No, the vacuum does not, it cleans in a straight path. But the vacuum is easy to manage for a 66 year old woman.

Deb: I believe the Hoover unit is on par with the others in its price range, maybe even superior. I think you might be referencing products that used to be made in the United States, possibly 30 or so years ago. Those products and Hoover's were built to last and last. If you had a small problem with the product after years of use, say the switch broke, you brought it to a repair place, fixed it, and kept on using it. I'm sorry to say those days are gone, as will be the repair company you refered to. You see in order to stay in line with the competition companies including Hoover have to keep their price competitive. The average American buyer does not understand true value in paying for quality they only purchase on price. Don't expect as much from products today compared to in the past. You won't even find a manufacturer making a vacuum that will last say ten years, it's price would make it uncompetitive. So I would have to say, throw that five year old plus vacuum in the garbage to be added to the landfill, go and buy another one and another one. It's sad but true.

The stair tool brush is powered by the suction of the vacuum motor. Don't press down very hard and the brush will work.