Hoover U4361, U4359 User Manual

Fill in and retain!

The vacuum cleaner you have just purchased is a combination
cleaner. It is used for carpet and rug cleaning and may be used with
took for above the floor cleaning.

The model and serial number appear on the bottom of the cleaner

base.
For your personal records, please enter these numbers in the spaces

provided below and retain in a safe place.

Your cleaner is model

and hasserial number

Index

Assembling cleaner
Cleaner Description and Unpacking

Energy Saving Tips
How to Use

Cleaning Tools.
Special Features

Upright Cleaner.

IfYouHaveaProblem..

Important Safeguards
Lubrication

Maintenance

Authorized Service

How to Replace Belt

How to Replace Brushes.

How to Replace Headlight

How to Replace Throw Away Bag

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.19-20

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.3,4

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22

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1

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$3

1972, 1980, 1982, 1984 The Hoover Company

Important Safeguards!

l Read all instructions.
l Warning: Electric shock could occur if used outdoors or on wet

surfaces.

l

Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or
near children. Do not allow vacuum cleaner to be used as a toy or to
run unattended at any time.

l

Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from rotating
agitator.
toe shoes or sandals.

l

Don’t run cleaner over cord. It may damage insulation.

l

Do not use cleaner to pick up matches, or live ashes and cigarette

butts.

l Avoid picking up hard, sharp objects with the cleaner. They may

damage the cleaner and the bag.

l

Unplug cleaner when not in use. Turn machine off at switch before

unplugging.

.Do

not operate cleaner in bare feet or when wearing open

l Always disconnect cord from electrical outlet before servicing the

cleaner.

l Change bag frequently when picking up very fine materials such as

powder.

l

Grasp the plug to disconnect from wall outlet to avoid damage to

cord, plug, prongs, or receptacle.

l The use of an extension cord is not recommended.

l

If cleaner is in disrepair, do not attempt to operate.

l

Have repairs made by the qualified personnel at Hoover Factory

Service Centers or Authorized Hoover Warranty Service Dealers.

l

Use vacuum cleaner only for its intended use as described in the

instructions. Use only attachments recommended by the appliance

manufacturer; others may cause hazards.

Save these instructions!

Qualii

prtit:m

Employee

Participation

0

I

IdL

2

Unpacking

Unpack the
carton and identify the parts
shown. Remove and disoose of
the cardboard packing. .

A. Upper handle section

B. Lower handle section

C. Cleaner main body and hood
assembly

D. Outer bag assembly

E. Throw away bag

F. Fragrance tablet (some

models only)

The cleaner assembled will

Cook like the drawing below.

cleanerfrom

6

the

q

F

-7.

qB

8

C

-10

After identifying each part, begin assembling.

3

1.

Headlight

2.

Hood

3. Pile Height Adjustment Display (some models only): indicates the
four positions set by the Adjustment Lever for cleaning various

carpet piles. Four positions are: LOW, NORMAL, HIGH and SHAG.

4. Adjustment Lever for Carpet Pile Height: to adjust the underside of

the cleaner (nozzle location) to the carpet pile height.

5. Cord Storage Hooks: wrap cord around hooks for storage. On some

models, the top cord storage hook can be rotated forward or

backward for easy cord release.

6. Handle: square design shown in sketch; some models have round
handle.

7. ON-OFF Switch: some models have two speeds.

8. Spring Hook: place spring ring over hook to support the bag.

e

9. Air Freshener Dispenser (some models only): designed to hold a
fragrance tablet and release a pleasant scent during cleaning.

10. Outer Bag: covering for throw away bag.

11. Handle Bail: support for handle.

12. Carrying Handle: located on the underside of the handle bail.

13. Handle Release Lever: step on lever to lower handle to Operating
and Low position.

14. Furniture Guard: helps prevent cleaner from marking furniture.

Operate cleaner only at voltage specified on data plate on bottom of
cleaner base.

How to assemble

Before assembly, identify the

type of handle on your cleaner:

1) Square handle with molded
grip or 2) Round handle. Then as-

semble the cleaner according to

handle type.

