I found a Kirby G5..

[sanitairered]

Today I got a Kirby G5 for a decent price. I bought it because I thought it would be a fun machine and a great daily driver. While the machine itself is absolutely flawless, (besides needing a polish), I have some complaints. First, it doesn't groom the carpet nearly as well as my Windtunnel. I really like walking on fluffed up carpet, and this kirby isn't doing it for me. Also, it's ridiculously heavy! Even with the tech-drive, which is a nice feature, it's still too heavy. Another thing is it's awkward to maneuver, and doesn't fit in tight spots, or under beds! It's a monster! On a positive note, the G5 has a nice, long cord, and while it isn't quiet, it isn't loud either. It'll be something fun to play around with for a little bit, but it's too heavy, awkward and frankly just not powerful enough to be a daily use machine.
By the way, I love the color scheme!
Floyd

 

[kirbylover]

Check the height of the brushroll (you can take it out and flip it around to adjust the height) it should stick out from the rugplate about a 1/16th of a inch or so. It could also need replacement. Make sure it's the proper height on the carpet, it should be lowered until you hear the suction, and then one notch lower if needed. The G5 has tons of power if set up and used properly.

The G5 is very heavy if you need to carry it around, perhaps that is why I've been using my Heritage more lately even though it is more work to push. I do find the TechDrive works well though if you are pushing it around in a large carpeted area.

 

[sanitairered]

KirbyLover...

The G5 has a new brushroll and belt on it. It just doesn't clean my carpet that well. Thanks anyway though!

Floyd

 

[jmm63]

I had a G5 for a few years. I always wanted a Kirby and found one on Ebay at a decent price. Now I can say, I just don't see what the big deal is about them, or at least that model. It's ridiculously heavy, cumbersome to use, the tools are a total pain to put on, and I sucked up a penny on the first day and shattered the fan! Sure the Tech Drive helped, but when I vacuumed my wool area rugs, the nozzle sucked to the carpet and even with Techdrive it was a bitch to push. I couldn't imagine a little old lady using this, and I'm no whimp. I ended up giving it away to a member of the club and I hope they are enjoying it.

 

[gmerkt]

Go back to reply #1. Aside from the carpet height adjustment ratchet for the nozzle, you can remove the brushroll from the nozzle housing and vary the relationship of associated parts. The little bearing end caps have numbers on them; switch the position of the brushroll around this way and see if it helps your carpet height problem.

In the world of plasti-vacs that permeate the market, the Kirby is old-fashioned and heavy, but built like a tank and will last decades. If you want hyper-mobility and maneuverability, maybe a stick-vac would be better. My dad used to have a saying and it went something like this: "If we all liked the same thing, we'd all be married to the same woman and that just wouldn't work out."

I'm fond of the color scheme on the G-5. I've got one that needs a bit of work; I wish it was in the same condition as my two G-6's (G-Six?). I don't use any of them, by the way. I have them for what they are, but don't care to use them much.

 

[kirbylux77]

Floyd, Gary & Dave are right; having your brushroll adjusted is crucial on these Kirbys. I used to feel the same way about my G4, as you do about your G5....never felt the brushing action was that great, never lifted the nap much....until I set the brushroll in the 3rd position inside the powerhead. That turned my Kirby into a beast on the carpets! Sure, it does accelerate the wear a bit more & hastens the need for replacement, but I would rather replace more often & know I am pleased with it's performance & that my rugs are clean.

And as much as the Kirby may be heavy to use, not get into tight spots & not as convenient to use with tools, I would rather have a machine with legendary quality that will last a long time. The tool use doesn't matter to me much anyways, as I usually have a straight-suction canister out as a daily driver when one of my Kirbys is a daily driver on my carpets.

Rob

 

[sanitairered]

Again,

the brushroll is brand new, set to the 3rd setting. I played around with it for a little bit, but it just doesn't make that big of an impact for me. I appreciate the advise though!

 

[twocvbloke]

I miss my G5, I sold it because I was suffering some pretty painful back problems (which have mostly cleared up, but do occasionally crop up now and then), but, I wish I hadn't now cos it was a great machine, yes it was cumbersome and was like lifting weights, but, the beauty of that is that you shed calories while using it and moving it about, so, it's all good if you ask me...

I do have a G3 though, but it's in need of parts which I've yet to save up for, but I miss the burgundy red of the G5...