Cen-Tec 98097 6Qt HEPA Backpack Vacuum 20Ft Reach Kit

Cen-Tec Systems 98097 HEPA Backpack Vacuum with 20-Foot Elevated Cleaning Kit

The Cen-Tec Systems 98097-AZ is a commercial-grade backpack vacuum that goes far beyond conventional floor care. By combining a powerful 6-quart backpack vacuum with a comprehensive 20-foot elevated reach accessory system, it gives professional cleaners the ability to service every surface in a facility—from carpeted floors all the way up to ceiling-mounted return air vents—with a single, integrated solution. For facilities managers, contract cleaning companies, and institutional maintenance departments, this means fewer equipment changes, faster cleaning cycles, and more thorough results across the entire building envelope.

Engineered for Commercial Durability

Every design decision in the 98097 reflects the demands of daily commercial use. The vacuum body is constructed from molded plastic and sealed with a 10-degree twist-lock lid that replaces the traditional latch mechanism entirely. Latches are among the most common failure points on commercial vacuums—they break under repeated stress, causing productivity-killing downtime. The twist-lock design eliminates this risk and ensures a reliable, airtight seal session after session.

The vacuum tips the scale at under 12 pounds with the collection tank loaded, a weight that remains manageable even during extended cleaning shifts. The premium ergonomic harness distributes that weight evenly across the operator's back and shoulders, and it incorporates dedicated built-in straps for carrying the full accessory kit. Everything the cleaner needs for floor-to-ceiling work travels on their body—no separate cart, no additional trips.

Ametek Motor, Water Lift, and Airflow

The heart of the 98097 is an Ametek motor, a brand long respected in the commercial vacuum industry for its reliability and consistent output. The motor delivers 100 inches of water lift—enough pulling force to extract deeply embedded soil from commercial-grade carpet—and generates 120 CFM of airflow to convey heavy debris efficiently back to the 6-quart collection chamber. This combination of lift and flow rate makes the vacuum equally capable on dense pile carpeting and smooth hard floor surfaces.

An industry-first overload protection system is integrated at the motor level. If a blocked hose or sealed condition threatens to overheat the motor, the system automatically halts operation before damage can occur. This proactive protection significantly extends motor life and eliminates the repair costs and downtime associated with motor burnout—a real-world concern in dusty commercial environments.

HEPA H10 Filtration for Indoor Air Quality

The 98097 is equipped with HEPA H10 filtration throughout, capturing fine airborne particulate that would otherwise resettle on cleaned surfaces or be inhaled by the operator. In environments where air quality is regulated or monitored—medical facilities, schools, food service operations—this level of filtration is not optional; it is a requirement. The HEPA system ensures that vacuuming genuinely improves indoor air quality rather than simply redistributing fine particles.

The 20-Foot Elevated Reach System in Detail

The defining feature of the 98097 package is its Cen-Tec 20-foot Reach elevated cleaning system. Three telescopic wands extend to a combined 15 feet, supplemented by an 18-inch straight adaptor wand and a 24-inch 45-degree adaptor wand. All wand connections use ABS compression couplings that lock securely under compression, preventing any accidental separation when the assembly is extended overhead—a critical safety consideration at working heights.

Two Sidewinder natural fill brushes are included: an 8-inch model for spot cleaning and a 15-inch version for broad surface coverage on return air vents, wall panels, and window frames. Each Sidewinder features a patented pivoting neck that allows the brush head to self-orient parallel to the target surface on contact, maintaining full bristle engagement regardless of the approach angle. A compression collar on each tool locks it positively to the adaptor wand, ensuring it stays attached even when the assembly is inverted or angled during overhead work.

Specialized elevated tools round out the kit: a 3.5-inch dusting brush for detailed spot cleaning and a 15-inch paddle crevice tool sized for reaching into light fixture interiors and overhead mechanical enclosures. Together, these attachments address every above-floor cleaning challenge common in retail, institutional, and commercial facilities.

RF Wireless Control and Cord Management

A first-of-its-kind RF remote control system eliminates the traditional belt-mounted switch box, freeing the operator's body during use. Power can be toggled via the wireless RF remote or through a secondary switch built into the vacuum body. The 50-foot 16/3 extension cord is secured to the vacuum via a proprietary cord lock that acts as a strain relief and routes the cord behind the operator, dramatically reducing tripping risk and protecting the cord from foot traffic damage during use.

Floor-Level Accessories Included

Floor cleaning is equally well served with the included 54-inch two-piece S-Wand and the full complement of standard above-floor tools. The complete onboard accessory system means the operator has everything they need for floor, wall, and ceiling cleaning without returning to a supply cart. The 6-quart collection capacity handles heavy debris loads between empties, keeping interruptions to a minimum during extended cleaning runs.

Ideal Environments and Users

The 98097 is purpose-built for commercial contract cleaners, janitorial service providers, retail establishments, restaurants, schools and universities, medical facilities, and institutional maintenance departments. Any facility with open ceilings, exposed mechanicals, high return air vents, or elevated light fixtures will find this system delivers a uniquely complete cleaning solution. Domestic users with high-ceiling homes, large garages, or workshop spaces will also appreciate the combination of commercial cleaning power and elevated reach capability in a single portable package.