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Venson


Joined: Jul 23, 2007
Points: 1900

Hoover Z . . .
Original Message   Feb 10, 2008 12:30 pm
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

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Vacuumfreeeke


Joined: May 9, 2008
Points: 105

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #12   May 5, 2009 12:46 pm
i offered that guy 50 dollars on best offer and the seller declined.  That's fine... he can keep it... no one else is buying it.  I'll find a more appropriate deal when the time is right!
mole


.

Location: earth
Joined: Sep 30, 2007
Points: 783

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #13   May 5, 2009 1:07 pm
The shipping is more than what the machine is worth,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

regards

MOLE

CarmineD


Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #14   May 5, 2009 5:06 pm
Venson 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


Hi Venson et al:

HOOVER/TTI Web Site has the Z400 and Z900 in stock and new with 2 year warranty for $289 and $365 respectively.  Down from MSRP but a far cry from discontinued and cheap.  Ironically, reviewers give it 4 of 5 stars.  Not the least bit surprised.  It has its fans just like all vacuums.  Easy to work on.  Does and excellent job on floors and rugs and has some neat features for the prices. 

Carmine D.

Venson


Joined: Jul 23, 2007
Points: 1900

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #15   May 5, 2009 7:31 pm
CarmineD wrote:
It has its fans just like all vacuums.  Easy to work on. 

Carmine D.

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
CarmineD


Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #16   May 5, 2009 9:14 pm
Venson 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



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.

Vacuumfreeeke


Joined: May 9, 2008
Points: 105

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #17   May 20, 2009 9:33 am
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. 
CarmineD


Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #18   May 20, 2009 12:23 pm
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.

Vacuumfreeeke


Joined: May 9, 2008
Points: 105

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #19   May 20, 2009 12:57 pm
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.
DysonInventsBig


Location: USA
Joined: Jul 31, 2007
Points: 1454

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #20   May 20, 2009 6:16 pm
Vacuumfreeeke wrote:
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.

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.
This message was modified May 20, 2009 by DysonInventsBig



Vacuumfreeeke


Joined: May 9, 2008
Points: 105

Re: Hoover Z . . .
Reply #21   May 20, 2009 8:18 pm
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....
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