Hoover Guardsman U4125 User manual

Fill in and retain !
The HOOVER vacuum cleaner you have just purchased is a combination
cleaner equipped with a two speed motor. One speed is utilized when the
cleaner is being used on carpet and rugs, and a second higher speed is for
use with attachments.
Your cleaner is a model .................................................................
and has a serial number ...............................................................
For your personal records, please enter the model number and serial number
in the spaces provided above and retain in a safe place.
The model number and serial number are on the bottom of the cleaner.
Save!
INDEX
Cleaner Description ..................................................... 3
Energy Saving Tips ...................................................... 2
How to Unpack and Assemble Cleaner ...................... 3-6
How to Use on Carpet and Floors ............................. 6-8
How to Use Cleaning Tools ..................................... 9-13
Important Safeguards .................................................. 2
Lubrication ................................................................. "i8
Maintenance
Authorized Hoover Service .................................... 18
How to Replace Belt ......................................... 15,16
How to Replace Brushes ................................... 16,17
How to Replace Headlight ..................................... 14
Replacing the Bag ........................................... 5,6,14
Second Speed ............................................................. 12
User Check List .......................................................... 18
1_ The Hoover Company 1975

Important safeguards!
• Read all instructions.
• Warning: Electric shock could occur if used outdoors or on wet surfaces.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near chil-
dren. Do not allow vacuum cleaner to be used as a toy or to run unattend-
ed at any time.
•Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from rotating agitator.
Do not operate the cleaner in bare feet or when wearing open toe shoes or
sandals.
•Don't run cleaner over cord. It may damage insulation.
• Do not use cleaner to pick up matches, or live ashes and cigarette butts.
•Avoid picking up hard, sharp objects with the cleaner. They may damage
the cleaner and the bag.
•Unplug cleaner when not in use. Turn machine off at switch before un-
plugging.
• Always disconnect cord from electrical outlet before servicing the cleaner.
•Change bag frequently when picking up very fine materials such as powder.
•Grasp the plug to disconnect from wall outlet to avoid damage to cord,
plug, prongs, or receptacle.
•The use of an extension cord is not recommended.
•If cleaner is in disrepair, do not attempt to operate.
•Have repairs made by the qualified personnel at Hoover Factory Service
Centers or Authorized Hoover Warranty Service Dealers.
• Use vacuum cleaner only for its intended use as described in the instruc-
tions. The use of attachments not recommended by the appliance manu-
facturer may cause hazards.
Save these instructions!
ENERGY SAVING TIPS _._
1. Replace throw away cleaner bag promptly, before overfilled. Use a genuine
HOOVER bag made for your model cleaner.
2. To maintain effective cleaning, replace agitator brushes and belt when
necessary.
3. Turn off cleaner when not in use, such as when moving furniture.
4. Keep your cleaner operating at peak performance level - have inspection
and service performed by a Hoover Factory Service Center or Authorized
Hoover Service Dealer.

