Decisions, Decisions - Help guys!

[thunderhexed]

Ok... so I am currently in the position to buy one of my first of the Kirby G-Series. This is going to be my primary vac to use and want to make sure I am getting the most for my money. I have found a place that sells some pretty darn nice refurbished Kirby's and givien my budget, I am looking at either a G-3 or G-4. Any suggestions? Are there any major differences in the two models? How close is the G-4 to the G-5 and so on? Is this a smart buy? Do they really clean as well as the reviews I have read say they do? Do the transmissions have a tendancy to mess up any? Of course, my Kirby will be babied to death and will be extremelly well cared for. Any input would help guys! I also have my eye on a Royal metal upright that has been refurbished too.. Kirby or Royal? let the input and debate begin!

 

[air-waycharlie]

The G-3 was the first to have "tech drive" and the early models did have problems with the power switch which runs the whole thing.

It was corrected by Kirby with the later G-3 models.

I think the the all the G series are essentially the same with changes to color, bag style and brushroll design. The last of the line had 2 speed motors that don't serve much of purpose in my opinion. (Kind of like the 2 speeds on a Filter Queen)

If you get a G-4 or G-4 and upgrade the brushroll to what is in the G-5/G-6, (groups of staggered brushes that are about 4" long), it is a great vacuum. I would also recommend using the new filtrete bag that is excellent for filtration and allows a lot of air flow.

I have a G-3 that has an upgraded brushroll, the new stiff fill tube and has the filtrete bag. It works beautifully and I like the vacuum. I know many vacuum people that do not care for Kirby's but part of the appeal for me is the design and appearance. It really looks like a vacuum cleaner!

So, I say go for it and then let us know how it works out.

Charlie

 

[thunderhexed]

brushroll

so the brushrolls on the models are interchangeable? No modifications needed?

 

[kirby519omega]

I would go with the Kirby, I Mean Royals are good vacuums, but Kirby is probably better nowadays.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

G3, G4, OR G5 AS FOR ME G5

Hi Cory I have been a fan of Kirbys for years to this day i think they still make a very fine vacuum.If you take care of your Kirby it will take care of you and last for years.As for your question i have anoung other Kirbys a G3, G4, and G5.They all run very well however if i had to do it again i would go for the G4, or G5.I did have the trannie replaced once on the G3 it was about 6 weeks old the Kirby people were very nice. After that i had no trouble with it. I no for a FACT that the transmision on the G4 was improved a bit and again on the G5. So in answer to your question if the price is not to bad get the G5 LOTS of luck you will enjoy your new vacuun. Lets talk again Doug

 

[thunderhexed]

Long Island

Doug,
What part of Long Island do you live in?

 

[thunderhexed]

Kirby

I am leaning more towards the G-4 I think.. I love the color of it. thanks for all of the info guys! Keep it coming! The more I know, the better!

 

[sleepdoc]

A discriminating Kirby G-Series purchase

If you're not sure about where your G-3 sits on the production timeline with respect to the switch fix, consider the G-4 on that basis. I don't know when that happened, or I'd be of more help. The serial number, located on the right aspect of the power plant gives the month and the year in the first four numbers.

The G-3 never had a Micron Magic outer bag, but genuine Kirby micron outer bags are available as replacements. If that matters, you almost certainly need to buy a new outer bag. (It will cost at least $30, probably more.) The G-4 started with a micron bag. If your store really does a good job of refurbing the machines, the outer bags will be clean. I'd unzip the outer bag and make sure it's not coated with dust, carpet freshener, animal hair, etc. Ideally, buy a brand new outer bag regardless, if the cost doesn't matter.

The above notwithstanding, you need to actually run each machine you're considering to test the transmission. If the transmission is smooth and quiet, it's good. If it's really loud or if it continues to make noise when the switch is pressed down on the left "neutral" side, then it's developing problems. Last month I paid $125 to put a new transmission on a G-5, and that was a substantial discount from retail with labor.

Rec: G-4 with good transmission.

Patrick

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Kirby G3

 

[thunderhexed]

G-3

And what is it about the G-3 that I should consider?

 

[kirbyultimateg]

The G3 was the start of the 7.0 amp motor and self propelled transmission.

 

[vinvac]

Royal

Cory,

I don't see anyone talking about the Royal. I have three different Royals in my collection and all three of them clean very well. The Royal will be lighter than the Kirby's but won't have the self propelled feature.

Converting to use with tools in my opinion may be a little more challenging when it comes time to put the belt back on. The Royal will have good air flow for above the floor cleaning as well. The bags on a Royal probably won't filter as well as the Kirby using a filtrete bag if that is important to you.

Either vacuum will serve you well.

Morgan

 

[thunderhexed]

Kirby

I like the color scheme of the G3 but I think i would like having the Micro-filteration of the g4 and upwards more. Can the G3's use the microfresh paper bags?

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Micron Magic/Micron Magic HEPA/3M Filtrete inner paper bags will work on the G3.

 

[kirbyultimateg]

QuadraSweep brushroll with four rows of stiff black brushes will not work on the G3.
QuadraSweep brushroll with four rows of soft black brushes will work on the G3.
Delicate brushroll with two rows of soft white brushes will work on the G3.

 

[ian88]

That's the thing, and forgive me if i'm wrong but thats the beauty of royal vacuums.

A brushrolls a brushroll, swap and change stuff..simple, user friendly, what the public wants.

Ian

 

[hygiene903]

I agree with Morgan and Ian.

As Morgan said, the Royal won't have the self-propelled feature. But then, the Royal is so much lighter and maneuverable, that you won't need it anyway. And the Royal is just as durable, and cleans as well, as a Kirby, and if you compare new prices, will be about 1/4 to 1/2 the price of a Kirby.
Jeff

 

[thunderhexed]

Royal

well, I've placed a bid on a Royal 4000 on ebay that I think i'm going to win... it looks pretty clean cosmetically, bag needs to be cleaned I can tell. Who knows! I should know more byt his time tomorrow night! Thanks for ALL of the excellent info guys! You're the best!

 

[bisonian]

Cory,

Good luck on the Royal bid. As for the Kirbys, I have a G3, and had a chance a couple of weeks ago to try out my sister-in-law's GSix. Frankly, I couldn't tell much difference between them.

Rick