Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just As Good As Ever, August 30, 2006
This review is from: Hoover U6436-900 TurboPower Self-Propelled WindTunnel Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
I recently bought the Hoover Windtunnel U6436-900 (TurboPower 7600) to replace my old Hoover Windtunnel U6445-920 (Mach 6.9) which was "giving up the ghost" after 6 years of flawless service. I could have had the old vacuum fixed for less than half of what the new one cost, but I decided to turn back the clock and invest in a new vacuum.
The new U6436 is almost exactly the same as my old Hoover except that it stores tools on the back of the vacuum and now has room up front for the power attachment. Hoover Windtunnel is definitely as loud as ever too. That's because it's actually doing something. It's amazing how much suction these vacuums have when the bag is empty. By the time the bag is full, I estimate that suction decreases by 25%...which is still more than adequate by the way.
I compared the U6436 side-by-side with the Eureka TheBoss 4870GZ that my inlaws have. The Hoover beats the Eureka pretty solidly in power and ease of push thanks to the self propel feature. It really glides along like it is on iceskates or something...almost effortless. Since the Hoover costs 33% more, this is to be expected. The Eureka is quieter, and that's about it.
The product manual that came with the U6436 indicates that it has a 2 year warranty. I've seen conflicting reports on this on various other sites, but it is definitely 2 years...
A famous consumer magazine ranks this vacuum near the top, and I agree. I have owned Hoover Windtunnel for quite awhile now, and they are reliable and do a great job. The bags are cheap too, usually around $7-$8 for 3 of them.
In short, I highly recommend this vacuum.
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30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing in the long run, February 24, 2007
This review is from: Hoover U6436-900 TurboPower Self-Propelled WindTunnel Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
We have bought two Hoover Self-propelled Windtunnel vacuums in the past four years. The fact that we bought two attests to our overall satisfaction with the product. However, the second vacuum confirmed our experience with the first: they don't last very long.
Over the course of three years, we had the first vacuum repaired four times. In each case it was because of wear and tear on the beater bar driving belt and the machinery that make the beater bar turn. I learned that I had to do regular maintenance on the beater bar to remove accumulated fibers wrapped around the bar. In the course of the maintenance, I discovered that the Hoover's internal construction is almost completely plastic. This is fine generally, but means that parts that experience a lot of friction (like where the beater bar and the body come together) degrade pretty quickly. Finally, the cost of repairs exceeded the cost of a new vacuum and we got a new one.
Our experience with the second was even more disappointing than the first. We bought the second just a year ago for around $220 and already it is in the shop for a $90 repair. We are not going to buy another Hoover.
A word to the wise: the carpet height adjustment is the key. If you have low or flat carpets, don't set the carpet height adjustment to "low". Set it to medium. I've been advised that the "low" setting is actually for hard floors. Setting the carpet height to "low" on a low carpet puts too much stress on the beater bar mechanism and will give the maintenance nightmares I've described above.
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32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Sucking Power, December 20, 2005
This review is from: Hoover U6436-900 TurboPower Self-Propelled WindTunnel Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
It was good to see Hoover finally use the same hose for both the main vacuum and the attachments. Powerful, easy to use. Our other Hoover was great when using the main vacuum, but had little sucking power when the attachments were used. A GREAT improvement. We are HAPPY with it!
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