Rugged Industries - Glendenning, New South Wales

Never S.

WHAT A DELIGHT!!! - Although I had an awesome Miele barrel vacuum cleaner, I'd become increasingly frustrated with continually having to backtrack to adjust the barrel when it'd got stuck around a corner, flipped over or not enough cord to reach me.

I'd noticed how convenient commercial cleaners' backpack vacuums looked, so decided to see if it was for me. My only concern; would it be as effective as my Miele? I was a little sceptical, mainly due to the price difference...~$1000 (Miele) v $385. You usually get what you pay for.

After a lot of research I narrowed down my selection to Rugged's options....Australian made, great specifications and one of their competitors ranked Tim (owner/creator) as the "Vacuum Cleaner Guru"! Tim was very patient with all my queries & concerns and generous with his time explaining the pros and cons - especially impressive given I wasn't a commercial customer purchasing multiple units...it was just for my own personal use.

I settled on the the D'Lite....and I am delighted.

It now takes me a quarter of the time to vacuum and no more frustration. I'm now only pushing around the weight of a metal pipe and can easily move items around as I go rather than setting things up in advance. Exactly as I had dreamed. I could do my whole townhouse plugged into the one socket! And, I haven't compromised on effectiveness. The only issue is occasionally bumping the cylinder against the wall/door but with more use I'll become aware of it's dimensions.

I wish I'd thought of using a backpack vacuum years ago....why don't domestic brands offer this option? Vacuuming is no longer a chore and it's over and done with in no time. At a nearly the quarter of the price. It's a no-brainer. Do it!

Jeanie M.

or stick vacuum off these guys last year the vacuum does not suck up anything. It also makes the floor even dirtier than it originally was clean the filter clean the brush. It is still spitting out what it picks up called to complain to let them know and I verbally got abused and hung up on apparently because they bought a product from Godfreys and they don’t exist any more. This company has wiped its hands of any of its faulty products beware if you buy a product from these people they are not going to replace or do anything about it because if the company that they purchased the product goes into liquidation they do not have any follow-through with fixing their products. It’s not their problem $229 later I’d be better off throwing $290 in a poker machine or in a bin beware and do not waste your money here do not waste one single cent on this company

Any L.

This is the best vacuum cleaner I have ever owned or used. I am in the cleaning business and have been for 30 years. It surpassed any other vacuum cleaner I have ever used. It is light weight, easy to use, has a stainless steel rod so no rusting inside the pipe. It is amazing how much dirt and fine dust this vacuum cleaner can remove from my carpets. I highly recommend this product. The company is also a pleasure to deal with.

Leanne

Purchased the Advantage bagless vacuum this week and just gave it a workout. Wish I'd purchased this year's ago. I run a domestic home cleaning business and often have back pain from years of using traditional vacuums. It's comfortable to wear, great suction and simple to use. Accessories are on board and single vacuum head for all floor services makes it convenient and time saving. The 18 metre power cord makes cleaning easier also. I highly recommend this vacuum to anyone considering buying one.

Bn T.

TDLR Amazing reviews, so much potential - actual experience is contrary.

Back pain experienced in using in product each time - and yes I did follow instructions as per manual...

'Rugged' product with 'rugged' customer care to boot.

Just giving a heads up for those expecting Dyson level product and service. Just dismal from my interaction. It's actually quite sad.

Machine is intended for jobs at church, homes and offices. Non-professional user but user none the less. My previous experience with machines comes from cleaning in offices and at homes on a casual basis.

After reading the reviews for this business, I felt that everything was on point. A commercial product that could rival other commercial cleaners. Looked like a product that was designed for everything with the customer service to go hand with it. I was wrong.

After sending to what I believe was a somewhat negative and constructive correspondence feedback email I was met with a defensive and condescending response.

Business professionalism interaction via email felt void let a lone customer service.

I have worked in customer care all my life and specialise in marketing for one Australia's largest organic distributor for years. This is the most polar experience I have with a product and service with reviews in mind.

It's just is a poorly manufactured and designed product/components which despite claiming to be designed well for use.

So lets break this down:

Weight:

Despite the selling point being light weight at under 5kg; my first, second and third impressions during use were left otherwise.

Each time I lift the unit it comes across as heavy. This is with zero attachments. Perhaps this because the centre of weight is at centre top.

I've spent close decades lifting weights for health and working with handling products of different sizes so I am well aware of weight distribution for lifting and use. I also have experience with product design so that is my point of reference.

Ergonomics:

Despite boasting that the product is designed with "experts", I am of the opinion that the product is nowhere near ergonomic. It looks ergonomic but use is not. I have experienced back pain after each short use of under 10 minutes increments.

The strapping and the unstrapping of the unit is a pain because the should straps are poorly designed and made. They feel like narrow hard canvas straps on my shoulders. Take this off and on frequently then you will see what I mean.

The bulk of the weight which is supposed to rest on the waist is fundamental. The issue is that it this unit is clunky and not streamlined so it wobbles when you move thereby adding strain to should strap are and spine. Could be factor to causing the pain in my shoulders and lumbar.

The flat backing is not ergonomic at all, it's like having a hard flat board on your back. Add to the fact that you'll be doing a lot of twisting there will be straining.

Forget contours. Forget customer-related issues either because you'll be met with a non human - legal response. Quite cold actually.

Components:

Postured it has met industry and manufacturing standards for quality control I am of the opinion that the components are poorly made - here's why:

- Main hose unit leaks suction at the open and close point.
- Main hose is stiff - this affects ease of use and maneuverability. It's 'rugged' I give it that.
- Plastic components feels cheap - brittle i.e. shorter lifespan. Bristles from brush has deformed from use already.
- Metal hosing is heavy - this adds even more weight to a off balanced product.
- Components come across as clunky.

Suction:
Disappointed straight off the bat factoring weight and commercial positioning. Used in low dust/particle areas. Cleaned as per instructions with each use. Also very noisy for the level of suction.

If you don't want back issues I'd strongly suggest you 'do your research' and look elsewhere, at the very minimum test it out in person. Fail product, fail customer care.

Alan S.

We purchased a back-pack vacuum in September and runs like clock-work. Recommend

Jamie G.

Great product. Easy to use and clean!!

Froilan R.

not reliable!!