I agree there is nothing wrong with improving a product to make them better. How ever this is over engineering. This proposed machine may look good in concept but I still don't believe that is going to be the quality product that has been produced for almost 100. To the gear head it is a prize and a marvel of engineering. to the every day house wife it is over kill. For the purist a sad day and a disapointment. We very much want to keep our classic machines original and not a habidashery of stadardized made to fit components. That's why we bought a kirby. Reliablity, performance and some thing that will stand up to the test of time. I wouldn't mind giving it the "acid" test and see if I could melt into the floor like Dorthy did with the wicked witch of the west. After that I'm not to sure I would make a "daily driver" in my cleaning routine. It really better do some thing impressive to get my approval rating.
Anyone have info on the new Kirby ?
- Thread starter kirbyloverdan
- Start date
Help Support VacuumLand:
I just don't see how the machine in the drawings is an improvement-the brushroll drive is just to complicated and too many parts to break or wear out-you now have TWO belts to wear out-its just to "Rube Goldberg" for the job at hand.The complex airpath to the bag -I like Kirbys older straightforward paths better.Rarely clog-and if it does-SIMPLE to unclog it.I admire the SIMPLICITY of Kirbys.they should keep it that way.for me and my gun collection-we have the Colt single Action Army Revolver,the Colt 1911 auto pistol,the Winchester 94 lever action rifle-all of these are over 100yrs old-except the 1911 Colt auto pistol-but close!these are desired designs today by shooters and hunters.There are so many companies that build guns under these designs.THEY WORK!!!!You can trust your LIFE to them.Now a vacuum cleaner may not be that critical-but we have those older Direct air designs that work--STAY WITH THEM!!The present Kirby brushroll drive with the one belt from the motor shaft and belt lifter is SIMPLE and reliable.Stick with it.I don't think Kirbys can be compared to cars like Edsals and Packards-Heck my Dad had a Packard when I was little and it was a VERY nice car!That Packard would be better than a lot of new cars built today.Went on MANY long trips in that car-was nice.Us kids liked it.Yes,some of those trips were to the shooting range and hunting.
frkirby560
Well-known member
Over Engineering
I agree. Way too much going on with this proposed new Kirby from the drawings offered. Kirby has continued to offer an alternative to most other contemporary vacuum cleaners because of its commitment to the traditional design. It has continued to improve the design, but it has been essentially the same technology as the first Kirby Model C.
This represents a departure from that technology. It is trying to be what it is not, instead of being what it is, only better.
I think they would do themselves a big favor to redo the G series -- keeping its power etc with the option of a smaller head and some improvement on the attachments. I think they would have a real winner and an authentic alternative to the rest of the vacuum market.
I agree. Way too much going on with this proposed new Kirby from the drawings offered. Kirby has continued to offer an alternative to most other contemporary vacuum cleaners because of its commitment to the traditional design. It has continued to improve the design, but it has been essentially the same technology as the first Kirby Model C.
This represents a departure from that technology. It is trying to be what it is not, instead of being what it is, only better.
I think they would do themselves a big favor to redo the G series -- keeping its power etc with the option of a smaller head and some improvement on the attachments. I think they would have a real winner and an authentic alternative to the rest of the vacuum market.
I prefer the classic design that has been around from day one of kirby proper. I have thought about the design and yes there are many things to go wrong. I too like the simple operation of the older models. One would think that the engineers at Kirby could better incorporate the the things the public demands into Mr. Kirbys original idea with out a total redesign. With anything there is always room for improvement or a need for some redesign to accomodate new technology. I would like to get one to try for myself and for my collection of kirbys. When the general public is crying for smaller and lighter kirby is goes bigger and heavier. Kirby has fallen victim to the marketing of the competition. If it doesn't have enough sucktion put on a more aggressive brush to make look like it is doing the job. If your afraid of dust mites add a UV Light to kill them. don't want bags go bagless all you have to do is clean a nasty filter often (We all know what a joy that is)and spend a small fortune to replace it. Sadly we discover the down fall after the purchase. All these things to get us to purchase thier product. When all it really takes is to provde a quality product that does what is meant to do and stand behind it like Kirby has done for many Years. The more the hype about it the less impressed I am. It must be to good to be true and usually is. Moral of the story stay with what you know works. Take a good look at the Good will stores and Rumage sales you will see all the products that the infomercials made us believe we couldn't live with out. How many of them lived up to their claims?