UNPACKING THE CLEANER I
Unpack the cleaner from the carton I
and identify the parts shown in Fig. 1.
Remove and dispose of the cardboard
packing.
1. Upper handle section
2. Lower handle section
3. Cleaner base
4. Outer bag assembly
5. Disposable bag
The cleaner assembled will look
like the drawing below.
HANDLE
CORD STORAGE HOOKS
wrap cord around cord
hooks for storage.
HANDLE BAIL
Support for handle. \
ADJUSTMENT
FOR PILE CARPET
HEIGHT. Adjusts the
underside of the cleaner
(nozzle location) to the
carpet pile height for
cleaning various carpet
piles. Four positions
are: LOW, NORMAL,
HIGH, and SHAG.
°al
2 3
Fig. 1.
SPRING HOOKplace
spring ring over hook
to support the bag.
BAGJACKET
ON-OFF SWITCH ON
HANDLE BAIL to turn
cleaner ON or OFF, push
pedal down with toe.
CARRYING HANDLE
located underneath
handle bait.
BAG CLIP
HOOD
HEADLIGHT
HANDLE RELEASE
LEVER step on lever to
lower handle to operatin(
and low position.
3
After identifying each part, begin assembling.
FURNITURE GUARD
prevents cleaner from
rubbing aginst furniture.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE
A. Attach handle to the cleaner
!
I
J
I
L
I
Unscrew nut and remove bolt and
plate from handle bail.
Insert bolt into holes in front of
handle.
Place lower handle section into
handle bail lining up small holes
toward front of cleaner. Cord will
run up indentation at base of handle.
Place plate over end of bolt and hole
at back of handle. The tab at the bot-
tom of the plate will fit into the han-
dle and the tabs of the handle bail
will fit the cutout areas of the plate.
Secure with nut. Tighten nut with
screwdriver.
B. Join upper and lower handles
Join upper and lower handles, aligning
holes. Check to see that cord storage
hooks are on the same side of handle.
Place cord clip around cord with flat
side toward handle of cleaner and
holes to the front.
Insert bolt through washer, cord clip
and both parts of the handle (small
holes). Secure with nut. Pull up slack
in cord and tighten nut with screw-
driver.

C. Attaching outer bag to cleaner
The outer bag is connected at the rear
of the cleaner. There are two projec-
tions at the bottom of the outer bag
assembly.
To attach outer bag to the cleaner,
place the two projections at the bot-
tom of the outer bag assembly inside
the metal grooved plate. (You will
find the grooved plate extending out
from the bottom rear of the cleaner.)
Fig, 1.
Just above the opening at the rear of
the cleaner is the bag clip. Pull the
bag clip to the left and fit bag against
opening. When you release the bag
clip, it should move to the right and
fit completely over the bag lock.
Fig. 2.
Attach the bag to the bag spring hook,
which is located on the top section
of the handle. Fig. 3.
D. Attach throw away bag
to cleaner
BAG
3
\
PROJECTIONS
To attach throw away bag to cleaner,
unzip outer bag. Pull out tube. Insert curved collar of bag into holdl
Slide collar of bag into slots of hold_
until it fits securely.

Pull out pleats of bag. Tuck top of baginto outer bag;then
bottom of baginto outer bag.Zip
outer bag.
HOW TO USE
On-off switch
The ON-OFF switch is located on
the handle bail. To turn the cleaner
on and off, push pedal on cleaner
handle bail with toe.
Plug into electric outlet. Your cleaner
is now ready to operate. Turn the
cleaner on and push down on the han-
dle until the front of the cleaner is
free from the carpet. This insures that
the throw away bag is inflated.
_Upright ating
Handle adjustments
The handle of your cleaner has three
positions: Upright for storage and
when using attachments. Operating
for general operation on carpet and
floors. Low for reaching under low
furniture.
6

Adjustment for carpet pile height
The cleaning of carpet and rugs takes
place at the nozzle. This is the opening
at the bottom of the cleaner where the
agitator is located. t=
I
NOZZLE
It is necessary to raise and lower the
nozzle for various carpet pile heights.
The four positions are Low, Normal,
High and Shag.
Select the proper nozzle adjustment
by tilting the cleaner forward and
adjusting the lever until it "clicks"
into position.
For best results the lever is conven-
iently adjusted by hand.
Select the adjustment for the carpet pile height according to the chart below.
•,..• • .° =o. o•.... • • H, •. ,,, *l leg • • •.e • oo• • • • H • •..l •• .H • •• au • H • • • ,• • ••o• • •oo• o*•• .• ••o • °.• ••• ,• • °• • • • •• •••• ,• •° •• ••• •, o
Low for low pile and kitchen carpet
Normal for rugs with normal pile height and for removing loose dirt from
hard surface floors.
High for rugs with normal pile height but thicker density; if the cleaner
is difficult to push at "Normal", move the lever to the "High"
position
• •.••°••==l°,••,o••==,=• •,•°.o•o•°••,• =e,••=•=.=IH•''O•O=•OI•HI'I••IH=''•=•••'••••O'• ° .... •.••. °=•S. _,,l°,',•'••" ''e•"
Shag for very long or shag pile carpet
•...... . ......... o• ..... •.••.°• ...... .•_.•••o,o.•.,•.o••••o.. ,,,...,....•..••°•o°.••.•••.•••.•l•== HIH =,•, 16=,•gl.lw_•••
Note: If the "Low" setting is used when cleaning normal or shag pile carpet,
there is an increase in the belt load and pushing effort is greatly increased.

