Do you have a question about the Vax Air Lift Steerable Advance and is the answer not in the manual?
General safety advice for household use, supervision, and environmental conditions.
List of actions to avoid, such as using damaged cords, wet hands, or vacuuming hazardous materials.
List of recommended actions for safe use, including handling power cords, filters, and accessories.
Step-by-step guide on assembling the vacuum cleaner and attaching accessories.
Instructions for using the vacuum with the lift-out cylinder attached, including power and brushbar controls.
General safety advice for household use, supervision, and environmental conditions.
List of actions to avoid, such as using damaged cords, wet hands, or vacuuming hazardous materials.
List of recommended actions for safe use, including handling power cords, filters, and accessories.
Step-by-step guide on assembling the vacuum cleaner and attaching accessories.
Instructions for using the vacuum with the lift-out cylinder attached, including power and brushbar controls.
The VAX Air™ Lift Steerable is a powerful upright vacuum cleaner designed for effective and efficient cleaning of carpets and hard floors. It features a unique lift-out cylinder, allowing for versatile cleaning both as a traditional upright and as a portable unit for stairs and above-floor areas.
The primary function of the VAX Air™ Lift Steerable is to vacuum dirt and debris from various floor surfaces. It operates by drawing air and particles through a floorhead, which houses a rotating brushbar, into a dirt container. The machine is equipped with a motor that generates suction, and filters are in place to capture dust and allergens, ensuring cleaner air is expelled. The steerable design allows for easy maneuverability around furniture and obstacles.
The VAX Air™ Lift Steerable offers several features to enhance the user experience and cleaning effectiveness:
Upright Mode: In its standard upright configuration, the machine is used for general floor cleaning. To operate, the user places a foot on the floorhead and pulls the handle backward to recline the unit. The On/Off button powers the machine, and a separate brushbar button activates or deactivates the brushbar. The brushbar is recommended to be ON for carpets and OFF for hard floors to prevent damage to surfaces. An air vent cover on the floorhead can be slid open to reduce suction, which is useful for high-pile carpets, and closed for maximum cleaning on hard floors. The power cord can be secured with a cord hook on the handle to prevent tangling during use.
Lift-Out Cylinder: A key feature is the detachable lift-out cylinder. To detach, the user holds the carry handle and presses the lift-out release button, then lifts the cylinder off the back panel and floorhead. This allows for portable cleaning, ideal for stairs, upholstery, and other elevated surfaces. When detached, the lift-out should always be held by the carry handle.
Accessory Use: The machine comes with various accessories that can be attached to the end of the hose for specialized cleaning tasks. These tools can be used with the lift-out cylinder either attached to the main unit or detached for greater flexibility. To connect an accessory, the hose end clip is pressed, the hose is removed from its holder, and the chosen accessory is attached. The On/Off button on the lift-out powers the machine when using accessories.
Handle and Hose for Hard-to-Reach Areas: For extended reach, the handle can be removed from the main unit and attached directly to the hose. An accessory can then be connected to the end of the handle, providing a longer reach for high areas or tight spaces.
Safety Precautions: The manual emphasizes several safety precautions, including always switching off and unplugging the machine before maintenance or troubleshooting, keeping fingers, hair, and loose clothing away from moving parts, and using only VAX recommended accessories. It also warns against vacuuming up hot coals, flammable materials, or sharp objects.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of the VAX Air™ Lift Steerable. The manual provides clear instructions for several maintenance tasks:
Emptying the Dirt Container: The dirt container should be emptied regularly to maintain airflow and suction. To do this, the dirt container release buttons on the side of the carry handle are pressed, and the container is removed. Holding it over a bin, the dirt release button is pressed to open the bottom flap and allow dirt to fall out. The flap is then pushed back until it clicks into place.
Cleaning the Pre-Motor Filter: The pre-motor filter, located within the dirt container, needs periodic cleaning. The dirt container lid release clip is pushed upwards to open the lid, and the pre-motor filter is removed by its tab. It should be tapped over a bin to remove dirt/debris every 4-6 uses. For a more thorough clean, it can be washed under warm water (up to 40°C max) every 3 months. After washing, it must be left to air dry completely for 24 hours before being replaced. The filter should be replaced every 9-12 months.
Cleaning the Separator: The separator, also located within the dirt container, can accumulate dirt and debris. After removing the pre-motor filter, the separator is lifted out. A soft brush can be used to remove any dirt/debris from it. When refitting, ensure the semi-circular tab on the separator aligns with the groove on the dirt container.
Post-Motor Filter Maintenance: The post-motor filter is designed for long life with minimal maintenance. It should be checked periodically for discolouration and replaced when heavily discoloured. It is important not to wash, scrub, or brush this filter, as it can damage it. To access, the post-motor filter cover is twisted anticlockwise and removed, then the filter is lifted out.
Resetting/Removing Obstructions from the Brushbar: If the brushbar becomes obstructed, a motor protection sensor may activate, causing the brushbar to stop and a red light to illuminate on the floorhead. In this event, the machine should be switched off and unplugged. The machine is then laid on its back, and any threads or hair caught around the brushbar are removed using scissors. After clearing, the machine can be switched back on, and the brushbar reactivated.
Cleaning the Brushbar: For a more thorough cleaning or to remove stubborn obstructions, the brushbar can be removed. This involves using a crosshead screwdriver to remove three screws from the belt cover on the side of the floorhead, then removing the belt cover and the brushbar location plate. The belt is then removed, and the brushbar can be pulled through the side cover. Any dirt/debris inside the brushbar housing and around the brushbar and end caps should be cleared.
Changing the Belt: If the belt is broken, it needs to be replaced. The process is similar to cleaning the brushbar, requiring the removal of the belt cover and brushbar location plate. To replace, the new belt is hooked over the small cog first, then slid over the top of the large cog. Rotating the belt and cog anticlockwise will help the belt slide into place.
Checking for Blockages: Blockages can occur in the dirt container, separator, filters, or hose, leading to reduced suction. The manual advises checking and clearing blockages in these areas. For the hose, the hose end clips are pressed, and the two hoses are removed from their holders. The hose is then pulled and stretched to reveal any blockages, which can be dislodged with a blunt instrument.
Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting section to address common issues such as missing accessories, no power, poor pick-up, non-rotating brushbar, a red light on the floorhead, and dust escaping from the machine. Each issue is linked to specific maintenance or usage instructions to resolve the problem.
| Type | Upright |
|---|---|
| Model | Air Lift Steerable Advance |
| Weight | 5.5 kg |
| Dust Capacity | 1.5 L |
| Cordless | No |
| Filtration | HEPA |
| Features | Steerable technology |
| Cord Length | 8 m |











