Dyson DC05
The DC05 was the second Dyson cylinder model. It was designed as a replacement model for the DC02 (which wasn't a raging success some say) and had improved design features. The 'Motorhead' version was the first Dyson to offer a 'power nozzle' - a floor nozzle with a motor-powered brush-roll for improved performance on carpets. The Motorhead was particularly popular in Australia.
Despite the DC05 being a rather elderly vacuum cleaner in the UK today, untold thousands still exist. They were a quite capable machine and remain so now. They are worth fixing. However, the lavender Motorhead models (and a handful of others) were fitted with the woeful SDS1204SD Panasonic motor instead of the usual YDK (YV) motors fitted to most of them. We are now seeing many of these Panasonic motors failing.
Most Dyson spares suppliers are not able to source the old Panasonic SDS1204SD motor any more. Dyson UK will not sell you one, and don’t even bother asking Panasonic. They don’t even supply this type of stuff to the trade; never mind retail sales. You will spend many internet hours 'not' finding one.
But, before you throw that old Dyson DC05 in the bin, there is another way to solve this problem (even in Australia). You retrofit a Dyson DC05 YDK motor instead. “It’s not possible – they are totally different!” the so-called Dyson “specialists” howl. Yeah well, it is completely possible. And we are going to point you to the place that shows you how to do it. Check out this forum topic: Dyson DC05 SDS1204SD Panasonic Motor.
A weak point on this Dyson DC05 vacuum cleaner is where the plastic handle connects to the telescopic wand. The handle is a "banana" shape. They tend to break. Thankfully, new after-market ones are available way cheaper than genuine ones. Click >>here<< to grab yourself one.
Dyson DC05 Information
If you need to access the motor, the >>Motor Change<< guide will show how it is done.
Most of you - if you have a non-Motorhead machine - will have a yellow and grey or a green and grey machine that is fitted with the standard YDK (labelled YV and some numbers) motor fitted. They are readily available on the after-market (although, avoid eBay cheapo Chinese-made ones that last a fortnight). You can get a proper one (that lasts much longer than a fortnight) from >>here<<
The Dyson DC05 was Dyson's second cylinder vacuum cleaner (The DC02 being the first). It was also one of the first Dyson vacuum cleaners to be included in the Dyson "education boxes" that were sent to schools.
The education boxes contained a Dyson DC05 that could be taken apart by the kids. They also had classroom notes to teach students about design and engineering. Dyson was an early innovator of bringing British design and technology back into British classrooms.
Dyson wanted to see a return to what made Britain great: Engineering and invention. This work is continued today by the James Dyson Foundation. The James Dyson Foundation is an educational charity supporting science, design and engineering education with case studies and free education resources.