1
SPECIAL FEATURES
Carrying handle
Your cleaner has a convenient carrying
handle located underneath the handle
bail.
O o
Edge cleaning
This feature improves the cleaning of
carpet edges near baseboards and solid
furniture. Dust and lint tend tocollect
along these edges. The cleaner bottom
plate has been designed with a passage-
way for dirt to enter the nozzle from
the side to increase cleaning ability of
edges. From the right or left side,
slowly guide the cleaner paralled to
the edge of the carpet.
Cleaning lightweight flexible rugs
Lightweight flexible rugs used on hard
surface floors in entrances, bathrooms,
etc. should be cleaned by the following
method.
Stand on one end of the rug and move
the cleaner toward the other end or
edge. Before reaching the other end,
push down on the handle. This will
lift up the nozzle (front of cleaner)
and will prevent the rug from cling-
ing to the cleaner. Continue to lift
up the nozzle so that when you have
reached the edge, it is completely off
the rug. Move the cleaner back to
start again and lower the nozzle,
using only forward strokes.

CLEANING TOOL ATTACHMENTS
Cleaning tools are available for this cleaner at additional cost from Hoover
Dealers. The cleaning tools allow you to do above the floor cleaning and to
clean hard to reach areas.
Deluxe cleaning set Includes vinyl
hose, converter, curved wand,
straight wand, dusting brush,
furniture nozzle, wall/floor brush,
crevice tool and a storage bag.
Standard cleaning set Includes vinyl
hose, converter, curved wand,
crevice tool and mulit-purpose
brush.
You can convert your cleaner for use with the attachments in a matter of
seconds and you will find a tool for almost every cleaning job in your home.
When using attachments, follow the simple steps discussed in this section:
A. Attach the converter
B. Select the desired tool
C. Attach the tool
D. Have cleaner in upright position when using cleaning tools.
USING CLEANING TOOLS
A. Attach converter
By using the converter attachment,
Fig. 1, you can channel the suction
from the cleaner to the hose and
cleaning tools. The converter must
first be attached to the vinyl hose;
then the converter is attached to the
bottom of the cleaner. Follow the
steps detailed here for attaching the
converter.
To attach the converter to the vinyl
hose, insert converter into hose con-
nector. Fig. 2.
2
HOSE
CONNECTOR CONVERTER
9

Push connector and converter togeth-
er and twist.
The converter is locked into position
when the projections on the converter
fit into the holes on the hose connec-
tor. Fig. 3.
To attach the converter to the cleaner,
first unplug cord. Warning: Cleaner.
must not be running when position-
ing or removing front converter.
Have cleaner in upright position.
Grasp handle of cleaner and lean
backwards so that bag is flat on the
floor and the underside is visible.
Fig. 4.
56
Grasp the converter; turn red con-
verter lock away from the hose.
Fig. 5.
Place plastic latches of converter onto
metal rim of bottom plate. Fig. 6.
8
Bring converter up until it covers the
opening. Fig. 7. To lock in place, turn red converter
lock toward the vinyl hose. Fig. 8
Raise cleaner to upright position.
10

