Product Description

The Hoover TurboPower Self Propelled Windtunnel Bagged upright comes with a powerful 12 amp motor and Windtunnel technology to provide a powerful dual air stream which enhanses dirt pickup and removal. The Self Propelled feature gives you virtually effortless cleaning in forward and reverse modes. The allergen filtration traps 100% of dust mites and their eggs and 99.98% of ragweed and common grasses pollen. The brush roll automatically shuts off when handle is in upright position for tool use. The 15 inch cleaner width cleans more carpeting per stroke than traditional 12 inch models. Includes a headlight as well as a bag check indicator to make your vacumming more enjoyable. The on-board tools are located for easy access and the Powered Hand Turbine Tool is located in the front for easy access. This unit comes with a two year parts and labor warranty.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #67326 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Black w/Gold Trim
• Brand: Hoover
• Model: U6436-900
• Released on: 2005-08-15
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

• Self-propelled bagged upright vacuum cleaner with 12 amp motor and WindTunnel technology
• 15-inch cleaning path; dual-edge groomers; variable height for carpets and bare floors
• On-board crevice tool, upholstery nozzle, dusting brush, extension wands, and powered hand tool
• Deluxe stretch hose; on/off brush-roll control; allergen filtration; headlight; carrying handle
• Measures 13 by 15 by 43 inches; 2-year parts-and-labor warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Equipped with a powerful 12 amp motor, this self-propelled bagged upright vacuum cleaner delivers exceptional performance and virtually effortless cleaning in both forward and reverse modes. The unit's 15-inch-wide cleaning path helps get the job done quickly, while its patented WindTunnel technology provides a powerful dual air stream for enhanced dirt pickup and removal. In addition, dual edge groomers loosen and remove dust, dirt, and lint that collect along baseboards, and the variable height settings and on/off brush-roll control allow for switching from bare floors to carpets with ease. When the handle returns to its upright, locked position, the brush roll automatically shuts off and the unit directs all its power to tool suction. On-board tools include a crevice tool, an upholstery nozzle, a dusting brush, and two extension wands. Its deluxe stretch hose extends up to 11-feet when using both wands and the crevice tool. Even more, its on-board powered hand tool works great for vacuuming upholstered furniture, carpeted stairs, and hard-to-reach places. The unit also comes with allergen filtration that captures 100-percent of dust mites and 99.98-percent of ragweed and common grass pollens. Other highlights include a textured handle grip, fingertip "on/off" control, a full-width headlight to illuminate dark corners, a non-marking furniture guard, a check-bag indicator, a 31-foot power cord with quick-cord release, and a carrying handle for easy transport. The vacuum cleaner measures 13 by 15 by 43 inches and carries a two-year parts-and-labor warranty.

Customer Reviews

Just As Good As Ever
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.

Disappointing in the long run
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.

Great Sucking Power
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!