Alto 61418 SQ 10-Gallon Drywall Vacuum

by Wap

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Alto'S Drywaller features an exclusive filter cleaning system that allows the operator to clean the filter without removing the head assembly from the canister. If airflow becomes restricted, simply move the external plunger up and down to brush the filter clean and continue vacuuming. This heavy-duty 120 cfm vacuum features a much quieter performance with its 1.6 hp motor. Washable fleece filter is 30% larger than heavy-duty filter. Includes 1-1/2- x 10-foot hose, metal curved wand with extensions, aluminum floor tool, cloth filter liner, and paper bag.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 26.3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000224OX
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 61418
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #701,827 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Vac EVER made, June 18, 2001

By 

"hum-vee" (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alto 61418 SQ 10-Gallon Drywall Vacuum (Tools & Home Improvement)

The SQ-10 is extremely versitile, powerful, and --quiet--. It's suitable for a library reading room. It really is that quiet.

It's also capable of mil-spec performance with the optional genuine HEPA filter (be careful not to buy all the hepa imitators on the market - most of them are junk anyways)

The hose can be automatically grounded for ESD protection if anti-static hose is used -- this is NOT the factory default, but the ground strap is built into the unit at the hose inlet so if you do buy an esd hose, you're all set - this prevents the vac from sparking inside heavy contamination areas due to movement of material through the hose. This is required for datacenter use - and most vacs neglect it in the design.

This MODEL (the drywaller) is intended strictly for drywall installers or people who need to inhale lots of fine powder. The filter can be brushed while it's in use through the top of the unit to clean drywall dust off. This is done with a brush connected to a plunger that penetrates the case.

While this is a great feature for drywall installers - most people will be better served buying bags and using the standard model without the brush.

With 120CFM of airflow and over 100" of H20 lift, it is suitable for almost any use and features a 2-stage fan - very uncommon to find as most cheap units opt for single stage fans which do not work well with liquid pickup.

The vac also features a convenience outlet that is switched on with the unit - for use with power tools that produce dust - it's suitable for sanders and the like, but not high current tools like a skillsaw since your tool shares the power cord with the vac motor. An electrician can re-wire the outlet to be always on if desired. A high quality terminal block is under the hood for this purpose.

German ergonomics are enforced with no sharp edges, stainless steel parts, and a low center of gravity to prevent tip-overs - it's low and squat with high quality wheels that track over cords, hoses, dirt, rocks, plywood, bascially any off-road vac course you can dream up. If you've ever had a cheap vac tip over when the 1" castors hit an extension cord on the floor and then shut off, you know how fustrating tipovers can be.

The only disadvantage is that YOU must tip it over to empty liquids - the 15 and 20 gallon size models feature drain ports and use the same quiet motor as this unit. They are more suited to liquid use for that reason. With 70 lbs of water in it - it's very hard to tip over and drain.

Also note that this is a METRIC unit - the hose is compatible with US 1-1/2" accessories, but not the more common 1-1/4" accessories. It is also compatible with the LINDHAUS power brush for carpets, but purchase the METRIC version.

With old-wolrd german craftsmanship, this vac will last a lifetime if taken care of. It should replace 10+ of the hardware store variety, and do a better job cleaning.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One last thing - about Fleece, June 18, 2001

By 

"hum-vee" (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alto 61418 SQ 10-Gallon Drywall Vacuum (Tools & Home Improvement)

The manufacturer calls the filter FLEECE - it is not what americans call FLEECE - we refer to the material as "GORE-TEX" in america, but it got messed up in translation from German to English, and FLEECE was printed in the literature. You are getting a GORE-TEX filter with this unit and will be pleasantly surprised.