TurboCat Attachment Kit Q&A

The T21 was truly an original and good vacuum in its day! No one hear remembers much about how to replace the belt, sorry to say. That said, the TurboCat is the replacement and a much better brush head. Thank you for asking.

The Stealth MD would be a wonderful upgrade, however, if you wanted to upgrade from the TurboCat Zoom to the Stealth MD it would require you also upgrade the hose from a low voltage to an electric hose. Fortunately, you can upgrade without the hassle of installation because our corded electric hose only requires a power socket. So if your inlet valves are within 8 feet of a socket it would be a simple adjustment. Here is a link that will provide more information on this power nozzle: https://builtinvacuum.com/stealth-kit/buy.html

It could be a tooth missing from the belt or from a gear on the turbine or brush roll, or could be a turbine blade hitting the side wall.

If it spins in the air but not on the carpet then most likely the gear on the turbine is loose and the turbine will need to be replaced. We have the parts here https://builtinvacuum.com/parts/turbocat-parts.html

What is actually happening is your vacuum motor is going bad. It doesn't have to do with what tool or hose you happen to be using, for the most part, but the TurboCat does make your vacuum work a bit harder. You can use the vacuum until the motor completely dies or you can replace the motor sooner than later.

You can order any item any time from our website. Your hose options are here, https://builtinvacuum.com/hoses/comparison.html Just click on the hose you would like.

There is a ring that clips on the end of the wheel stem inside the housing. You will need to open the brush and push the ring on the end of the stem from the inside to secure it in place.

With Vacuflo, you will need to check the wall inlets. If there are not small holes just outside the main hose hole, then compatible parts can be found here, https://builtinvacuum.com/help/vacuflo-dirt-devil.html The low voltage hose will allow you to turn the suction on and off from the handle. Replacement bags can be found here listed by model number https://builtinvacuum.com/help/vacuflo-dirt-devil/motor.html#motor

The amount of time a belt lasts is highly dependent on the unique environment of your home. You can check to be sure the belt is in correct position and matches the picture on the bottom of the brush to show which direction the belt should turn.

Be sure the belt is inserted in the correct direction. There is a picture molded into the bottom of the brush to show the direction the belt should be attached. If the belt is turned the wrong way, the cogs will grip each other and not turn.

We do carry replacement hose kits and have them in stock. Your air-powered replacment options can be viewed here, https://builtinvacuum.com/airpowered.html

Yes and Yes. The kit fits these inlets perfectly and you can buy a second hose and wand or two separate metal wands for other areas of the home. Thank you for asking.

Try turning the brush roller around. Also, if the axle was removed from the brush roller, then pull it out and insert through the other side. This roller will only spin free when the axle is inserted through one side, not the other. There could also be something stuck in the turbine that is preventing it from turning.

If the brush roller will not rotate then something is stuck in the air turbine. Turn over the brush and remove the clear plastic cover over the belt. Follow the air channel from the brush roller in the air intake, that's the turbine. You should be able to see the object that is stuck in there, just pull it out.

The T21 is no longer made and the parts are long gone. The TurboCat will be your best replacement. Sorry about losing the bottom of the T21.

Yes, the head is sold alone right here https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=455.

It depends on the length of the shag, but yes it works on normal carpets that are blunt cut. Please contact the carpet manufacturer for cleaning recommendations. You'll be suprised how many of them discourage a rotating brush.

Please use the bottom right photo on the Electric Hose page to verify the hose end compatibility. There needs to be two inches from the plastic end of the hose to the center of the metal button lock. If you have that then you need the pigtail cord style hose. It comes in 30 or 35ft length. https://builtinvacuum.com/hoses/electrichoses.html

Hi, are you speaking abou the flexible hose? The hose you have should be standard. Please start on this page for help or give us a call https://builtinvacuum.com/hoses.html

Hi, the V is the same as the Zoom. Zoom is the updated version of the original TurboCat. It seems like homeowners like both the same but more often they buy what they are familar with, the original. They work the same way and perform the same way. The V or Zoom looks more updated though.

