The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center
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The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in |
Industry Products Panasonic expands OptiFlow line-up with new powerhead canisters Building on the success of its new vac shop upright line introduced at the 2008 VDTA Convention, Panasonic will launch a new four model line-up of powerhead canisters this fall featuring OptiFlow cleaning technology. OptiFlow technology overcomes the loss of air flow that a vacuum cleaner experiences as the bag fills with dirt. Captured dirt becomes a barrier, slowing the flow of air and reducing cleaning performance. OptiFlow is a bag chamber designed with two walls and an air space in-between. The outer wall is the actual body of the vacuum cleaner. However, the inner wall is a removable basket that holds the dust bag. This basket has vents which allow restricted air to flow through the bag and basket and into the air space between the two walls. The air carries the dirt into the bag and then exits through the sides of the bag and the vented basket. The air does not have to fight through layers of dirt to get out. Air flows more easily and cleaning power is maintained. Studies on the Panasonic upright vacuums show an increase in air flow up to 25 percent when OptiFlow technology is used.
The new canister line-up features two mid-sized and two full-sized cleaners with a MRP range of $xxx to $xxx. Each model features a 14-inch powerhead with four height adjustments, a belt protector switch that shuts off the brush motor in the event of a jam, and a long-life Poly-V belt for quiet cleaning. The top of the line in the four model series is the MC-CG985 (MRP $xxx). This full-sized canister is value-rich with an incredible range of features, including: The other 980 series model is the MC-CG983 (MRP $xxx). This full-sized canister includes all the great features of the MC-CG985 except a seven-foot hose, an air turbine mini brush, and no touch control or dirt sensor features. The mid-sized lineup of OptiFlow canisters is the MC-CG885 (MRP $xxx) and MC-CG887 (MRP $xxx). The 880 series features a unique teardrop design that is a real eye-catcher on the sales floor. The lead model is the MC-CG885 that features a 26-foot automatic cord reel, the Easy-Change bag caddy, on-board cleaning attachments, 360 degree hose swivel, two chrome steel wands, six-foot hose, and fingertip agitator shutoff for easy transition from carpet to bare floor cleaning. The premier mid-sized model is the MC-CG887. This deluxe cleaner offers a light weight, telescoping wand to adjust cleaning reach to any task and any user. Collapsing the wand completely lets the 887 store more easily in tight places. The CG887 also features variable power control which is particularly useful in cleaning area rugs. According to Iacovella, the strong suction generated by full power can cause problems with area rugs. Rugs can get sucked against the floor plate of the nozzle and the customer ends up pushing them around the floor instead of cleaning. them. Reducing the suction power let the rug stay and place and so the agitator can do it’s job. For added cleaning convenience the 887 has a longer seven-foot hose and comes with an air turbine brush for cleaning steps and furniture. The air driven turbine agitator is much more effective than straight suction in removing pet hair from furniture and upholstery. The four new OptiFlow canisters will be available from your Panasonic Platinum distributor. See the Panasonic advertisement in this issue of Floor Care Professional for the distributor in your area. Reprinted from Floor Care Professional, October 2008 |
In addition to OptiFlow technology, each model features a removable bag caddy. According to Gino Iacovella, Panasonic’s national sales manager, the caddy is a big help to customers when the dust bag needs to be replaced. “The canister customer is more mature and changing the bag usually means getting down on the floor next to the canister. Instead, the bag caddy lifts easily out of the canister so the used bag can be taken directly to the waste can. A new bag is fitted to the caddy before returning the caddy to the canister.”