I had the vacuum problem for years! The last straw was a $750 Oreck canister. Bought on sale! I had to special order the filters and often the bags. It went thru 3 motors in 5 years(in warranty). When they told me a new hose was $75, I went to Sears and bought a $39.99 Shop Vac. I also got the Hepa filter, extra bags and smaller hose for it Less than $75 for all.It's red. It has 4 huge wheels. It turns quickly, pulls easily behind me. I don't have to struggle with it. It will pick up everything--pins, rocks,pecans,cat toys hidden under things, cat litter, ping pong balls, even the water in the dog dish! AND you don't have to spend 3 days drying out the motor if you manage to pick up water (or something like water). If you don't need a carpet sweeper, get a cheap shop vac. Mine's 10 years old and is still perfect. And I'm an artist who vacuums up glitter, paint, cat hair, and other unmentionables.