I)

Square handle with

molded grip

A. Put handle together

Remove cardboard from end of

handle sections. Remove bolt
and nut from upper handle sec­tion.

Slide the two handle sections to-

gether, making sure that both
cord storage hooks are on the
same side of handle. Insert bolt
through small holes and secure
with nut. Tighten nut with screw­driver.

i

If the nut and bolt will not assem­ble as shown in the illustration,
the holes in the handle are not
lined up correctly.

B. Attach handle to

the cleaner

Unscrew nut and remove bolt
from handle bail.

Connect electric plug from the
handle with the socket in the han­dle bail. Make sure plug and sock­et assembly is securely locked.

Carefully guide the plug and
socket assembly into the handle.
Push the handle down into the
bail until it is securely in place.

5

Reinsert bolt through small holes
of handle and secure with nut.
Tighten nut with screwdriver.

Proceed to Section C.

2) Round handle

A. Put handle together

Remove cardboard from the end

of handle sections. Remove bolt

and nut from upper handle sec-

tion.

Slide the two handle sections to-

gether, making sure that both

cord storage hooks are on the

same side of handle. Insert bolt

through small holes and secure

with nut. Tighten nut with screw-

driver.

If the nut and bolt will not assem­ble as shown in the illustration,

the holes in the handle are not

lined up correctly.

B. Attach handle to

the cleaner

Unscrew nut and remove bolt
and plate from handle bail.

Take assembled handle and place
so that the socket holes in the
bottom of the handle are directly
in line with the electrical prongs.
Position the handle so that the
ON-OFF switch is to the rear of
the cleaner.

Push down until handle is secure-

ly in place. Insert bolt into small

hole in front of handle.

6

Replace plate on back of handle,
by inserting projection on plate
into lower hole on handle. Tabs
on handle bail will fit into notches
on plate. Position nut on bolt and
tighten with screwdriver.

C. Attach outer bag

to cleaner

The outer bag is connected at the

rear of the cleaner by hooking the

two projections at the bottom of

the outer bag assembly into the
grooved plate extending from
back of cleaner base.

Then slide the lock lever (located
just above the cleaner opening)

to the left and fit bag against
opening. Slide the lock lever to
the right to fit completely over
the bag lock.

Attach the bag to the spring

hook, located on the top section

of the handle.

7

D. Attach throw away

bag to cleaner

To attach throw away bag to
cleaner, unzip outer bag. Pull out
tube.

Push bag collar firmly onto tube by
first positioning bottom of collar,
and then top, onto tube. Make
sure the collar is pushed past the
raised portion at the top and bot­tom of the tube.

Pull out pleats of bag.

Tuck top, then bottom of bag into
outer bag. Zip outer bag.

E. Check air freshener
dispenser

(some models only)

The small drawer in the top of the
bag cap should not be removed.

If it should become detached,

replace by unhooking the bag
spring and tipping the bottom of
the drawer to insert projections
into back of cap opening. Push
drawer down into position and

hook bag spring.

8

How

to use

ON-OFF switch

To turn cleaner ON, push switch
down. To turn cleaner OFF, push
the switch up.

OFF

-!

Some models are equipped with a
two-speed Power
When the switch is pushed up as
far as possible, it is in the OFF
position.

Normal Speed is to be used for
regular cleaning of carpet and rugs
and when using cleaning tools.
Slide the switch down one notch
from OFF to NORMAL speed.

‘Power Surge’ Speed is to be used
for extra cleaning power on a
heavily soiled area of carpet. Slide
the switch down as far as possible
and hold it in that position to en­gage the “POWER SURGE”
speed. When the switch is re­leased, it will return to the NOR-

MAL speed position.

SurgeTM

switch.

NORMAL-

‘POWER
SURGE’

To operate

Plug cord into electrical outlet.
Your cleaner is now ready to op­erate. Turn the cleaner “ON”
and, with handle in upright posi­tion, pull back on handle until the
front of the cleaner is free from
the carpet. This insures that the
throw away bag is inflated.

Handle adjustment

The handle of your cleaner has
three positions: Upright for
storage and when using attach-

ments; Operating for general

operation on carpet and floors;

Low for reaching under low fur­niture. Step on handle release
lever to lower the handle.

