kirbyklekter
Billy,
The original issue Heritage II was produced from 1984 to 1987. Initial features that distinguish this machine from the Heritage I (1981-84) included the Mini Emtor (for disposable bags), a new power-on light, Kirby Kaddy attachment case (in mid-1985), Zippbrush (replaced the Turbo Brush, also in mid-'85), redesigned "slimline" nozzle (again, mid-'85), and BPI light on nozzle (1986). The shake-out bag (which, by this time, was most commonly ordered for business use) and the 13" nozzle were options, both carried over from the Heritage I. As this was the first machine to have the Mini Emtor as a standard feature, this meant the rear axle was also slightly longer (from 4.5" to 6" long) to increase stability in the back, so the optional shake-out bag will not fit correctly unless the rear axle is changed to the shorter (4.5" long) one.
Then, comes the nearly-identical Heritage II Legend, which was produced from 1987 to 1989. Changes included an updated hose now fully made of polycarbonate resin (no more metal), re-engineered brush roll (to increase its lifespan), simplified wiring for the power-on light, and (in early 1988) improved disposable paper bags to better reduce chance of pinholes. As before, the shake-out bag and the small 13" nozzle were options.
And finally, the Legend II, now in maroon instead of black (except for the overall color of the Mini Emtor and Sani Emtor), was produced from 1989 to 1991 in the US, but production for export markets (including the UK, Europe, South Africa and Australia) continued through 1992. Until 1990, the Renovation Group nozzle casting was still black; after this, it was changed to match the overall trim color. 1990 also saw a revamp of most attachments to the Generation 3 style (except for the hose, air intake guard, lifter grip and spray/suds gun), while still maroon in color; interestingly, the very last export sales even had all these attachments (including the four carryover Classic/Heritage-era tools) in the Generation 3's trim color! The Legend II was the last machine to have, available, both the shake-out bag and the small 13" nozzle.
~Ben[this post was last edited: 3/11/2019-22:41]