I recently bought a Hearth Country Model 400 ash vacuum.This is pretty close to the biggest piece of over-priced crap I've ever bought.I decided to use it for my weekly clean out of our pellet stove.At first,the suction seemed very adequate,but after sucking up about a coffee cup of ash,the suction about disappeared.I let it run a while,then I decided to feel the exhaust from the vacuum.Very hot air coming out and the motor was very hot to the touch.No,I did not suck up any hot ash.The stove had been shut down for several hours.I then shut it off to check the filter.Completely plugged.I then went out to my shop and brought in my 30 some year old shop vac to finish the job with no other problems.I bought the ash vacuum from a hardware store that sells on E-bay.I've e-mailed the company these vacs come from in Rutland,Vt to express my disappointment in their product.Of course,they told me to get in touch with the company I bought it from.No customer support at all.Needless to say,I will be sending it back for a refund.Anyone else here have an opinion to share about the Hearth Country Model 400?