Hoover Powermax Vacuum Cleaner - can't handle hair - roller becomes bound, belts break

# 2 for April 14, 2002

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on April 13, 2002:

From: Sharon Kirk Clifton [Email User]

RE: Hoover Powermax Vacuum Cleaner - can't handle hair - roller becomes bound, belts break

For those who are hairless and have hairless pets (goldfish or iguanas would work), I may have found the vacuum for you. But then, on the other hand, probably any vacuum would work for you. The Hoover Powermax vacuum cleaner initially appealed to me because of its allergen filter, it's reasonable price (around $170), its brand name, its concisely-stores attachments, and its attractive appearance (dark forest green/black). Right now, I'd gladly accept a shocking pink and screaming yellow vacuum, if it worked. The Hoover Powermax cannot handle the least bit of hair. The roller becomes bound up, and the belts burn and break. My cleaner is about two years old. I cannot count the number of belts it has incinerated, and it is on its second roller.

When the hair binds the roller, a small plastic piece breaks (most of its innards are plastic, I learned from the repairman) and cannot be replaced. The consumer must purchase a new roller, to the tune of $40. We replaced the roller. I used the vacuum twice, and the belt burned up. Please understand: I comb my hair in the bathroom, which has a hard surface, so I don't vacuum that room, and I use the hose with the crevasse attachment all over the carpets before I employ the vacuum proper with the rotating brush, so there is a minimum of hair on the carpets--just enough to destroy the Hoover "POWERMAX." (How did they ever come up with that name.) What would I like the Hoover company to do? Refund me the original $170 plus the $40 for the roller. I will take the money and use it toward the purchase of a used Filter Queen, which I used and loved for 30 years, finally wearing it out. They're bulky and a bit awkward to handle, BUT THEY WORK VERY WELL, and that is after all what counts. Sincerely irritated,

Sharon Kirk Clifton