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Well what do you
suggest they do with the Millions of dollars and years invested redesigning the new Kirby ? I guess if they listened to everyone who wants them to go back in time they would have never brought out the Generation series.I guess most of you would just bring back the old fashioned Kirbys which I love too and forget about anything improved.Before the Generation series Kirby was just about to go out of business because customers couldn`t push the non self propelled Kirby`s. Everyone I ever knew who had a Kirby purchased one because of the amazing cleaning they do . After a while of use and struggling to use and carry a Kirby most went into the attic, basement or garage to sit for eternity. Then years later they wind up in yard sales, flea markets and auctions ect.Kirby has had much sucess since the introduction of the G series. This new redesign which WILL be released for Kirby`s 100th anniversary will address all of customers complaints. Life time belt, easy to use attachments, cord winder and a powernozzle to get under beds and low furniture ect.Finger tip switch and speed control.The new Kirby will be bagged and they will never go bagless.It will be lighter made from plastic that will be indestructible as they are using it now on the newest Sentria`s base and shampooer.It will look more modern since most customers think a kirby looks old fashioned,Kirby does tons of customer research and if they want to stay in business for another 100 years it comes down to relentlessly improving on perfection and never resting.I can`t wait until the redesign because I know Kirby will introduce an as close to perfect vacuum that customers will love for years.I love to look at the past but enjoy the present and the future since it`s impossible to go back in time.Too bad the handful of us who love the older Kirby`s could get them to bring back the old one`s . I don`t think we could keep the company in business although I have purchased two of every new model Kirby made since the 70`s when I first started collecting Kirby`s would be enough for their survival.
suggest they do with the Millions of dollars and years invested redesigning the new Kirby ? I guess if they listened to everyone who wants them to go back in time they would have never brought out the Generation series.I guess most of you would just bring back the old fashioned Kirbys which I love too and forget about anything improved.Before the Generation series Kirby was just about to go out of business because customers couldn`t push the non self propelled Kirby`s. Everyone I ever knew who had a Kirby purchased one because of the amazing cleaning they do . After a while of use and struggling to use and carry a Kirby most went into the attic, basement or garage to sit for eternity. Then years later they wind up in yard sales, flea markets and auctions ect.Kirby has had much sucess since the introduction of the G series. This new redesign which WILL be released for Kirby`s 100th anniversary will address all of customers complaints. Life time belt, easy to use attachments, cord winder and a powernozzle to get under beds and low furniture ect.Finger tip switch and speed control.The new Kirby will be bagged and they will never go bagless.It will be lighter made from plastic that will be indestructible as they are using it now on the newest Sentria`s base and shampooer.It will look more modern since most customers think a kirby looks old fashioned,Kirby does tons of customer research and if they want to stay in business for another 100 years it comes down to relentlessly improving on perfection and never resting.I can`t wait until the redesign because I know Kirby will introduce an as close to perfect vacuum that customers will love for years.I love to look at the past but enjoy the present and the future since it`s impossible to go back in time.Too bad the handful of us who love the older Kirby`s could get them to bring back the old one`s . I don`t think we could keep the company in business although I have purchased two of every new model Kirby made since the 70`s when I first started collecting Kirby`s would be enough for their survival.
Well what do you do?
