From plastic to metal belt lifter

[djtaylor]

Can someone tell me which model Kirby was the last to have the plastic belt lifter? I have two 561s and one 560. One of the 561 has the metal belt lifter and the other has the plastic one. I want to know which one is right. Not that it matters a great deal. I was under the impression that the 560 AND 561 had the plastic belt lifter and that the metal belt lifter was introduced on the 562.
Thanks.
Justin

 

[vac_whisperer]

The belt lifter on the 561 is not correct; probably a bojack. The first kirby to have a metal belt lifter was the 560, i beleive.

VW

 

[vac_whisperer]

adding to last post

the 560 WAS the first kirby to have a metal belt lifter. And the 562 was the first kirby dubbed "sanitronic VII". Heres a pic of a 561, whic is identicle to the 560. It has a classic III bag, but the original is off to the side.

 

[ohio_tuec]

No, actually, there was a 562 "Sanitronic" released in 1962 which is marked model 562 on the builder's plate. In 1963, it became the model Sanitronic VII. The color of the trim is different. For the 562, it was a metallic brown. For the Sanitronic VII, it became the sirocco color Kirby still uses today for the older rebuilts.

- Karl

 

[eurekastar]

Yep, that is correct. The 562 was dubbed "Sanitronic" and the Sanitronic VII was introduced in 1963 (which phased out the "500" numbering system). The neat thing about the 562 is its off white cord with the coppertone ends. That cord is unique to that model only, along with the coppertone (metallic brown) trim and handle grip. I really like that model because of its unique styling cues.

 

[djtaylor]

Thanks...

So, both the 560 and 561 have nozzles from older machines. Oh, well. I do like the look of the round, red plastic belt lifter. And since used nozzles are not showing up on ebay I will just have to live with it.
Thanks for the info.
Justin

 

[vac_whisperer]

I made a typo- i actually did mean to say just "sanitronic" but i was thinking about the sanitronic VII so i put that there. Sorry. ^blush^.

VW

 

[spunshine]

swapping out bags

i have a sanitronic 7 with old bag with emptor and i'd like to put it on my newer (and better) sanitronic 80. the previous owners put a newer bag on it that requires disposable bags. i like the old ones better.
now i know it's easy to take the newer (dispo) bag off but i'm having a prob removing the emptor off the older vac, and i've been told it takes patience and muscle. i'm pretty sure i can do this.
anyone with experience out there? i know the bag style is a step backward but i prefer the older style.
thank you in advance for all info.
spunshine

 

[vac_whisperer]

Tip the vacuum on its side. This will make it easier to putt the emptor off. Now TWIST the emptor upwards- you'll know when you get it undone. Now pull it off, and attach the other one. I believe it is a very bed idea to use WD-40 to get it off; if I'm correct, it could damage the rubber gasket in the emptor. And welcome to the forum!

VW

 

[vac_whisperer]

TYPO!

I accidentally put "putt" instead of pull in that post above. ^blush^

VW

 

[electrolux~137]

Actually, to say the 560 was the first to have a metal belt lifter is not quite right. Well, not in theory anyway.

Some of the early Kirbys had belt access caps that consisted of a flat brass plate, gold in color with the Kirby logo in red and black, rather than black bakelite.

That plate matched a similarly styled bag. I've got a Model 2R (retail model with handle in the switch). It's missing the belt cap but I do have the bag.

 

[electrolux~137]

[No message]

 

[electrolux~137]

(On the gold-colored belt access cover, the red Kirby logo was outlined in black.)

 

[lillylux]

I believe that the 519 had the last plastic, round, red belt lifter. 560 and 561 had the first triangular metal lifter. The Sanitronic was very similar to the 560/561--but the Sanitronic had a wider diameter inner sleeve so a 560 belt lifter will not fit it.
BTW, I like that rare brown and white Cord from the early Sani!