Stick/Handheld, Bagless - MPN: UV617
Strengths: maneuverable, lightweight
Weakness: short battery life, cheap parts that break
The Shark is an easy to use sweeper with some good features but some very cheap construction. On the plus side, it's so lightweight and maneuverable that you won't hesitate to use it. I have used it mostly on my floors, but it really does work on carpet, too. It has a rotating brush on the front corner that works as an edger, and this is the best feature. Sadly, the part that makes the edger work is a tiny toothed circle of lightweight plastic which works as a gear, and although it probably costs the company less than 5 cents, you must purchase an entire replacement brush roll kit for $19.99 (plus any applicable tax and shipping) to replace it when it fails. And it will fail, make no mistake. Also, on the minus side, the rechargeable battery is designed to fail after about 6 months. This battery costs $9.95 (plus any applicable tax and shipping) to replace. Here is a quote from the website:
"Q: What is the Life Expectancy of the Rechargeable Batteries?
A: The estimated life expectancy of the rechargeable batteries is 6 months to 1 year. This is based on an average household usage of 4 times per week, completely discharging, and then fully re-charging the unit for 16 hours once a month."
Now, the problem is that if for any reason you recharge the battery before it's completely dead, or if someone accidentally takes the unit off the charger in the middle of charging it, the battery will not keep a charge as long as it originally did.
It only takes one incident to ruin it. I have small kids who did this. Also, since you must completely use up the battery charge before recharging, you'll have to use it with very little power when it gets toward the end of the charge. It does not work well unless it has a full charge. So for about half of the time you use it, it doesn't work well and you'll find yourself sweeping the same spots over and over again to pick up even a tiny piece of paper.
My first Shark's battery did not last long and the edger piece disappeared one day while sweeping. It's small and I'm guessing it got swept up and thrown away accidentally. Because I liked the light weight and maneuverability of the machine, I (stupidly) bought another one. This one has had the same problem with the battery and again, a problem with the edger. The plastic gear failed. I will not be purchasing a third Shark. For the money I spent on the two Sharks, I probably could have purchased something of higher quality that would have lasted longer than the 8-9 months of service that I got from the two Sharks.
I just can't recommend this product, unless you receive it as a gift. It's a waste of money.
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TopTerrible thing to buy. DO NOT BUY IT> IT is always breaks and have lousy design. Latches do not work at all.
PLEASE DO NOT BUY IT!!!!
Replacement for failed battery repeatedly promised...
Strengths: Looks well, vefry lightweight, works adequately when it works
Weakness: Battery failed after a few weeks and repeatedly promised replacement never came
I bought a Euro-Pro Shark 13-Inch 3-Speed Cordless Sweeper at Fry's. It worked well for several weeks. It was not needed again until several weeks later. The reachargeable battery would no longer charge.
I went to www.SharkCompany.com and ordered a new battery. Four weeks later I received a postcard "the item [unnamed] you've requested is temporarily out of stock... You may expect delivery in 3-4 weeks."
I later telephoned 'customer service' and was told the battery would be delivered in 2 or three days. That was three weeks ago. Now I have just received a postcard "the item [unnamed] you've requested is temporarily out of stock... You may expect delivery in 3-4 weeks."
This time I have told 'customer service' that I will never buy a Shark product again. I am having a battery made up by a local battery dealer who delivers in days.
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Nov 26, 2006
That is a wonderful review...thanks! Who do you order the batteries from? I would love getting a new battery for my Shark but the manufacturer does not have it in stock.
Thanks!
Jan 18, 2007
Yes, I'm in the same situation and need a new battery for my Shark. I ordered one 6 weeks ago from the manufacturer but am still waiting! Any ideas?