We are not asking Kirby to not improve thier product. We are asking them to stay as close to the orginal design that many of us have come to love and at treat like are most loyal and trusted friend. We would like to be able to keep our favorites as close to original as possible not bojacked with made to fit replacements. I worked with women on the tarmac of the local airport that could heft 50 to 100 lb suitcases, cargo shipments and mail bags Why can't women and men of todays age push a 18 lb vacuum when they can lift most anything else if they want to? I work with women and men in the janitorial field that are "over worked" if they have to swing a wetmop that weighs more than 16 0z. The truth of the matter is we have gotten lazy and soft. Anything that requires physical effort is to hard to do. My now gone aunts and uncles that were 2 and 3 times the age of people I work with could out work youngesters at age 80. Hmmmmmm..... they must not have been a fraid to put some effort into the job. Kirby should focus on teaching thier customers how to use the machine with a customer hands on approach so they are comfortable with the purchase not flusterated by not knowing how to use it. The kirby is an extention of my right arm and there for don't give any thought as to how to use it. Not demonstraite, terriorize them with fears of dust and dust mites and praying on people that obviously are not physically able to do such daily tasks as vacuum with any type of cleaning equipment.
We are not asking Kirby to not improve thier product. We are asking them to stay as close to the orginal design that many of us have come to love and at treat like are most loyal and trusted friend. We would like to be able to keep our favorites as close to original as possible not bojacked with made to fit replacements. I worked with women on the tarmac of the local airport that could heft 50 to 100 lb suitcases, cargo shipments and mail bags Why can't women and men of todays age push a 18 lb vacuum when they can lift most anything else if they want to? I work with women and men in the janitorial field that are "over worked" if they have to swing a wetmop that weighs more than 16 0z. The truth of the matter is we have gotten lazy and soft. Anything that requires physical effort is to hard to do. My now gone aunts and uncles that were 2 and 3 times the age of people I work with could out work youngesters at age 80. Hmmmmmm..... they must not have been a fraid to put some effort into the job. Kirby should focus on teaching thier customers how to use the machine with a customer hands on approach so they are comfortable with the purchase not flusterated by not knowing how to use it. The kirby is an extention of my right arm and there for don't give any thought as to how to use it. Not demonstraite, terriorize them with fears of dust and dust mites and praying on people that obviously are not physically able to do such daily tasks as vacuum with any type of cleaning equipment.
Maybe Kirby should start offering various models of thier machines like thier compition. Instead of here it is take it or leave it. Many chose to leave it for all the reasons we have heard since kirby made his first vacuum. Putting all of your eggs in ones basket is taking risks that could make or break a company. In todays market this is not wise. I would welcome a 500 series kirby with Heritage II to G Series cleaning performace. Same above floor cleaning kit of course. I would also welcome the continuation of the Heritage II set up just as it was back in its day. If you can put todays powerfull motor or similar in it so much the better. Can't possibly have enough suction for me. Continue to offer the G series to those that appreciate it. Then introduce something totaly redsigned and see if it is a hit. Hoover tried it with the Z model. How many homes in america have one of those beasts? At least hoover had is popular standbys to absorb any loss. I do like the bagged windtunnel and use them in the smaller accounts they do good job and easy to maintain. Hmmmmm.... what a brain storm offer more than one model what an ORIGINAL idea
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Kirby never
has offered more than one model and never will .They are not a Big Box vacuum manufacture.Kirby will how ever offer many different attachment packages to suit individual homes. A Kirby is the only machine a homeowner needs .
has offered more than one model and never will .They are not a Big Box vacuum manufacture.Kirby will how ever offer many different attachment packages to suit individual homes. A Kirby is the only machine a homeowner needs .
pr-21
Well-known member
Evolution of Kirby Vacuums
I personally like the G Series very much, not the Sentria however. Afraid of the dramatic change I have 3 rebuilt G Series vacuums. G-5, Gsix, and an Ultimate G. I plan on hanging on to these vacuums and if I don't like the anniversary model, I will still have 3 of my favorite cleaners in the G series line. Even though I bought them used, they were rebuilt by Kirby or someone who worked for Kirby. Any Kirby you would like to own can be sent to the factory for a rebuild for $350.00 plus shipping to and from. With that said, we will always be able to have a Kirby model we like, if we are willing to pay for the rebuilding. It may come back in a different color, but it will clean the same. With the latest brush roll in a G Series it will groom and clean extremely well. I am glad they are doing one more G Series before the big change. Hopefully I will like it enough to buy one brand new from a Kirby Distributor, with the lifetime rebuild. I will also be interested in the unknown yet to be seen Kirby.