9

OPERATING

Adjustment for carpet
pile height

The cleaning of carpet and rugs
takes place at the nozzle. This is
the opening at the bottom of the
cleaner where the agitator is lo-

cated.

It is necessary to raise and lower
the nozzle for various carpet pile
heights. The adjustment lever
raises and lowers the nozzle for

various carpet pile and is located
to the right of the bag near the

bottom of the cleaner.

You can most easily make nozzle
adjustments if you move the lever

UPWARDS with your toe until
the lever “clicks” into the desired
position. Therefore, when a
downward adjustment is requir­ed, first press the lever all the
way down into the SHAG posi­tion and then move upward one
position at a time.

Pile height adjustment

indicator

The indicator for the selected

carpet pile height is at location of

the adjustment lever, Fig. 1, or

shown in the window on top of

the cleaner hood, Fig. 2.

Select the adjustment for the carpet pile height according to the chart below.
Low

Normal for carpet with normal pile height and for removing loose dirt

i

High

Shag

for low pile and kitchen carpet

from hard surface floors

for carpet with normal pile height but thicker density; if the

cleaner is difficult to push at “Normal”, move the lever to the
“High” position.

for very long or shag pile carpet

Note: If the “Low” setting is used on a higher pile carpet, there is an in-

crease in the belt load and pushing effort is greatly increased.

10

Cleaning lightweight

flexible rugs

Lightweight flexible rugs used on hard surface floors in entrances,

bathrooms, etc. should be cleaned by the following method.

Stand on one end of the rug and

move the cleaner toward the oth­er end or edge. Before reaching
the other end, push down on the

handle. This will lift up the nozzle

(front of cleaner) and will prevent
the rug from clinging to the clean-

er. Continue to lift up the nozzle
so that when you have reached
the edge, it is completely off the
rug. Move the cleaner back to
start again and lower the nozzle,
using only forward strokes.

Special Features

Air freshener dispenser

(available on some models)

Lift the drawer in the bag cap of
your cleaner and insert the air
freshener tablet that has been

packed with your cleaner. Push

drawer down into position.

The amount of fragrance releas­ed is regulated by sliding the con­trol to one of three settings
shown on top of the bag cap.

Air freshener tablets may be ob­tained from your local authorized

Hoover dealer, a Hoover Factory
Service Center, or by using the
mail order form packed with your
cleaner.

Carrying handle

Your cleaner has a convenient

carrying handle located on the
underside of the handle bail.

11

Edge cleaning

This feature improves the cleaning of carpet edges near baseboards and
solid furniture. Dust and lint tend to collect along these edges. The

cleaner bottom plate has been designed with a passageway for dirt to
enter the nozzle from the side to increase cleaning ability of edges. From

the right or left side, slowly guide the cleaner parallel to the edge of the

carpet.

Quick cord release

(Available on some models)

To release the cord, rotate the
top hook forward or backward.
The hook can then be reposition­ed for wrapping the cord.

Cleaning Tools

(Available at additional cost)

The cleaning tools allow you to do above the floor cleaning and to clean

hard to reach areas.

Deluxe cleaning set includes
vinyl hose, converter, wands,
dusting brush, furniture nozzle,
wall/floor brush, crevice tool.

.

Standard cleaning set includesStandard cleaning set includes

lightweight hose, converter,lightweight hose, converter,
wand, crevice tool and multi-wand, crevice tool and multi­purpose brush.purpose brush.

How to assemble hose
and converter

By using this converter attach­ment, suction is channeled from

the cleaner to the hose and clean-

ing tools.

The converter must first be as­sembled to the hose by inserting
the converter into the hose con-

nectar

.

Push connector and converter to­gether and twist until the projec-

tions on the converter fit into the

holes on the hose connector. This
unit should remain assembled for
all future tool use.

Using cleaning tools

A. Attach converter

Disconnect cleaner from electri­cal outlet. Cleaner must not be
plugged in when positioning or
removing converter.

1 CONNEC-TOR

CONi/ERTER

1

Grasp the converter; turn red
converter lock away from the
hose.

