Re: Problems with A Vax Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.
Originally Posted by
Realist
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£249 seems a lot for what is essentially a battery and a motor. Problem with
any device that is battery powered is that it is only as good as that battery and eventually the device will fail purely because the battery has had its life, which isn't long.
Is it possible to replace the batteries in the Vax and if so at what cost?
Yes Realist it is possible to replace the battery for a mere £80 although a spare battery is provided with each new machine.
The batteries are lithium life batteries, and although I don't believe they will last for the life of the Vacuum Cleaner they will, in fact, outlast standard rechargeable batteries by a quite considerable amount.
£249 is a substantial amount for a Vacuum Cleaner however, the technology is quite amazing. Apart from the fact that you have the freedom to traverse around every room in the house without the constraints of a flex, it collects debris as efficient as any mains operated machine I have ever used. It is lighter than a conventional machine and very manoeuvrable. The 12 volt motor revs faster than a standard unit and generally speaking the design of the cleaner is very rigid.
Unfortunately the design of the rear wheel assemblies will not provide enough support for the small axles and the moulded plastic mountings will inevitably fail after a few months of weekly use. When the mountings fail, it allows enough play in the wheel (Wobbly Wheel Syndrome) for it to catch on the wheel guard and is impossible to push. It is for this reason that I have redesigned one of the rear wheel assemblies, and should it be a success, I will attempt to correct the other one. The unit was used by Mrs Fox for the first time today since the modification and I can report, so far so good.....