The TRUTH About Vacuums #6
It can, but it depends on the carpet (& the vacuum). Some 8 lb uprights (that are closer to 9 1/4 lb if you actually weighed them) have no front wheels & just float ("self-adjusting"), so on thick shag, the front-end gets buried somewhat in the thick nap, whereas a 4-wheel adjustable vacuum ( twice as heavy, even), can be "backed off" the carpet allowing the user to push it easily. If your main concern is carrying it up & down stairs, then focus on weight. But you WILL sacrifice power, as "lightweight" means smaller motor. We sell one that out-performs the more heavily-hyped one, but it'll just be a vacuum sale - no clothes irons, dog & pony shows, or deceptive advertising.
