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

I have one of those (Z400) and had no idea they were still around in stores...I remember when the Z400s were on sale at my local Home Depot a year ago for $99 and I was waiting for the price to drop to $50 after hearing rumors about it.  It never did, the Z just disappeared there.  Luckily I came across one later as I had been wanting one as a future collectible.

When the filter is clean, the Z is really not a bad cleaner on carpets, and it is fun to use since it's such an oddball machine.  You can feel the brushroll pulling it across the rug, and for something as heavy as the Z, that's quite an accomplishment.  It's not badly made, either, and the touch control with electric height adjustment and "soft start" was a great idea.

The main problem with the Z, and why it didn't turn out to be a success (at least to me), is because it's so darn big.  Have you ever seen one in person, out of the box, in the upright position with the telescoping handle fully extended?  The sheer size (both weight-wise and height-wise) rivals even some commercial uprights, and it weighs 28 pounds.  I can't even begin to imagine a 100-pound housewife trying to schlep that monstrosity up the stairs.  Sure, it's a neat cleaner, but from that standpoint, it was just not practical for everyday use.

What the Z will be, in the future, is a highly sought-after vacuum for the next generation of collectors.  Especially the TOL Z700.  Those are hard to come across even today.

Motorhead, you've sold me. I've already got one so maybe I'll go get a couple more and put cushions on 'em when they're folded down so campany can have a place to sit.

Venson

As I posted here, I gifted a HOOVER Z 400 to a local Church in October 2007.  It is used daily by as many as a dozen adults, students mostly teen age, an office staff of 6-9, a maintenence supervisor and custodian.  The "Church" consists of a Worship Area that holds 1200, offices with a staff of a 6-9 employees including the pastor, and a number of classrooms for the children and adults in religious training.  The HOOVER Z was used in the Spring of 2008 for a refurb of the Worship Area [painting/new floor/new lights, etc].  The building is 10 years old.  Rugs are in all the offices and classrooms.  And, rugs [inside and outside] are at the door entrances of the building and all the doors to the Worship Area, which is an imbedded room within the building.  The remaining flooring surfaces are hardcovered.

Also, a second vacuum is used which is usually donated by a parishioner.  In this case, a EUREKA BOSS SMART Vac upright.  There are several indoor/outdoor and wet/dry vacuums too.

After Holy Week and Easter, the custodian told me the HOOVER Z400 and EUREKA were not working well.  So I had a look.  The EUREKA is jammed.  The HOOVER, while working [agitator revolving], is shooting dirt out.  I took the HOOVER Z for repair much to the chagrin of the maintenance supervisor who likes and uses the HOOVER Z as his vacuum of choice.  He's worked for the Church for 4 years.  So, I provided a HOOVER WT Supreme and HOOVER TEMPO for use in the meantime while the vacuums are down.

I gave the HOOVER Z a quick inspection.  Looks like the gasket on the dirt bin was removed.  May be the reason for the dirt spewing.  Overall, it appears that cleaning the filter, perhaps replacing, and an agitator cleaning [hair wrap] may be all that's needed.  Probably a weekend repair job and returned next week to the custodian/maintanance supervisor and back in service.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Hi Carmine,

I had decided to leave mine behind at our old space when the office moved last year but my, as usual, greedy boss did the expected and had it brought along to the new digs without consulting with me. Somehow it fell into the hands of the owner of the business we were renting space from and was ready for the trash heap in less than a day. Even though bought for merely 50-bucks I'd have preferred not to witness its death. (This is one of the reasons I have stopped giving vacuums to people.)

A major failing of the Z, as I see it, is that the self-cleaning filter is not average user maintainable. It requires a vacuum repair person who knows how to handle the job. If we're talking the gasket with the mesh screen that was an important component as as one part of the collection bin is deliberately isolated to collect only dust that falls off the revolving filter. It take it the body, etc., are still in good shape. How clean is the HEPA that's next to the motor?

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson:

I'ver repaired and returned the HOOVER Z400.  It is as good as new.  Dustpack in the nozzle opening behind the agitator.  Had to remove 4 screws and the soleplate to remove the dustpack.  It was caused by a nail and Christmas tree needles that packed up.  Several things impressed me in the repair.  One WRT your question.  The HEPA exhaust filter, after over 18 months of commercial use, is still pristine.  No doubt in large part due to the plastic shroud that surrounds the motor.

Next, the pre-motor filter, despite the repeated cleat cleaning, is intact.  No wear at the pressure points from constant cleaning.  I cleaned the old filter and reinstalled.  The chamber behind the pre-motor filter was amazing clean despite the usage.  Tho I don't care for the self-cleaning cleat mechanism, the filter size is not smallish as some may think/say.  Quite the contrary once removed and examined.  I'd prefer a teflon coated filter so as to be washable.

The underside of the vacuum with the brush motor and belt was amazingly clean.  The belt still very good and I could not stop the revolving by applying pressure.  Some hairwrap on the agitator was removed quickly by using a wire brush while the agitator brush revolves. 

I don't like the cord/tool cover.  It tends to flop open/closed while in use.  And, constantly needs to be closed and locked. 

Not worth the original MSRP.  Probably a $250 seller at best.  I especially like the slow start and the finger tip electronic controls for low/medium/high and barefloors.  Excellent feature. 

Carmine D.

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson:

I left the first HOOVER Z400 I bought from BEST BUY at my house in Virginia, so the realtor had a vacuum to use to keep the house in showroom condition.  I suspect the new home owners got it, tho I understand the house went into foreclosure recently and is now owned/for sale by the bank.

I'll add another reason for not gifting vacuums [besides the Shakespearian quote neither a lender nor a borrower be].  Seems the Maintenance Supervisor and custodian at the Church are petitioning the pastor for Commercial grade vacuums.  Domestic are not good enough.  The Custodian wants a back pack vacuum.  The Maintenance supervisor wants an upright Commercial, no tools on board.  Hence, my scoping out the EUREKA/ELECTROLUX Sanitaire at Sam's Club. 

Seems people are never satisfied with what they have even if free.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Good morning Carmine,

From what I've seen, folks are usually more appreciative of and more careful with what they have to pay for themselves and I have learned not to deny them the privilege.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Very true. 

Carmine D.

I would like to add one to my collection just because they are so unique... but don't want to spend more than 50 dollars for one used.  I tried them out at Snears and thought they looked cool... I didn't like how far one had to reach for the switch, the self cleaning filter, or the door for the tool and cord, but still they are neat looking!

Vacuumfreeeke wrote:
Hi VF,

The Z's a ways down the line since its manufacture ended. I think your best bet is to set up a search alert on eBay and maybe one in good condition will turn up. There's one up today as a "buy-it-now/best offer". It is not in pristine condition and thus I see the seller's price as overly ambitious. Probaly not likely but as you never know, you might want to check out a Home Depot here and there.

After taking a look discovered only one online vendor that has Zs in stock. It too has gone a a little nuys with the price -- $500 for the Z-700 and $400 for the Z-400. I wasn't aware of it but the primary filter can be had for $50 to $60.

Best,

Venson