Bob,

I would strongly recommend a Sebo....it's a German built machine. It runs
very smoothly, does use bags, has automatic height adjustment to get the
correct brushing and sucking of the carpeting (vacuum repair guy told me
this is important)....and it does floors also. I have a Kirby, and I think
the Sebo is much better...and the Sebo has attachments. Bad news is that
it's costly....approx. $600.00, but that's a lot less than a Kirby.

Mark


"Bob" wrote in message
...
I need to purchase a new home vacumn cleaner. I keep appliances/etc for a
long time, so I would like to get the best quality and value possible.

We do have lots of wood floors in our home so I do need a vac that will do
a good job on that. In addition, I like the idea of not having a bag to
remove/replace etc.]

The brands I hear advertised the most as being good quality are Orick(sp?)
and Dyson.

Thanks for all your assistance.

Bob