Bud Mattingly
I personally like the G Series very much, not the Sentria however. Afraid of the dramatic change I have 3 rebuilt G Series vacuums. G-5, Gsix, and an Ultimate G. I plan on hanging on to these vacuums and if I don't like the anniversary model, I will still have 3 of my favorite cleaners in the G series line. Even though I bought them used, they were rebuilt by Kirby or someone who worked for Kirby. Any Kirby you would like to own can be sent to the factory for a rebuild for $350.00 plus shipping to and from. With that said, we will always be able to have a Kirby model we like, if we are willing to pay for the rebuilding. It may come back in a different color, but it will clean the same. With the latest brush roll in a G Series it will groom and clean extremely well. I am glad they are doing one more G Series before the big change. Hopefully I will like it enough to buy one brand new from a Kirby Distributor, with the lifetime rebuild. I will also be interested in the unknown yet to be seen Kirby.
Bud Mattingly
Kirby did make more than one model...
The 'R' series ran concurrent with the 'C' series sold DTD.
The Generation 3 by Kirby was such a huge change, the H2Legend was produced simultaneously for nearly a year until the new design had proved itself. This from a guy who sold Kirbys for over 50 years.
Trebor
The 'R' series ran concurrent with the 'C' series sold DTD.
The Generation 3 by Kirby was such a huge change, the H2Legend was produced simultaneously for nearly a year until the new design had proved itself. This from a guy who sold Kirbys for over 50 years.
Trebor
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Well I stand corrected
I should have said since I have been collecting Kirbys being 43 years old and collecting Kirby`s since the 70`s , but here in the Northeast Kirby never sold the H2 Legend II with the G3 . I am from Pennsylvania orig. and my family had a beach house at the Jersey shore where I now reside and both of my Kirby dealers in Pa. & NJ sold all of their H2 Legand II stock before they began to sell the new G3 model.Some dealers might have had left over stock and offered both Legend II and the G3 . I have no idea about the R or the C as they were before my time but very interesting to learn that , thank you Robert for the info.
I should have said since I have been collecting Kirbys being 43 years old and collecting Kirby`s since the 70`s , but here in the Northeast Kirby never sold the H2 Legend II with the G3 . I am from Pennsylvania orig. and my family had a beach house at the Jersey shore where I now reside and both of my Kirby dealers in Pa. & NJ sold all of their H2 Legand II stock before they began to sell the new G3 model.Some dealers might have had left over stock and offered both Legend II and the G3 . I have no idea about the R or the C as they were before my time but very interesting to learn that , thank you Robert for the info.
vacman117
Well-known member
How is it possible that the Heritage II Legend was sold as the same time as the Generation 3 when the Legend II came AFTER the Heritage II Legend? So wouldn't the Legend II have been sold along side the Generation 3? I am not trying to argue that you are wrong, but I'm just curious.
Chase
Chase
Yes Im aware that the kirby can be rebuilt. I bought the rebuild policy with my Heritage II. I have also helped two others get their machines rebuilt. Both 1CRs. We have a classic omega we wanted rebuilt but can't prove orginal owner ship as the book for the machine was lost by some one the machine was loaned to. After 30yrs we couldn't locate the orginal sales slip either. The 49.00 rebuild to the orginal owner is by far more cost efficent that the $350.00. We had hoped for a complet rebuild. yes you can have it serviced locally and have a few times. But it is still going to be expensive. The machine isn't a treasured keepsake but just a machine that shares the chores with an E2 Rainbow. Yes we want to keep the kirby and keep it in good working order.
No doubt Kirby will never offer more than the model they have decided that everyone must have. However they could benifit by offering more than one. Many people would welcome a classic design with todays performace. I know dream on.
