First post. What would you want on a new Kirby design?

[link9454]

Let's assume the next generation of Kirby is going to be redesigned, or perhaps a new model launched along side the classic design. What kind of features or design changes would you like to see?

Personally, I think they are getting pushed out by the plethora of cheaper, easier to use vacuums. I have a G4 and while I love it, I can see why many do not. It's not exactly a straight forward machine. It is also neither cheap, light, or low maintenance.

With that in mind, I think they should launch something of a cost reduced version. I think they should stick with a direct air motor, integrate a hose into the design somehow, make much more of the unit out of plastic, and maybe convert to a bagless system.

A simple turn knob on the air output of the motor could switch between the bag/bin and a built in hose for example. Also I think they should stick with robust bristles on the brush, but perhaps make the roller larger in diameter to help resist the ever present problem of tangles.

A narrower cleaning nozzle more in line with other residential vacuums might be a good addition, along with a lower nozzle design with the motor turned on it's side (like a Sanitaire Tradition) so it can fit under and between furniture better.

A toe touch height adjustment similar to their classic design would be a nice touch. A simple slider switch that opens or closes gates on the front for hard floors, along with the little squeegee behind the brush roller so it doesn't kick debris out. Maybe even some kind of quick change brush roller so the regular one can be swapped to a soft roller. I can imagine a roller with an intermediate gear driven by the belt that meshes with the brush roller so the user doesn't have to worry about engaging or disengaging the belt constantly.

Finally, perhaps asymmetric fans on both sides of the motor (intake and motor cooling) to reduce the perceived motor noise. Asymmetric fans like this, only not since there is a patent on this one: https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...ail-retina-macbook-pros-quiet-asymmetric-fans

Just curious what you guys think, can the old war horse learn a new trick and how.

 

[KirbyCollector01]

I think they should do away with the tech drive. While it makes it so easy to push. I’ve seen a good amount of Kirby users, (my own parents included) either forget to engage drive, or forget to disengage drive after use. It makes the Kirby a few pounds heavier that it needs to be. While the fogged belts are pretty reliable, it is another thing to worry about when servicing. It’s not the worst thing there is. But I feel like they could do without it, and make the machine less bulky and lighter. Like the Heritage/Legend Style Machines.
One idea that could be cool is that they could have two models at once.
An economy model that is the regular style Kirby and doesn’t have tech drive, and a premium model with tech drive and other new features.

 

[superocd]

I second the motion re: getting rid of Tech Drive

I have an Avalir, a Legend II and a Dual Sanitronic 50. Of those three, the DS50 is the lightest. A modernized D50-D80 with the original nozzle, handle, fancase and motor shell -- yet with a new Kirby motor, LED headlight, trim, bag/graphics and disposable HEPA bag -- would be awesome and would alleviate the concern of weight with very little engineering effort. My wife's Dyson Animal 2 seems to be a bit more heavier than my D50, but maybe it's because the Dyson is bulkier. Anyway, I feel that a lot of the weight has to do with the Tech Drive and the added bulk of the motor unit in order to accompany such a feature. Kirby is able to achieve lighter weight without the use of plastic as they have done it before.

As far as asymmetric fans go, they may sap performance in a vacuum in a profound way. While they do work decently in applications such as Apple computers or clutch-driven engine fans, I don't think it would work out all that well for a vacuum, considering a vacuum is expected to move higher volumes of air, and direct-air vacuums are all about airflow. If noise is a concern, rest assured that compared to most of what's sold in stores -- from cheap Bissells to Dysons and everything in between -- a Kirby isn't as loud, although older Kirby vacuums such as the D50 aren't as high-pitched as the Gx - Avalir II series. Even still, a Generation - Avalir II machine seems to come in at a lower pitch and volume.

 

[broomvac]

First off, welcome! I have thoughts on this, too.

1. Two motors: one for the brush and one for the suction.
2. An integrated suction/cooling fan. Handheld direct air leaf vacs have used this tech forever. Basically, one side is your normal suction fan, and the other pulls cooling air past the motor and through a vent hole in the bearing plate. It’s compact, quieter than two separate fans, and, most importantly, eliminates carbon dust emissions. All carbon dust goes straight into your HEPA bag. The owner doesn’t even have a separate filter to change or maintain!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-Decker-607016-00-Leaf-Blower-Fan-for-Black-Decker/185571807

 

[juju93]

There are a lot of changes I want to see happen for the next kirby and further design platform. I have express theses changes various times, in verious threads and there as followed;

1. No more looking like a sentria/avalir. Even if kirby continues with the G-series platform they need to change somethings on it. I've express that the past 4 models are literall re-colored/ repatern design changes, Nothing else. Like come on kirby, change the design of the belt lifter as well as the shape of the LED headcap.... Now thats just if they keep the G-series platform, which 30 years is time for a major change.