13

With cleaner in upright position,
grasp handle and lean cleaner
backwards until handle is flat on
the floor and the underside is visi­ble.

Place plastic latches of converter
onto metal rim of bottom plate.

Pivot converter until it covers the
opening.

To lock in place, turn red con-

verter lock toward the hose.

Raise cleaner to upright position.

B. Select proper

cleaning tool

The cleaning tools have many
uses. Select the tool best suited

for the cleaning task from the de-

scriptions below.

Wall/floor brush*

very irregular hard surface floors
such as brick and slate. Fig. 1.

Furniture nozzle*

ed furniture, draperies, tapes­tries, mattresses, clothing, auto­mobile interiors and carpeted
stairs. Fig. 2.

Multi-purpose brush

set only) for dusting surfaces
such as table tops, lamp shades,
draperies as well as for cleaning

upholstered furniture, stairs and

automobile interiors. Fig. 3.

Dusting brush*

niture, table tops, books, lamps,
lighting fixtures, Venetian blinds,
baseboards, shutters and regis-

ters. Fig. 4.

Crevice tool

er drawers, spaces between kitch­en appliances. Fig. 5.

for walls and

for upholster-

(standard

for carved fur-

for radiators, dress-

Wand(s*) Used to give extra

length to your hose. They are
ideal to reach ceilings, the top of

draperies, high shelves and cup-

boards. Use them with any of the
above tools. Fig. 6.

*Available only in deluxe set.

14

C. Attach tool

After choosing the proper tool for
your particular task, attach it to
the end of the hose grip.

The outer plastic ring on the end
of the hose grip has a slot.
Turn the ring until that slot aligns
with the slot in the hose connec­tor.

Insert the tool so that the button
on the tool fits into the slot in the

end of the hose grip.

Turn the plastic ring as shown to
lock the tool in place. To remove
tools, reverse the procedure.

For additional length, attach one
or both* wands to the hose as
described above.

Tools attach to the
the same manner.

*Available with deluxe set only.

wand(s*)

in

D. Use correct handle position and carpet
height adjustment

Some models are equipped with a second motor speed for use with

toolsWhen

motor automatically adjusts to the higher speed.

For added stability, the carpet height adjustment lever should be set ac­cording to the surface on which the cleaner is standing: on bare floors,
set at LOW setting; on carpet, set at SHAG setting.

For tool use place the cleaner handle in the upright position, plug
cleaner into the electrical outlet and push switch to the “ON” or “NOR­MAL” position. Your cleaner is ready for use for cleaning above the floor
and in hard to reach areas.

the handle is placed in the upright storage position,the

To clean tools

To clean the hose wipe off dirt with a cloth dampened with a liquid deter­gent. Rinse with a damp cloth. Cleaning tools may be washed in warm
water with a detergent, Rinse and let dry before using.

15

Maintenance

The following sections are concerned with proper maintenance of the

cleaner. Familiarize yourself with these home maintenance tasks and
keep this owner’s manual in a convenient place where you can refer to it

when needed. Proper use and care of your cleaner will assure continued

cleaning effectiveness.

The bag

Your cleaner has a durable outer bag which covers the throw away bag.
A light wiping with a damp cloth will keep this outer bag clean.

When to replace the throw away bag

Check the bag from time to time. It is recommended that you change the
bag when the dirt reaches the dotted line on the throw away bag. If you
let more dirt than this accumulate, your cleaner may not operate effec­tively.

CAUTION: Very fine materials, such as face powder, cornstarch, fire­place ashes or fireplace soot, may seal the throw away bag and may
cause it to burst even though it is only partially full of dirt. When the
cleaner is used to remove material of this nature, the bag should be
changed frequently.

Where to buy bags

Throw away bags may be purchased from your local Authorized Hoover

Dealer or from a Hoover Factory Service Center. When ordering bags,
be sure to give the model number of your cleaner.

What bags to buy

Use HOOVER bag type A with this cleaner.

To assure that your cleaner operates at peak

performance, it is imperative that you use only
genuine HOOVER throw away bags made by
The Hoover Company. HOOVER bags can be

identified by the trademarks -

-

Houmc9

How to change bag

Disconnect cleaner from electri­cal outlet.