B. Select the proper cleaning tool
The cleaning tools have many uses.
Select the tool best suited for the
cleaning task from the descriptions
below.
Wall/floor brush* For walls and very
irregular hard surface floors such as
brick and slate. Fig. 1.
Furniture nozzle* For upholstered
furniture, draperies, tapestries, mat-
tresses, clothing, automobile interiors
and carpeted stairs. Fig. 2.
Multi-purpose brush (standard set
only) For dusting surfaces such as
table tops, lamp shades, draperies as
well as for cleaning upholstered
furniture, stairs and automobile
interiors. Fig. 3.
Dusting brush* For carved furniture,
table tops, books, lamps, lighting fix-
tures, venetian blinds, baseboards,
shutters and registers. Fig. 4.
Crevice tool For radiators, dresser
drawers, spaces between kitchen ap-
pliances. Fig. 5.
Wand(s*) Used to give extra length
to your vinyl hose. They are ideal to
reach ceilings, the top of draperies,
high shelves and cupboards. Use them
with any of the above tools. Fig. 6.
*Available only in deluxe sets.
1
C. Attaching the tools
After having chosen the proper tool
for your particular task, attach it to
the end of the hose grip.
The outer plastic ring on the end of
the hose grip has a slot which adjusts.
Note the slot in the hose grip. Turn
the outer ring until the slots align.
Insert the tool so that the button on
the tool fits into the slot in the end
of the hose grip.
11

Turn the plastic ring as shown to
lock the tool in place. To remove,
reverse the procedure.
For additional length, attach one or
both* wands to the vinyl hose as de-
scribed in the preceding section.
Tools attach to the wand(s*) in the
same manner.
If you have a metal wand, it also at-
taches to the hose grip as just de-
scibed. To attach tools (and wand*)
to the other end of the wand, press
down firmly on plastic spring latch.
Fit the attachment into place and
release plastic latch when it fits
over button on tool. It is now locked
in place.
*Available with deluxe sets only.
D. Engaging the higher speed for using attachments
Your cleaner is equipped with atwo-speed motor. One speed is utilized when
the cleaner is being used on carpet and rugs, and a second higher speed is for
use with attachments.
Upon insertion of the converter and having the cleaner handle in the upright
position, the motor automatically adjusts to the higher speed.
Therefore, for effective operation it is important to have your cleaner handle
in the upright position when using the attachments,
When using the cleaning tools, the adjustment for carpet pile height should
be set according to the surface on which the cleaner is standing. This will
give added stability when using the attachments. Set the adjustment for
pile height to LOW if using the cleaning tools in an area where there are
bare floors and use SHAG in carpeted areas.
After having followed the steps detailed above, you are ready to use your
cleaning attachments. Simply press the pedal switch to turn the cleaner on,
and you are ready to clean above the floor and hard to reach areas.
The handle must be in the upright position for proper, effective use
of tools.
12

Storing attachments
Your attachment set has been design-
ed so that it will fit in a storage bag*.
The bag has two slots located near
the top for use in hanging. Therefore,
it can be attached to the cleaner or
hung conveniently on a hook in the
closet.
To clean attachments To clean the
hose wipe off dirt with a cloth damp-
ened with a liquid detergent. Rinse
with a damp cloth. Cleaning tools
may be washed in warm water with a
detergent. Rinse and let dry before
using.
*Available with deluxe set only.
MAINTENANCE
The following sections are concerned with proper maintenance of the cleaner.
Familiarize yourself with these home maintenance tasks and keep this owner's
manual in a convenient place where you can refer to it when needed. Proper
use and care of your cleaner will insure continued cleaning effectiveness.
The bag
Your cleaner has a durable outer jacket which covers the throw away bag. A
light wiping with a damp cloth will keep this outer jacket clean.
When to replace the throw away bag
Check the bag from time to time. It is recommended that you change the
bag when the dirt reaches the dotted line on the throw away bag. If you let
more dirt than this accumulate, your cleaner may not operate effectively.
Where to buy bags
Bags may be purchased from your local Authorized Hoover Dealer or from a
Hoover Factory Service Center. When ordering bags, be sure to give the model
number of vour cleaner.
13