2. Another change I'd like to see is noise reduction. I say this because more and more homes have hard floors and using a kirby on hard surface floors is much more louder than using it on carpet. Also if your gonna use the MS3 on floors then its even lourder or just as loud as using it as a vacuum. This then leads me to my next change I'd like to see.

3. The MS3 is a great innovation that Kirby came up with. I will give them credit for that. But if you look at the size and how wide it is and this also goes for every shampoo system that kirby came up with, there to wide and can't fit into hard to reach areas. If kirby could scale the size down a bit that would be great, or even better, come up with something similar to what rainbow have, the rainjet and or the aquamate systems. I'd suggest those because both of those are sleek and narrow enough to get into hard to reach areas.

4. The zippbrush is great and everything but cleaning it can be a pain. I'd like to see if that could be to where it can either clean itself or have all the dirt and debris go straight into the machine.

5. A new color scheme would be nice. I'm so tired of seeing greys and black kirbys. In a previous thread I'd suggested a misty blue color with white accent markings, kind of like the limited edition kitenaid.

6. BRING BACK THE VIDEO OWNERS MANUAL. I say this because that was the highlight of when kirby release a new model over and over. Who would read the printed version, when they can watch the video version. Some people, myself included, prefer a video home demonstration version compare to reading a printed version. Idk why kirby decide not to come out with one for the Avalir 2, especially when they didn't mention a lot of important stuff in the owners manual for avalir 1.

7. Bring back the handi butler tool, the sentria version that is. I believe this tool couldve been something if it was demonstrated more frequently than what it was.

 

[panasonicvac]

If Kirby can, I would love to see a metal fan get put in there so that it would be just as powerful as the now discontinued Royal metal uprights. And even have metal fans made as parts for all of the previous self propelled models. But if not, then at least I would love to see the next Kirby in green again (hopefully the petrol kind this time).

 

[tseg]

Titanium and carbon fiber.

 

[rodknock95]

I agree with the D50

I agree they should make it like the D50

 

[lesinutah]

Change

There metal casting is way too heavy. I'm sure you can get a transmission like a third the size.
If they built in hose and attachments.
If you keep same nozzle give it a way to connect to nozzle without removing nozzle.
Metal will never happen again.
If they made a cannister version and actual power nozzle with power.
Maybe put shampooer on cannister model.
Les

 

[tolivac]

Don't want MORE plastic.
Don't want an intergrated hose.
Don't want a "bagless" Kirby-unless its their dump bags.No "Keeler" type dump bins.
Keep the fans as they are.Like the totally separate cooling fan better than the "leafblower" all in one fans.For leaf blowers dust isn't a concern.I think offer the customer a choice between the dump bag or disposable bags like in older days.
Offer a POWERED hose so it can be used with a powernozzle for tight spots under beds and other furniture and a separate motor powered hand tool or "zippbrush"
Offer a straight suction floor nozzle with brushed lips to use on bare floors.
The metal fan is better than plasticwhen used to pick up abrasive materials like sand.There is a lot of sand in my area-both on the beach homes and some in the soil here.
Work on a CORDLESS Kirby----If it can be done with worm drive Skilsaws and electric mowers should be able to be done with a Kirby.The cordless Skilsaw can even outperform its CORDED version.In rip cuts in 2X4's the cordless one can outcut the corded machine.The cordless saw runs from large 5Ahr batteries-48V.Use two in series for the cordless "Kirby"!Some miter and table saws do that.
There is an idea to offer a Kirby canister-this would be good for folks with hard floor homes-and expand to even a central "Kirby"!!They should expand their product line-give folks other choices.
I also want the video DVD manual.The internet just isn't convenient.A better written owners book would be nice,too.
Other tools like the Handi-Butler and the hair clippers can be brought back.With a powered hose-these could run from REAL motors and the Kirby could collect dust and hair.And an electric powered sander to run from the powered hose.The present version DOES make for a good drywall sander.Came in handy for a friends basement remodel!Use the wands for high reach.Just make sure they are tight together'.Nother thought-LOCKING wands and tools for the Kirby.

 

[vacuumdevil]

Kirby shuod stick there name in a SEBO x7 and E3 or Felix.

The will make it from them if Scott fitzer wanted to.

There's even a floor polisher aka the Disco.

 

[tolivac]

Agreed!!!The Sebo X7 does just as well as the current Kirbys-Again the ONLY clean air vac that TRUELY works!Others I have--NOT so!The Sebo X7 does have a 12A motor-Kirby has 6-7A depending on the mode its in.