Eureka Boss 4870HZ Smart-Vac Vacuum Review

The Eureka 4870HZ Smart-Vac upright vacuum does a terrific job of cleaning.  It has a lot of features and the suction is powerful but doesn't make the vacuum too loud.  The on/off switch and the vacuum-to-wand switch are on the top of the body making them easy to access.  The carpet brush is wonderful and it walks itself across the carpet with suction I have not seen in years.  Both the vacuum and the attachments are easy to use and the bag is easy to change.  I particularly like the switch for choosing between normal vacuuming and using the wand.  My last vacuum did not have this, so the beater bar ran even while I was using the wand and it decreased the efficiency of the normal vacuum suction.  I have 8 cats, (yes, I'm a crazy cat people) so the "Power Paw" comes in very handy and the suction really works well for getting all the cat fur off the chairs, the beds, and the stairs.  I really like the switch from bare floor to carpet, but it is a bit stiff and you have to push it hard to make it work, but it gets easier the more you use it.  Some of the plastics feel a little cheap, like the foot-activated release lever that allows the handle to tilt, but I guess that is what you get at this price point.  I've had my Smart-Vac for 6 months and live on a farm where the kids drag in quite a bit of dirt, so I use it almost every day and nothing has broken or seems in danger of doing so.  It's quite a bit heavier than my previous vacuum, but maybe it needs to be to generate so much suction.  It comes in a tall box, so you do not have to connect the body together.  You only need to attach the handle and attachments. The bottom line is:  Even-though it has a few drawbacks, I think it is a great vacuum for a reasonable price.  I would buy it again and I have recommended it to several family members and friends.