charcoal gray fibrous filter.  It should still be clean, almost pristine.  But check it and if it needs cleaning, do so.  Brush and vacuum.  The motor on the Z has a plastic shroud which keeps it clean and dirt free.  Excellent feature which HOOVER copied from the EUREKA bagless uprights.  

Of course the screen mesh that is atop of the dirt bin.  Vacuum the screen and the bin clean. 

The agitator may/should be cleaned of any hair, rug wrap and dirt.  Might even have to remove and inspect for ease of revolving.  Despite what retailers initially said about the Z, it is not HOOVER WT technology.  But, the agitator is wood, large, with excellent tufts for rug cleaning and grooming.

There are points on the Z where dust packs [clogs] are likely.  One place is the rear where the rubber port is accessible for the purpose of unclogging.  This port cover should be tightly closed at all times except to inspect and clean/clear the opening.  Another point is the opening from the agitator housing into the vacuum.  If suction is weak, this may be the cause.  Easy to clear and clean once it is taken apart.  ANd easy to take apart.  Just alot of screws to undo.  The hood completely separates from the bottom of the vacuum for easy cleaning and inspection of all the working parts for rug pick-up.

Inspect the lifetime belt.  Make sure it is intact, no nicks, cuts, and wears.

Check the cord too.  Wrap correctly so the cover will close correctly and securely.  During use, ensure the cover is closed properly so it doesn't swing open/close.  Not a good feature for this style of vacuum.

The electronic digi-touch control pad should be fine but run them through the tests to make sure.

If you have any questions, post here/email me privately.  A happy to assist.

Carmine D.