I too have said in this topic that I wouldn't mind getting ahold of the NEW AND IMPROVED Kirby and putting it through its paces. Like many others I'm not conviced that it is the machine I want as my primary vacuum. No one that has posted here has said they wanted to see kirby FAIL. Like some one wants to believe. We have stated that we see in the design some areas that will be problematic and only dealer servicable for the masses. The gear heads here that repair machines will figure out how to fix it themselves provided you can get he exclusive part. There are many people out there that cant tell a philips head screwdriver from a claw hammer. What are they supposed do? Do you really think someone that just paid out over 2 grand for a vaccum cleaner will want to pay some one to clear a blockage out of a poorly though out exaust duct over and over again? Any Kirby dealer can attest to the fact there are many that cant do the most common of repairs on any vacuum. Kirby gets beat up enough by the masses only the truly loyal know better. Because most of the probems have been to user error. None the less One happy customer isn't going to make one much less hundreds of angry former customers go away. And those are the ones that are heard the loudest and clearest.
No doubt Kirby will never offer more than the model they have decided that everyone must have. However they could benifit by offering more than one. Many people would welcome a classic design with todays performace. I know dream on.
I too have said in this topic that I wouldn't mind getting ahold of the NEW AND IMPROVED Kirby and putting it through its paces. Like many others I'm not conviced that it is the machine I want as my primary vacuum. No one that has posted here has said they wanted to see kirby FAIL. Like some one wants to believe. We have stated that we see in the design some areas that will be problematic and only dealer servicable for the masses. The gear heads here that repair machines will figure out how to fix it themselves provided you can get he exclusive part. There are many people out there that cant tell a philips head screwdriver from a claw hammer. What are they supposed do? Do you really think someone that just paid out over 2 grand for a vaccum cleaner will want to pay some one to clear a blockage out of a poorly though out exaust duct over and over again? Any Kirby dealer can attest to the fact there are many that cant do the most common of repairs on any vacuum. Kirby gets beat up enough by the masses only the truly loyal know better. Because most of the probems have been to user error. None the less One happy customer isn't going to make one much less hundreds of angry former customers go away. And those are the ones that are heard the loudest and clearest.
To sum it up---if the new Kirby is plastic---won't buy.THAT WOULD BE A MISTAKE.Keep it METAL--PLEASE.Maybe there is some thought to reviving the old designs-simple,lightweight,and EFFECTIVE.The older Kirbys without the power drive-like the 500 series were actually VERY easy to push and maneuver.I just can't envision Kirby becoming a "Plastivac".In the drawings of the proposed machine-if millions of dollars spent on that-someone wasted their money.Improve the Sentria and leave it at that.But I do want to see and try the new Kirby when it comes out.
I
think I remember someone saying that only part of the machine will be plastic, some parts like the fan case and carpet nozzle will be metal. don't think Kirby would put an easily clogged exhaust duct on one of their vacuums, Not after how the tradition turned out. I'm guessing its just hard to tell from the patent how wide it is. It will surely be close to the same size if the new emtor will fit to it on the back of the handle like I also think I heard someone say.
think I remember someone saying that only part of the machine will be plastic, some parts like the fan case and carpet nozzle will be metal. don't think Kirby would put an easily clogged exhaust duct on one of their vacuums, Not after how the tradition turned out. I'm guessing its just hard to tell from the patent how wide it is. It will surely be close to the same size if the new emtor will fit to it on the back of the handle like I also think I heard someone say.
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
My Opinion for what it's worth
Kirby will have learned from Royal not to move too dramatically too quickly. Even though Kirby is one of the best vacuums made, they are still a niche' machine. They don't want to move too much towards mainstream for fear of losing the loyal followers, however, they are going to want to try to capture those that may waiver in thir direction from "that's what my parents had".
The Boomers are aging, but new generations are comeing along as well. Kirby is going to try to go with a lighter weight less complicated machine for the older users, as well as try to please the get it done and get on with it crowd.