What bags to buy
Use HOOVER bag type A with this
cleaner.
To assure that your cleaner operates
at peak performance, it is imperative
that you use only genuine HOOVER
throw away bags made by The
Hoover Company. HOOVER bagscan
be identified by the trademarks --
How to change bag
To change bag, unzip outer bag and
gently pull top of throw away bag
upward. See illustration.
Note: Do not clean out old bag and re-use. Discard used bag. To install new
bag refer to pages 5 and 6.
How to replace the headlight
Disconnect the cleaner from electrical
outlet.
1. Set adjustment lever for pile height
to the "NORMAL" or "HIGH"
position.
2. Turn cleaner over and remove the
two screws indicated in the illustra-
tion. Place cleaner ill the upright
position and remove hood.
3. Remove bulb by pulling straight
out of socket. Replace with wedge
type bulb (GE 912 or equivalent),
pushing straight into socket until
it locks in place.
4. Replace hood and tighten screws.
14

The belt
The belt of your cleaner controls the speed of the agitator and it is important
for the effective operation of your cleaner. The belt is located under the bot-
tom plate of the cleaner and should be checked from time to time to be sure
it is in good condition.
When to replace the belt
To check the belt, remove the bottom plate (see following section), tf the belt
is stretched or cut; or if the agitator fails to rotate, replace the belt.
What belt to buy
To assure effective operation, use only genuine HOOVER belts with your
HOOVER 'Guardsman' cleaner. When purchasing a new belt ask for Hoover
part No. 49258.
How to replace the belt Disconnect cleaner from electrical outlet.
1. Turn cleaner over. Remove metal
plate on bottom of cleaner by pushing
latches toward outside of cleaner.
2. Release worn belt from pulley.
3. Lift out rug agitator, remove old
belt and place new belt in groove of
rug agitator.
15

4. Replaceagitator. On one end of
the agitator roll there isa raisedmetal
plate. Make surethat this end is
placed in groove on sideof cleaner.
5. Place belt on pulley. Side of belt
nearer cleaner should be in line with
arrow on bottom of cleaner.
6. Replace metal plate. Place metal
knobs on front end of plate in wire
holders. Check to see that latches are
pushed back and will not be covered
by plate. Place plate in position and
latch securely.
The brushes
When to replace brushes
When brushes are worn and bristles
do not touch the edge of a card held
across the bottom plate, they should
be replaced. Always replace both
brushes at the same time to maintain
cleaning effectiveness.
What brushes to buy
When purchasing new brushes, ask for
Hoover part No. 48445001. They are
designed to be used with your cleaner.
16

How to replace the brushes
Disconnect the cleaner from electrical outlet.
1. To replace worn brushes, remove bottom plate, belt and agitator, followin 9
directions given on preceding pages.
2. Turn end plates of agitator
counterclockwise until one end
plate comes off.
3. Then pry out end section as
shown.
4. Remove opposite end plate and
shaft by pulling straight out. Pry
out remaining end section.
5. Remove brushes by pulling them
from agitator. Use pliers if necessary.
Slide new brushes into channels.
Push them in as far as possible.
END SECTION
WASHER
BEARING
6. To reassemble, reverse procedure.
Replace first, the last end section
removed, then end plate and shaft.
Replace remaining end section and
end plate. Be sure end sections are
assembled with Iocator lined up
with slot in agitator.
7. Should you accidentally displace
the bearing during disassembly,
reassemble as shown.
17

