Vacuum is hard to push when running,easy when off

It's an issue that the front roller isn't engaged. there's usually a belt connected to the roller on one side of it. That belt is connected to the same motor that develops the suction. You have to find that area and either pull the belt over the motor and/or the brush. Close it back up and turn it on again.

Move the carpet height control switch to a higher position if the vacuum is difficult to push. If the setting is too low for the carpet being cleaned, the brushes press against the floor preventing the vacuum from moving easily.Set to a medium-high height setting then check.Slide the "Self-Propel" button to the "ON" position if the cleaner does not self-propel. -----------
The self-propel feature operates only when the cleaner switch and the self propel button are both ON. ---------- Try this settings and check.This should help.Thanks.Helpmech.

Your vacuum is not self propelled. It is most. Likely something was not put back together properly when installing the new belt.

Hi There,

When a Hoover Windtunnel becomes hard to push, this usually indicates that self-propelled has stopped working.

When this stops working, it can be caused by several things. The first, most common problem is that the belts have either broken, or stretched to a point where they no longer engage the self-propelled mechanism. In order to verify this, simply make sure that the machine is set to the Carpet setting, turn the machine on, and turn it over on it's side with the handle release pedal reclined (make sure it's not in the upright position). Is the brush at the bottom of the vacuum spinning? If no, this definitely indicates that your belts have gone bad and need to be replaced. There are two belts on your machine, one controls the brush, the other controls the self-propelled mechanism. We've shot a helpful video that walks you through step by step on how to replace the belts.

This is by far the most common problem that we see on your particular model:


The other problem if the belts are installed properly that would cause the self-propelled wouldn't work would be the self-propelled actuator arm. There is a cable that starts at the handle of the vacuum, and runs all the way down to the floor head of the vacuum that controls the transmission. As you pull backwards on the handle of the vacuum, the cable pulls this actuator arm backwards, which then turns the wheels backwards, and when you push forward it turns the wheels forward.

The problem with the way it's designed however, is that if you pick up the vacuum cleaner by the handle of the machine rather then using the carrying handle on the back of the vacuum, it causes too much tension on the actuator arm, and will cause the cable to rip right out of the arm.

This is a VERY common problem on this model. To check and see if this part is broken on your vacuum, step on the handle release pedal so that the handle is in the vacuuming position, push the pedal a second time so the machine lays flat on the floor.

Now if you look right behind the height adjustment switch, and the rug / floor switch where the floor part meets the upright part, you should see a cable that connects into the actuator arm. Pull up and down on the handle and look for movement. Is the cable loose with only a nut attached to it, or is it resting in the actuator arm?

Here's a very helpful link that shows you exactly how to replace the actuator arm:
How to Replace the Actuator Arm on Hoover Self-Propelled Windtunnel

If this didn't help you, and the problem is still happening, please just use the add a comment form here on Fixya and let me know that you're still having problems. I'd be honored to go through and do some more advanced diagnosing with you.


I hope this we helpful to you. If you did find this helpful, please be so kind and leave feedback for me. This is why repair professionals like myself continue to come back and give free repair advice, to get the recognition of a job well done.

Thanks so much,

Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com

This is a typical problem you are describing. I would recommend you change the belts, this will resolve the "hard to push" and most likely resove your issues. based on the s/n given you maching was made on sept 2004.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/robert_b96ba3f038cf317c

You will need to look @ your owners manual to see where the self propell belt is located i am sure yours is broke and need to replace,- it will not be hard to replace-Lance

Jon,
Here is a helpful link to use to adjust the tranny. About a 7 on the difficulty level.

http://www.greatvacs.com/Kirby%20Transmission%20Adj.shtml

Marci

There are few things that may have gone wrong:
First thing to check is if when pushing pedal it moves gears located on the rear axle (you will have to take cover shell off to see that)
If that works fine then primary belt may be broken (see it here). Then just replace entire set to make sure that belt type matches gears
Last - the most expensive problem - the main transmission belt within transmission is broken (then I would recommend replacing entire transmission)

I have the same problem, found out there is a cable that is broken, I'm trying to figure out how to fix it.

If it is new, you can take it in for warranty repair. Is the self propelled turned on? Cable may have broke, or have a bad drive belt.