I am with Dan, I don't see Kirby going bagless anytime soon. It took them 75 years to go with a disposable bag; going bagless would seam like a step backwards.
Keep the faith, Buffett won't allow one of his diamonds to turn into glass (or plastic). Unless it's space-aged-designed-by NASA, Tested by John-Deer and produced by elves in a hollow tree.
I wonder how many Kirby execs are reading these posts and learning from us? We could be getting paid as a focus group.
Kirby will have learned from Royal not to move too dramatically too quickly. Even though Kirby is one of the best vacuums made, they are still a niche' machine. They don't want to move too much towards mainstream for fear of losing the loyal followers, however, they are going to want to try to capture those that may waiver in thir direction from "that's what my parents had".
The Boomers are aging, but new generations are comeing along as well. Kirby is going to try to go with a lighter weight less complicated machine for the older users, as well as try to please the get it done and get on with it crowd.
I am with Dan, I don't see Kirby going bagless anytime soon. It took them 75 years to go with a disposable bag; going bagless would seam like a step backwards.
Keep the faith, Buffett won't allow one of his diamonds to turn into glass (or plastic). Unless it's space-aged-designed-by NASA, Tested by John-Deer and produced by elves in a hollow tree.
I wonder how many Kirby execs are reading these posts and learning from us? We could be getting paid as a focus group.
"I wonder how many Kirby execs are reading these posts&#
Yes, has anyone emailed a link to this thread and an explanation to the Kirby Company? The Kirby collectors here know what did and did-not work with older models and Kirby should want to hear that.
Yes, has anyone emailed a link to this thread and an explanation to the Kirby Company? The Kirby collectors here know what did and did-not work with older models and Kirby should want to hear that.
A while back
Over a year ago I posted that same patent as we had the machine come through the UL/US patent lab. very few things have change in the patent except for the motor, fan and electronic sped control, all of which we found to be sub par, or found to be too similar to another companies patent.
If you look back up in the thread post 70 states:
"Funny that I happened to read this post today. I was working on this very thing today (yes on a Saturday, as I am very dedicated to my job) and I got back an e-mail stating that the US patent office had accepted the patent for a part that we had rejected on the new unit several times.
About a month ago we had a unit come in with a new power control on the handle. The power control is now in the switch as well as the variable speed control which had 3 speeds, as well as a bag indicator light.
The interesting about this part is that the patent abstract came in with a very specific items that the designers wanted us to test on it. The new switch takes the power of the vacuum down by up to 40% of the electricity useage without compromising the power of the motor. Now comes the more interesting part it also had built in "check and balances" to prevent the motor form over heating. It has temperature sensors which also automatically took down the power going to the motor.
All these subtle "motor control changes" are leading me to believe that they may try to market it as energy saving. As of today 2/19 all the parts on the machine that we had in the office have passed UL testing as well as patent cross checks.
I will be the first to say that my continued speculation on the timing of the release of machine has been completely wrong, and I apologize for that. This is one of the first products that I have worked with tat is not following timeline that other products are following when we see them. I will however not apologize for informing what information I can about this vacuum because it is amazing!!"
and post #22
"I have talked with the company submitting the patents and actually met with two engineers from the company (regarding motor issues) Based on my knowledge this company has spent almost one million dollars in patents, and testing fees alone over the past three years, on the machine that I received through my office earlier this year."
With all this being said I would once again be lead to believe that at some point we will see this model come out. It will still be anyones guess as to when, my initial though would have been over a year ago, but this company is anything from normal and they seem to defy all rules of logic. I will once again say that the machine that has came through the office several times is amazing. I feel that it will appeal to the vast majority of you, it has enough of the familiar features, as well as some very nice new modern touches. It also remains about the same in the metal to plastic ratio. I am going to do some checking with one of the guys I use to work with and see what he may know.
Over a year ago I posted that same patent as we had the machine come through the UL/US patent lab. very few things have change in the patent except for the motor, fan and electronic sped control, all of which we found to be sub par, or found to be too similar to another companies patent.