User check list
This appliance was inspected thoroughly and was in good operating condition
when it was shipped from the factory. If a minor problem develops, it usually
can be remedied quite easily when the cause is identified. Accordingly, this
check list is provided for your convenience.
Problem Possible cause Possible solution
B.,.=•* •.. *=1.... •= ..=°i.=_.== =_•....°.-==== •*_. = •=•. *.=.. =.•,. •,=...tw=.... ,... =...=, .*._• .=,.*•_. ===,, .••.= •.=° == ..•
Cleaner 1. Not firmly plugged in. 1. Plug unit in firmly.
won't 2. No voltage in wall plug. 2• Check fuse or breaker.
run 3. Blown fuse/tripped breaker. 3. Replace fuse/reset breaker.
• H.H.... • tHo • eo • =•. ,e=• OH =•= .,,,*.OH.=g*.H. •O II • I=H.=•=o • a=*=.HHJg_ll=g • Wlla=Pl=g•=tl • _**HOleH0tOHO=ag•_= J,,
Cleaner
won't
pick up
1. Broken or worn belt.
2. Agitator brushes worn.
3. Bag full.
4. Incorrect carpet adjustment
lever setting•
1. Replace belt.
2. Replace brushes.
3. Empty bag.
4. Set carpet adjustment lever for
type carpet being cleaned.
•• ••=J ••= ••=l•• • •l I• •J • •1• *m= • •1•• • •• •• • • • • •0•
Cleaner 1. Incorrect carpet adjustment 1. Set carpet adjustment lever for
hard lever setting, type carpet being cleaned.
to push 2. Belt on backwards• 2. Position belt correctly•
If the problem persists, check the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under
"Vacuum Cleaners - Household" for your nearest Hoover Factory Service
Center or Authorized Warranty Service Dealer where approved service and
genuine HOOVER replacement parts may be obtained. The warranty provided
with this product has a listing of the Hoover Factory Service Centers. If you
are unable to obtain the information you need from the Yellow Pages, contact
a Hoover Factory Service Center to find your nearest Authorized Warranty
Service Dealer. For service under warranty, follow the instructions in the
Warranty provided with this product.
Always identify your cleaner by model number when requesting information
or ordering replacement parts. (The model number appears on the bottom of
the cleaner.)
If further assistance is needed, contact the Hoover Company Consumer
Affairs Department, North Canton, Ohio 44720, 216-499-9200.
Lubrication
The motor is equipped with one ball bearing and the agitator has two ball
bearings. These bearings occasionally need attention.
Ball bearings should be checked annually and lubrication of all ball bearings
should be performed by a Hoover Factory Branch Service Center or an
Authorized Warranty Service Dealer.
18

VCMA VACt_UM CLEANER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
(HOOVER -AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER)
Serwce To The Consumer Since 1913
This information has been compiled by the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Associ-
ation from Governmental and Private Sources concerned with product safety.
These basic guidelines are for your protection and convenience.
TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK
Never vacuum liquids.
Never vacuum carpeting that is damp or wet.
Do not store machine outdoors.
Replace worn or frayed power cord immediately.
TO AVOID ACCIDENTS
Never vacuum live ashes or cigarette butts.
Never run machine over power cord or place sharp objects on it.
Never let children use machine as a toy.
Use extra caution when cleaning on stairs.
Keep machine on floor - not on chairs, tables, etc.
When machine is turned on, never allow fingers, hair or garments to
come near intake suction ports or revolving brushes.
Never leave machine running or cord plugged in when unattended.
Turn machine off at switch before unplugging from wall outlet.
When unplugging machine, grasp plug - not cord.
Always unplug power cord from wall outlet before servicing machine or
attach ing accessories.
Store machine promptly after each use to prevent accidents from trip-
ping over power cord or machine.
Use machine and accessories only in manner intended by manufacturer.
FOR BEST PERFORMANCE
Keep your machine and all accessories clean and in good operating
condition.
Change or clean bags and/or filters as recommended by manufacturer to
maintain optimum cleaning efficiency.
Periodically check revolving brush for build-up of lint, hair or other
foreign material and remove as necessary.
Adjust or replace cleaning brushes when worn.
Buy replacement parts from manufacturer's authorized service center.
Have machine checked periodically by manufacturer's authorized service
center.
Store machine carefully - in dry area -- never outdoors.
For optimum cleaning performance and safety, study and follow your
Owner's Manual - keep it in a handy and safe place for future reference.
THE HOOVER COMPANY, NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720
R5 9-79 U4125 Litho USA 56511-053