Hi David, your home sounds wonderful. The Hide-a-hose on the first floor is a great idea. Just be sure to buy a vacuum unit with at least 140 waterlift measurement. That will ensure the suction stays strong as it travels through the older narrower interior Hide-a-hose (as compared to the other hoses on the market today). We suggest the SilentMaster S44 or FloMaster M85 for your main unit. The second floor is where you want to clean the carpets which takes more thought than the hard floors, so we appreciate the question. Hands down you want to go with an electrified hose and vacuum brush. Why use your suction to spin a turbine on a TurboCat when suction should be full throttle directly into your carpet? If only a couple rooms had carpet and you had no kids or pets then a TurboCat makes more sense. For the electric, you don't have to have 110 volt inlets but you sure can, they are easy to install. Either way, choose any of our electric kits and you'll be thankful in the long run. Plus, the price difference is not too much.

Hi, yes, all you need is the TurboCat brush alone. If your brush was called something different but looks like this one then it is the correct replacement. But even if you didn't have a rotating brush before, this brush works with all central vacuum hoses. The drop down menu on this page has the brush alone for sale. It is the last product in the menu. https://builtinvacuum.com/turbocat-kit/index.html.

The TurboCat has weaker suction because it is all focused on turning the turbine. Not much air makes it to the floor. Replacing the hose and TurboCat with an electric hose and vacuum solves the issue like a hero. The air comes directly to the floor, not through a turbine. The EdgeLift Kit goes a step further with edge cleaning by providing direct air channels both edges. No matter what brand of system you have, an Electric Kit will fit your ports and system. Call and we will walk you through any questions you have and give you all your options. All our products have a 30-day money back guarantee. Check out the electric kits here www.builtinvacuum.com/electricpowered.html.

Hello John, that question is best answered by the type of flooring you have in your home. The good news is all the attachments are plug-n-play with the system you have, even the popular electric ones. Start here to determine what is best for your home and budget and feel free to call us for additional help. https://builtinvacuum.com/kits.html

Hi Peggy, actually the wires are simply low voltage wire and when they cross the suction starts. If the suction stops then the air powered brush stops too. You may only need a new switch. If not, then buy a new hose. Please look under products and then under hoses in the brand you own. Here is the switch and handle to see if it matches yours https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=382H,382S

Hi Rick, you need to remove the 11 screws that hold the base in. You will see the plastic wrapped around the air turbine. The hardest screw of the 11 to find is the one in the channel where the belt crosses itself.

Hi, both style TurboCats have the same suction limitation that shows its deficiency for homeowners like yourself with a lot of pet hair. Hair gets spun around in the moving parts inside the brush and can begin to clog it up. Plus suction is limited to only the width of a thumb whereas an electric brush has suction coming through a hole with the width of 1.25 inches; and hair doesn't hit any moving parts besides the roller in an electric vacuum nozzle. Your vacuum system, no matter the brand or model, can use an electric vacuum hose and power brush. We recommend the Stealth, EdgeLift, and BlackHawk. They will not only do far better on pet hair but also on the deeper down dirt, we guarantee it. Take a look at the kits here at www.builtinvacuum.com/electricpowered.html.

Berber or Burber Carpet, however you chose to spell it is cleaned well by the Turbocat. It's tight short weave allows the brush to spin consistently well and clean it good. The bristles on the TurboCat are not too stiff so your carpet will not get fuzzed out anytime soon.

Hello Cathleen, even with the hard floors you will still have large throw rugs, right? If so, with your shedding pets, you will get the best clean and longest life with an electric hose and power head (such as Stealth or EdgeLift). The electric outlet needs to be within 8ft of the vacuum port to avoid using extension cords. No matter what brand you have these electric kits will fit. If they don't, we will ship you out a free adaptor. If you rather go with the air driven TurboCat, it is a great second choise. Your wands may work, but here is what you can buy from us that will fit together with the botton locks. Two hose lengths are provided for you to choose from https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=455,382BL,383BL,406TB.

Hello Lynne, great question. The best product for carpet grooming is an electric powerbrush. May I suggest the EdgeLift Brush Kit as seen here https://builtinvacuum.com/edgelift/index.html? The EdgeLift has more power and airflow for picking up debris than the air driven brushes (https://builtinvacuum.com/kits.html) and has a Lifetime Belt Warranty!

