Handi Butler Compatibility

[sirfoxx]

Hello--

I am a current owner of a Kirby G4. I recently learned of the handi butler kit that kirby produced. I read around on this forum and saw that none of the handi butlers (Except 1 dremel kit) are compatible with my setup.

I don't know a whole lot about what fits what, and thats why I am here. I saw a complete(?) kit on ebay, along with a motor unit that is near me. I was wondering if you guys could tell me if the kit is compatible with the motor unit. Thanks!

Motor unit (Kirby classic?)
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/KIRBY-CLAS...890928?hash=item25eaab64b0:g:828AAOSwkspZdgjg)

Handi kit (says its a MK II?)
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Kirby-...053604?hash=item3aff7669e4:g:KL4AAOSwhqhaQ-wE)

 

[kirby519]

The first link is to the power plant of 1970's Kirby. The second link is for the attachment for the 50's model Kirby's. It is not compatible with your machine.

There was a short time that Kirby made a turbo hand butler kit for the G Series machines similar to the one you have. It was short lived because it wasn't as power full as the belt driven earlier models.

The Hand Bultler unit wasn't a popular attachment to start with belt driven or other wise. Also dedicated tools designed for any function the Hand Butler unit could do was more reliable and easier to use. Quieter too.

 

[sirfoxx]

hrm...ok. What model kirby do I need to look for in order to use the mk II kit?

 

[lesinutah]

Mark 2

First year would be a 513 to 560 not sure about 561 or 562. The brown handi butler looks like it would fit d50 d80 just by looking at where prongs would hit speed switch. I may be wrong guess 513 to sanatronic 7. With handi butler probably being newer.

 

[sirfoxx]

Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Would a mk IV handi butler work on a kirby classic 1cr?

(I think this is a classic 1cr. I hate to canabalize a good vacuum if I can get a motor unit for cheap)
https://kansascity.craigslist.org/hsh/d/vintage-kirby-vacuum-and/6462072547.html

mk IV kit
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-KI...112148?hash=item239801d494:g:CwAAAOSwicpaY6zk)

 

[lesinutah]

Mark 2

Will work on 513 to sanatronic 7. The handi butler I thought would work on d 50 and d80 wouldn't.
If you look at box of attachments on Iv link it's a classic attachment. If you look at the last picture the prongs match my pic. So Im guessing the handi butler will fit sanitronic 50 80 classic classic omega. So vacuum and handi butler on Craigslist and ebay will work together.
I am not an expert that would be Ben kirby classic. I may bother him some because I forget more than I remember but he is expert in this or any kirby questions.
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Correction

This thread has a list of handi butlers and compatability.

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bVIEWTHREAD.cgiin/TD/TD-?21206_6

 

[kirby519]

Yes that is a Classic 1CR. It has two button safety switch each button selects one of two speeds based on the attachment mounted. Also has a lip on the fan opening that doesn't accommodate any other attachment but a hose with similar attaching bell. Unless the fan case has been replaced for some reason.

For the Hand butler unit you have requires a 517 to Sanitronc model. All single speed motors all have the same safety switch. All made from mid fifties to mid 60's before the introduction of the Dual Sanitronic models both two speed machines with the dual button safety switch which the Classic 1 CR also has.

The machine you need for that unit are easily available on Ebay or Craigs list. You can also pick them up at local vacuum repair shops. Look for those that have been around for a while and service older machines. Some of todays newer stores don't want much to do with them.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Classic III Handi-Butler ("Mark V")

Pictures of what the Classic III "Mark V" version of the Handi-Butler looked like.

The Tradition's was similar but had a dark blue casing to match. For the early units with the speed switch inside the headlight, a metal pin was also affixed to these HBs.

For the Heritage I, the casing changed to black and the speed switch lugs were moved there from the main aluminum housing.

~Ben