The long-awaited line of Rubbermaid vacuum cleaners has finally arrived. After many missed release dates and many years of research and development, it looks like the wait was well worth it. The Rubbermaid line of vacuum cleaners includes twelve well-designed, easy-to-use models including upright vacuums, backpack vacuums, and wet-dry vacuums. MH and PH vacuums round out the line up from the Sanitaire line of commercial vacuums and the very popular Windsor Versamatic.
The Rubbermaid 9VMH15 is a smart looking yellow and black vacuum with all the extras a commercial cleaner would want. The MH glides effortlessly across the ground with great down suction from its single large and powerful motor with more than ample horsepower. Although the MH is a heavy vacuum, the brush creates a forward motion that rivals the self-propelled systems on the old Kirby vacuums that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The MH series is sure to give the competition a run for its money. class for money At about the same price as higher-end Sanitaire models and half the price of the killer Windsor Versamatic, this vac is sure to be a big hit in the US commercial cleaning market.
It seems Rubbermaid took a good look at the competition before designing this vacuum and took the best ideas from many vacuums and built the best one. The removable wand has a comfortable handle with an extra wide tube to prevent clogging. The wand easily separates from the suction tube for larger debris cleanup. Integrated tools sit neatly on the back cover panel, don’t stick out, and stay secure even if the vacuum is dropped. The tool arsenal includes an extra-large wand, crevice tool, and rectangular brush attachment.
The top handle removes from the vac for easy cord changes and can be replaced in seconds if a backup handle is available. The handle is very ergonomic and comfortable to grip with a very accessible and reliable on/off switch. The vacuum cleaner is smart not only in design but also in performance. With a clogged system and a bag full indicator light, this vacuum lets you know if it’s not performing at its best. If the unit does clog, Rubbermaid has added a secret hatch in the bottom assembly with easy access to the parts of the vacuum where most clogs would occur. With the flip of a switch, the internal vacuum hose can be easily worked on without the need for a screwdriver.
The large, non-slip rubber wheels are great for maneuvering the vacuum in tight places and hold their own on hard floors. The MH15 vacuum comes with manual height adjustment, leaving fewer problems with the unit. The large, well-marked height adjustment dial is easy to read and easy to operate.
The 1.6 horsepower motor is a powerhouse even in clean industrial settings. With 98″ of water lift and 105 CFM of suction, the Rubbermaid 9VMH15 vacuum is a forerunner of commercial vacuums. CRI Green Label certified, this vacuum would be an asset to any green cleaning division or certified facility LEED.
Overall the Rubbermaid 9VMH15 is an excellent vacuum and has to be one of the best I’ve seen. With all the advantages of the vacuum, it definitely outweighs the only two drawbacks I could see. My first observation is that the foot lever on the back is a bit small and the vacuum is a bit heavy, but to be fair to Rubbermaid I will say that it’s hard to fit that much into a vacuum and not add a bit of weight. this is my pick for upright vacuum for 2008. It’s easy to see that Rubbermaid has studied the competition and taken all the great ideas from all the other vacuums and designed a forerunner in the cleaning industry.