Hi Lynne, Thank you for your interest in our TurboCat Kit. This kit is compatible with your Nutone System and will be great for you if you have minimal carpeting. All you need to do is choose the length of hose you need and you are set to go!

Hello Robin, you'd best be serviced with the EdgeLift Kit. It will handle the hair better than the TurboCat and is a great value. It fits in perfectly with the SilentMaster system we also produce. Enjoy and happy, easy cleaning! https://builtinvacuum.com/edgelift/index.html

Hello, yes this will fit your Kenmore Central Vacuum hose without adaptors. The on/off switch is for other vacuums where the suction is started by contacts within the port hole. These are not 110 volt, but 0 volt, 24 amps. Kenmore, for the most part, didn't have these. Nevertheless, the hose should be used for its other great qualities.

Hello Chris, correct, the brush alone is just the TurboCat by itself. Now hose or anything else.

Hello Ken, this is the exact replacement for all 7160 and 7161 vacuums. It is the very latest from the same manufacturer. Here is a direct link. https://builtinvacuum.com/search_products.html?search_string=7160. Enjoy! Oh, to let you know you can upgrade to a complete electric hose and tool kit for far deeper cleaning of carpets. Any of these will fit right into your system, just buy a corded version. www.builtinvacuum.com/electricpowered.html

Hello Bijen, we suggest you return it to the store or dealer so they can try and resolve the issue. We find that some homes need an electric hose and nozzle, and one would fit right into your home. They clean a lot better, especially for home with a lot of hair.

Great question Celia, the TurboCat Kits are all compatible with inlets that have the holes for 110 volts. The hose will not utilize the voltage because it does not need to. TurboCat spins with the force of the suction of the air. You will be perfectly safe with the TurboCat Kit and your system. Enjoy!

Hello, yes it will fit. Are the port doors metal? Then you need the Deluxe Kit and a 302CT cuff as well.

Hello Tess, yes the Turbocat head itself and the kit will work great with the Electrolux vacuum suction and system. If you are connecting it to an Electrolux hose that was used for an Electrolux carpet brush with an electric cord out the back it may not fit because the TurboCat has a neck that a metal tube needs to fit into, not around or over. If you need a new hose, the Low Voltage Hoses sold here fit your wall plates and the TurboCat. You probably also want to get a new extension wand then as well. Ask if you have more questions!

Hello, our customers find that an electric powered (versus air powered - such as the RugRat and TurboCat) works tremendously better for dog hair. The hair doesn't have to travel through the turbine which also constricts the air flow. Electric brushes have 6 times the amount of air effectively reaching the floor and the clean deeper because they have a powerful electric motor to keep the brush from bogging down. An electric kit with fit your inlets but you'll need to have a place to plug in the electric power cord within eight feet of the inlet. The cord comes out the wall end of the hose like a pigtail. We suggest the EdgeLift Kit with Quick Click Hose (it comes as a corded hose) because of the quality you get for the price and the 30ft hose separates at 20ft so you don't have to have a long hose if it is not needed. Here is the kit: https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=421EQ30, and here are details on the Quick Click Hose: https://builtinvacuum.com/quick-click/index.html

Hello, yes, this and other kits are compatible. This one only needs air to spin the vacuum head so it doesn't matter how the vacuum unit in the garage or basement is turned on. The inlet hole diameter for the hose is 1.5 or just a tad smaller, right? Then this will work fine. In fact if you want a deeper clean you can get any of our Electric Kits and they will work as well. The wall end of the electric hose has a pigtail electric extension cord 8ft long to plug into a nearby electrical outlet. The wires are hidden in the hose all the way to the hose handle. It is a easy deep down clean!

Hello and congratulations on the new home. The switch turns the suction on and off. If you have a Vacuflow system and proprietary Vacuflo inlets (has two holes above the main hole) then you may have the wrong type of hose.

Hello Mary, you are on the right track thinking about the electric vacuum and you don't have to have Stealth. The Edgelift and Blackhawk are a lot less expensive. See the bottom of this page https://builtinvacuum.com/electricpowered.html. The TurboCat runs all the hair through a turbine and we contantly see it clogged up and costing a lot of money to repair.