If you look back up in the thread post 70 states:
"Funny that I happened to read this post today. I was working on this very thing today (yes on a Saturday, as I am very dedicated to my job) and I got back an e-mail stating that the US patent office had accepted the patent for a part that we had rejected on the new unit several times.
About a month ago we had a unit come in with a new power control on the handle. The power control is now in the switch as well as the variable speed control which had 3 speeds, as well as a bag indicator light.
The interesting about this part is that the patent abstract came in with a very specific items that the designers wanted us to test on it. The new switch takes the power of the vacuum down by up to 40% of the electricity useage without compromising the power of the motor. Now comes the more interesting part it also had built in "check and balances" to prevent the motor form over heating. It has temperature sensors which also automatically took down the power going to the motor.
All these subtle "motor control changes" are leading me to believe that they may try to market it as energy saving. As of today 2/19 all the parts on the machine that we had in the office have passed UL testing as well as patent cross checks.
I will be the first to say that my continued speculation on the timing of the release of machine has been completely wrong, and I apologize for that. This is one of the first products that I have worked with tat is not following timeline that other products are following when we see them. I will however not apologize for informing what information I can about this vacuum because it is amazing!!"
and post #22
"I have talked with the company submitting the patents and actually met with two engineers from the company (regarding motor issues) Based on my knowledge this company has spent almost one million dollars in patents, and testing fees alone over the past three years, on the machine that I received through my office earlier this year."
With all this being said I would once again be lead to believe that at some point we will see this model come out. It will still be anyones guess as to when, my initial though would have been over a year ago, but this company is anything from normal and they seem to defy all rules of logic. I will once again say that the machine that has came through the office several times is amazing. I feel that it will appeal to the vast majority of you, it has enough of the familiar features, as well as some very nice new modern touches. It also remains about the same in the metal to plastic ratio. I am going to do some checking with one of the guys I use to work with and see what he may know.
those several new Kirby patents...
may be nice by the first glance but to IMHO they miss the basic "keep it simple" style. Extra motorized power brush? Why? Then you could just market a good canister. Or in other words: This would make Kirby make their Kirby vacs obsolete by definition.
Extra gears instead of a belt lifter? Why? Bison had gone that way, but got stuck (maybe they should have done some more research, can't Kirby continue down that line?) Of course, all these extra steps to lift the belt should not be there or at least automatic, this is 2011 after all. Click! Nozzle attatched and working.
Double intake port? Why? Suction diverter valves have been around for so long, all those uprights having extra hoses onboard. Sebo stuff et al.... not for me.
Bellowed exhaust to bag? (this one patent there) Why? Why could it be so important to have the bag mounted IN the handle? Sideways wasn't bad after all, was it? Just the necessity for the "emptor" was gone, as paper bags or high-efficiency fibre filters would do away with emptying out heavier stuff. (And DON'T come around your corner telling me it was for "catching stuff" like rings or legos, I am completely on the side of that one post "having a large-object trap in FRONT of the blower unit". Once rings go through the fan, they are ruined and worthless.)
And finally I must agree: The basic main Kirby must keep its classic appearance, it is a divine system of good workmanship and cleaning power, yet the caddy and the accessories leave a lot to be thought over. (Cheapish to me, compared to the high price of the main Kirby and compared what you can get for less money). A metallic wand and some well-thought-of nozzles should be minimum. Never liked any of the that stuff, neither with the older Heritage machines nor with the G series (a Kirby that I LOVE).
It's like buying a grand label business suit, finding a sewing kit inside one of its pockets....
And please please please! Do away with these horrible brass bushings on this forever rattling zip brush. After a couple of years, they all go cranking, shreaking, whining or scratching (so much for what I had found here, NONE would stay for more than five years without servicing or changing parts.) Diverter blades suction-side are good for extra speed, thank you! Curved turbine blades as well, thanks again! But this spring loaded main bushing and the top pin bushing are a nuisance. No matter whether balanced (up to G4) or whether weight-counterbalanced (beginning with G5, the G6 still having both versions around).
