Improving the Vacuum - Montana Owners Club

**DQDick** · 03-18-2013, 03:09 PM

Since we have cats and they won't clean between their toes when they leave the cat box, I'm always vacuuming and was never very happy with the job the built in InterVac was doing. A couple of months ago I called them and they suggested replacing the floor tool with an end that had a brush that rotated using the suction to turn it. I was skeptical but replacing the whole system was the other option and it seemed to have plenty of suction so I ordered one. It really does make a difference in getting up cat litter and hair as well as sand and rocks brought in on our feet. The only issue is that every other time I vacuum I have to take a knife and cut the cat hair out of the brush, but then again I had to do that with the regular vacuum in the S&B.

racerjoe · 03-18-2013, 03:21 PM

we have used the turbo cat zoom power head for about 5 years and the dw loves it. it is also air powered

**Rondo** · 03-18-2013, 03:30 PM

Dick- You have to pick up the cats before vacuuming! It does wonders on the vacuum!

bncinwv · 03-18-2013, 03:37 PM

We have used an attachment on the central vac for years and there have been many posts regarding the use of turbo-type beater brushes. We got ours at Walmart in the aisle where the vacuum belts were sold and it had a couple of other attachments as well. I can't remember the name, but I do remember that we paid a little over $20 for it. One advantage is that it fits on the end of the hard extension tubes and allows all of the floors to be cleaned from a standing position. I agree the hardest part is cleaning the beater brush of the accumulated hair. It really makes a difference as you mentioned with beach sand.

**DQDick** · 03-18-2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Rondo

Dick- You have to pick up the cats before vacuuming! It does wonders on the vacuum!

I get far more fur when I don't

PackerFan · 03-18-2013, 05:49 PM

Dick, Did you order this attachment from Intervac or somewhere else? Very interested in this as we also have a cat and a dog.

Thanks, Scott

lonnie smith · 03-18-2013, 06:29 PM

did you order directly from InterVac?

bncinwv · 03-19-2013, 02:17 AM

There are many variations available as discussed in this prehistoric (well a little old anyway!) thread:

Beater Bar Thread

The one we have was sold under the name Arm and Hammer but I think they have been discontinued. Go to Amazon or similar and do a search for Power Paw and you will see the type we have. It is only about 6 inches wide but then we are not vacuuming a 4000 sq. ft. house. A search for Turbo Brush will yield other alternatives as well.

Bingo

Wayne and Carolyn Mathews · 03-19-2013, 02:51 AM

After reading about the turbo-type heads 2 years ago, we bought a TurboCat, and what a difference it makes in the efficiency of the built-in vacuum. We have two Australian shepherds, and the new head with the beater brush picks up 99% of the hair that they shed. As others have pointed out, the vacuum head needs to be cleaned frequently (for us, that means every time we use it). We also have to change the bags frequently, too, but that's a small price to pay for getting the dirt and hair out of the carpet. Until I got the turbo head, I hated the vacuum. Now, I have to admit that it does a good job.
Carolyn

**DQDick** · 03-19-2013, 04:47 AM

Yes, I did buy the one thru InterVac, but it didn't occur to me to look elsewhere for a cheaper alternative. I know that doesn't sound like me, but I think I was frustrated enough I went straight to the source. As Carolyn says you do have to change bags more often, but that's really the point. If it's in the rug and you don't get it out the rug won't last anywhere near as long.

bncinwv · 03-19-2013, 05:23 AM

How much was the intervac one and what size is it Dick? By size i mean width.
Bingo

**DQDick** · 03-19-2013, 11:25 AM

Cost me $70 but it's 11' wide and works well so I'm happy with it.

bncinwv · 03-19-2013, 11:32 AM

I like the 11" wide part and the price is not too bad. Thanks.
Bingo

kab449 · 03-19-2013, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the info Dick. This is one of DW's complaints about the vacuum. Imagine her surprise the next time we go camping and I demonstrate how well it works with this attachment. Better open a new browser to order.

Overlord · 03-24-2013, 11:23 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by kab449

....Imagine her surprise the next time we go camping and I demonstrate how well it works with this attachment....

Imagine your surprise when she says, "Oh Honey, you do that so well, I think you should be the one to do this job from now on!"

**DQDick** · 03-25-2013, 04:55 AM

You may find that to be true. In my case doing the laundry and vacuuming was a deal I made when we got engaged.

bncinwv · 03-25-2013, 06:53 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by DQDick

You may find that to be true. In my case doing the laundry and vacuuming was a deal I made when we got engaged.

There should be a law against posting this kind of information on a public forum!!!

Bingo

Tom S. · 03-25-2013, 08:08 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Overlord

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by kab449

....Imagine her surprise the next time we go camping and I demonstrate how well it works with this attachment....

Imagine your surprise when she says, "Oh Honey, you do that so well, I think you should be the one to do this job from now on!"

Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and read the book!

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