To change throw away bag, grasp
sides of bag collar and pull collar
from tube.

Note: Do not clean out old bag
and re-use. Discard used bag. To
install new bag refer to “How to
assemble” section.

16

The headlight

How to replace the headlight

Disconnect cleaner from electri-

cal outlet.

This cleaner uses 12 volt, wedge
base type 912 bulbs.

1.

Set adjustment lever for pile
height to the “NORMAL” or
“HIGH” position.

2. Turn cleaner over and remove
the two screws indicated in the il-

lustration. Place cleaner in the
upright position and remove
hood.

3. Remove bulb by pulling
straight out of socket. Replace by

pushing bulb straight into socket
until it locks in place.

4. Replace hood and screws.
Tighten screws securely.

The belt

The belt of your cleaner causes the agitator to rotate and is important for
the effective operation of the cleaner. The belt is located under the bot­tom plate of the cleaner and should be checked from time to time to be
sure it is in good condition.

When to replace the belt

To check the belt, remove the bottom plate (see following section). If the
belt is stretched, cut or broken, replace the belt.

What belt to buy

To assure effective operation, use only genuine HOOVER belts with your

cleaner. When purchasing a new belt ask for HOOVER part No. 49258.

17

How to replace the belt

Disconnect cleaner from electri-

cal outlet.

1. Turn cleaner over. Remove
bottom plate by releasing lat­ches.

1

2. Release worn belt-from pulley.

3. Lift out agitator, remove old
belt and place new belt in groove
of agitator.

4. Replace agitator by aligning
the projection, located on one
end of the agitator, with the slot
on the wall of the cleaner base.
Then push the agitator down into

position.

18

5. Place belt on pulley.
belt nearer cleaner should be in
line with projections on bottom
of cleaner. Placing the belt in this
position enables the agitator to
rotate in the proper direction.

6. Replace bottom plate, by put­ting metal knobs on plate into wire

holders underneath front of
cleaner. Pivot plate into position
over agitator and latch securely.

Agitator brushes

When to replace brushes

Disconnect cleaner from electri­cal outlet before checking
brushes.

When brushes are worn and
bristles do not touch the edge of
a card held across the bottom

plate at the agitator opening,

they should be replaced. Always

replace both brushes at the same

time to maintain cleaning effec­tiveness.

19

How to replace the brushes

(Brushes - HOOVER part No. 48445001)

Disconnect cleaner from electrical outlet.

1.

To replace worn brushes, remove bottom plate, belt and agitator, fol-

lowing directions given on preceding pages.

2. Turn end plates of agitator in
opposite directions until one end
plate comes off.

4. Remove opposite end plate

and shaft by pulling straight out.

Pry out remaining end section.

3. Then pry out end section as
shown.

5. Remove brushes by pulling them
from agitator. Use pliers if neces­sary. Slide new brushes into chan-

nels. Push them in as far as possi­ble.

I

END SECTION

6. To reassemble, reverse proce­dure. Replace the last end sec­tion removed, then end plate and
shaft. Replace remaining end sec­tion and end plate. Be sure end
sections are assembled with loca­tor lined up with slot in agitator.

7. Should you accidentally dis-

place the bearing during disas­sembly, reassemble as shown.

If you have a problem

This appliance was inspected thoroughly and was in good operating con­dition when it was shipped from the factory. If a minor problem devel­ops, it usually can be remedied quite easily when the cause is identified.
Accordingly, this check list is provided for your convenience.

Problem Possible cause

1.

Cleaner

won’t

run

Cleaner
won’t
pick up 3. Bag full.

Cleaner
hard

to push

If the problem persists, check the Yellow Pages of your telephone

book under “Vacuum Cleaners - Household” for your nearest Hoover

Factory Service Center or Authorized Warranty Service Dealer where

approved HOOVER service and genuine HOOVER replacement parts

may be obtained. The warranty provided with this product has a listing
of the Hoover Factory Service Centers. If you are unable to obtain the in-

formation you need from the Yellow Pages, contact a Hoover Factory

Service Center to find your nearest Authorized Warranty Service Dealer.