Hello Elizabeth, the manual for this brush which has several different names but is the exact same brush is here: https://builtinvacuum.com/turbocat-kit-documentation.html

Hello Bernie, yes the TurboCat is the only replacement for the 7160 from the same manufacturer. It will fit right on and work great.

Hello Jen, since the TurboCat kit worked with your system, the electric kit will too, the only difference is when you plug the hose in there will be an 8ft extension cord attached to the hose end that you will plug into a nearby electrical outlet. The difference in electric, especially the Stealth will simply amaze you! If you call us we may be able to get you the handle type you like.

Hello, the product under which you ask the question is not electric. Air power spins the brush. Electric is quieter and more powerful. Within the electric options Stealth Kit is the best. Here is an overview of them all. They will all fit your system and work together seamlessly. Be sure to buy a cord version of the electric kit you buy.

Could be several factors. If your suction is less then it will not be able to spin well on carpet. Have you cleaned the filter in the dirt collector? How about the screen under the motor if you have Vacuflo? Also may need to take the brush in half by unscrewing the 11 or 12 screws. The hardest one to find is under the metal rod in the channel the belt goes through. Taking the brush in half allows you to clean the hair off the turbine. Also, if you have an old hose and it has tiny cracks and holes then precious air will leak from it. Let us know if you have more questions as you get into this. Oh, also, we do recommend that sometime when you are ready to make a replacement purchase that you consider an electric power brush kit such as the corded Stealth Kit. It fits right into your system and will have 99% less issues and talk about clean carpets, wow.

The only available replacement parts are on this page.

The older Nutone has slightly smaller wall valves as you indicated. That is not a problem if you buy an Deluxe TurboCat or any electric kit such as the Stealth, they will all fit your inlets! However, the fit will be tight. Thankfully, it is really easy to scrape a little plastic off the hose end to get the perfect fit. There are two plastic ridges on the hose end that give it the tight fit and they can be made smaller. Hundred's of Nutone customers have done this with great satisfaction. Note, newer Nutone inlets are now industry standard size.

You have all your options with those inlets. If you have carpeting with highly suggest a corded Stealth Kit, if little carpeting - a Deluxe Kit. They will both fit right into your system and give the most functionalty and cleanliness.

Please use the tips in our troubleshooting flowchart to unclog the system.

You have all the options open to you, but since you have carpeting the best system for incredible cleaning would be an electric kit with corded hose - such as the Stealth Kit . It is well worth the money for the cleanliness and resulting better in door air quality. If you don't have much carpet, we suggest the non-electric TurboCat Kit. Both kits will allow you to control the suction with an on/off switch on the hose handle.

Yes it is very compatible.

If you are not replacing the hose, then the TurboCat and any accessories found here will work with your system. If you need a new hose, first look at your wall inlets. If they say Vacuflo 4850 or 4950 then industry standard hoses found here are not compatible. If the inlets are any other number then they are stardard and you can use the hoses here, and you can consider the best upgrade of all - an electric hose and power brush - such as the Stealth Attachment Kit with corded hose. The hose has wires hidden in it and the wall end of the hose has an 8-foot extension cord you plug into the nearest electrical outlet. The electric beater brush cleans far superior and is worth the extra money if you have wall to wall carpet.

Those measurements are correct for the TurboCat Kit with adaptor for 1.25 inch inlets (will fit 1-3/16 as you have). it comes with a 30ft or 35ft hose.

Are you sure the inlet is 1 1/8 not 1-1/4 ? We have not run into any that small before. If 1-1/4 we have both electric and non-electric attachment kits. The four kits on this page fit the 1.25 inch inlets.

It is not 110-volt electric, the switch simply controls the low voltage on/off wire for suction control. But if you have a Vacuflo system, some of their wall inlets have what looks like 110-volt holes that true 110-volt systems have, but on the Vacuflo inlet those holes are for the low voltage connection. If you have Vacuflo inlets with the holes above the main hose hole, you have proprietary inlet valves that few business support. We suggest spending about $20 an inlet to upgrade them to industry standard. It is very simple to do with our inlet adaptor and a new inlet valve found on our Vacuflo page.

The Zoom has a dual line of brushes on the roller, larger better bumpers, is quieter, and looks better!