Abstract: A self propelled upright vacuum cleaner drive system integral with the axle of the drive wheels including an operator controlled reversing clutch transmission incorporating a separate unidirectional AC motor for forward and reverse control of the drive system independent from the vacuum cleaner suction motor. A triac controlled variable speed adjust circuit controls the rotational speed of the motor and thus the driven wheels on the base unit, while-a separate operator controlled adjustable response mechanism sets the engagement tension of the vacuum cleaner and transmission assembly corresponding to either a quick or a slow response of the axle of the drive wheels when actuated by the operator.