For service under warranty, follow the instructions in the Warranty pro-

vided with this product.

Not firmly plugged in.

2. No voltage in wall plug.

3. Blown fuse/tripped
breaker.

1. Broken or worn belt 1. Replace belt.

2. Agitator brushes worn.

4. Incorrect carpet adjust-

ment lever setting.

1. Incorrect carpet adjust­ment lever setting.

2. Belt on incorrectly.

Possible solution

1. Plug unit in firmly.

2. Check fuse or breaker.

3. Replace fuse/reset
breaker.

2. Replace brushes.

3. Change throw away

bag.

4. Set carpet adjustment

lever for type carpet
being cleaned,

1. Set carpet adjustment

lever for type carpet
being cleaned.

2. Position belt correctly

(See page 19, #5).

DO not send your cleaner to The Hoover Company in North Canton for

service as this will only result in delay.

Always identify your cleaner by model number when requesting informa­tion or ordering replacement parts. (The model number appears on the
bottom of the cleaner.)

If further assistance is needed, contact The Hoover Company Con-

sumer Affairs Department, North Canton, Ohio

44720,216-499-9200.

Lubrication

The motor is equipped with one ball bearing and one sleeve bearing.
These bearings contain sufficient lubrication for the life of the motor.
The addition of lubricant could cause damage. Therefore, do not add
lubricant to either motor bearing.

The agitator is equipped with two ball bearings that should be lubricated
periodically. This should be done by a Hoover Factory Service Center or
an Authorized Hoover Warranty Service Dealer.

Energy saving tips

1. Replace throw away cleaner bag promptly, before overfilled. Use a
genuine HOOVER bag made for your model cleaner.

2. To maintain effective cleaning, replace agitator brushes and belt when
necessary.

3. Turn off cleaner when not in use, such as when moving furniture.

4. Keep your cleaner operating at peak performance level - have inspec-

tion and service performed by a Hoover Factory Service Center or Au-

thorized Hoover Warranty Service Dealer.

22

VACUUM CLEANER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

VCMA

This information has been compiled by the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Associ-

ation from Government and Private Sources concerned with product safety. These

basic guidelines are for your protection and convenience.

TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK
Never vacuum damp or wet surfaces or liquids

Do not store machine outdoors.

Replace worn or frayed power cord immediately.
TO AVOID ACCIDENTS

Never vacuum live ashes or cigarette butts.

Never run machine over or place sharp objects on the power cord.

Never let children use machine as a toy.

Use extra caution when cleaning on stairs.

Except for hand-held cleaners, keep machine on floor-not on chairs, tables, etc.
When machine is turned on, never allow fingers, eyes, hair, garments, etc. to come

near intake suction ports or revolving brushes.

Never leave machine running or cord plugged in when unattended.
Turn machine off at switch before unplugging from wall outlet.

When unplugging machine, grasp plug - not cord; guide cord and plug during
wrapping or cord reel rewinding.

The use of an extension cord is not recommended.

Never vacuum in the presence of flammable or combustible liquids or fumes.

Always unplug power cord from wall outlet before servicing machine or attaching

accessories.

Store machine promptly after each use to prevent accidents from tripping over powe

cord or machine.

Use machine and accessories only in manner intended by manufacturers.

FOR BEST PERFORMANCE

Keep your machine and all accessories clean and in good operating condition.

Change or clean bags and/or filters as recommended by manufacturer to maintain

optimum cleaning efficiency, after unplugging the power cord.

Periodically check revolving brush for build-up of lint, hair or other foreign material

and remove as necessary, after unplugging the power cord.

Adjust or replace cleaning brushes when worn, after unplugging the power cord.

Have machine checked periodically by manufacturer’s authorized service center.

Use only manufacturer’s authorized service center for parts or service.

Store machine carefully in a dry area.
For optimum cleaning performance and safety, study and follow your Owner’s

Manual-keep it in a handy and safe place for future reference.

(HOOVER - AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER)

Service To The Consumer Since 1913

‘r

R 11 O-84

U4359/61-030

Litho

USA

56511-223