I hope Kirby will take their time in making it good. (GOOD! that is, sort of a WOW! machine).
may be nice by the first glance but to IMHO they miss the basic "keep it simple" style. Extra motorized power brush? Why? Then you could just market a good canister. Or in other words: This would make Kirby make their Kirby vacs obsolete by definition.
Extra gears instead of a belt lifter? Why? Bison had gone that way, but got stuck (maybe they should have done some more research, can't Kirby continue down that line?) Of course, all these extra steps to lift the belt should not be there or at least automatic, this is 2011 after all. Click! Nozzle attatched and working.
Double intake port? Why? Suction diverter valves have been around for so long, all those uprights having extra hoses onboard. Sebo stuff et al.... not for me.
Bellowed exhaust to bag? (this one patent there) Why? Why could it be so important to have the bag mounted IN the handle? Sideways wasn't bad after all, was it? Just the necessity for the "emptor" was gone, as paper bags or high-efficiency fibre filters would do away with emptying out heavier stuff. (And DON'T come around your corner telling me it was for "catching stuff" like rings or legos, I am completely on the side of that one post "having a large-object trap in FRONT of the blower unit". Once rings go through the fan, they are ruined and worthless.)
And finally I must agree: The basic main Kirby must keep its classic appearance, it is a divine system of good workmanship and cleaning power, yet the caddy and the accessories leave a lot to be thought over. (Cheapish to me, compared to the high price of the main Kirby and compared what you can get for less money). A metallic wand and some well-thought-of nozzles should be minimum. Never liked any of the that stuff, neither with the older Heritage machines nor with the G series (a Kirby that I LOVE).
It's like buying a grand label business suit, finding a sewing kit inside one of its pockets....
And please please please! Do away with these horrible brass bushings on this forever rattling zip brush. After a couple of years, they all go cranking, shreaking, whining or scratching (so much for what I had found here, NONE would stay for more than five years without servicing or changing parts.) Diverter blades suction-side are good for extra speed, thank you! Curved turbine blades as well, thanks again! But this spring loaded main bushing and the top pin bushing are a nuisance. No matter whether balanced (up to G4) or whether weight-counterbalanced (beginning with G5, the G6 still having both versions around).
I hope Kirby will take their time in making it good. (GOOD! that is, sort of a WOW! machine).
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Thank you very much
Jon, I know Kirby`s next vacuum will be a true hit . You are very lucky to have seen and worked with it . I hear because they want the machine to be flawless when it is finally released and the economy is the reason for the delay. The introduction for the 100th anniversary will be very exciting .I seem to be a minority but a true and avid Kirby collector/aficionado as in wanting Kirby to totally improve and release a newly redesigned Kirby from the ground up with it`s heritage in mind. It`s just like I am an automobile aficionado and only drive the cars made by the inventor of the automobile and many of the people who drive those cars prefer the older models where as I am always excited when they release new models greatly improved but with the heritage of their roots still in every car they produce. Kirby reminds me of that car company even though they are foreign and Kirby is made in the good ole USA . I have my money ready to purchase two as soon as they are released to continue my Kirby collection way into the future.
Jon, I know Kirby`s next vacuum will be a true hit . You are very lucky to have seen and worked with it . I hear because they want the machine to be flawless when it is finally released and the economy is the reason for the delay. The introduction for the 100th anniversary will be very exciting .I seem to be a minority but a true and avid Kirby collector/aficionado as in wanting Kirby to totally improve and release a newly redesigned Kirby from the ground up with it`s heritage in mind. It`s just like I am an automobile aficionado and only drive the cars made by the inventor of the automobile and many of the people who drive those cars prefer the older models where as I am always excited when they release new models greatly improved but with the heritage of their roots still in every car they produce. Kirby reminds me of that car company even though they are foreign and Kirby is made in the good ole USA . I have my money ready to purchase two as soon as they are released to continue my Kirby collection way into the future.
