Kirby bags over the years

[kirby519]

One thing that could be fun is to show a complete line up of all the variations in the factory original bag patterns on the Kirby's. I have seen quite a few.

The 500 series had several back ground color changes as well as the logo style and color changes

The Omega model had two variations of the armored bag on those machines.

I have a few examples I will try to post. If any one else can post any variations with the model years and if it is factory original or factory replacement.

I some times wonder if some of the bag colors and patterns were by Region. IE same model different bag color and logo design. Or just a different color and logo pattern for that years model. Pictures in the owners manuals show one design while yours has something different. I do know that many of the pictures were reused from earlier models that didn't have redesigned bodies. just the model # changed and a different bag color/logo change.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Steve,

Since 1972, Kirby has been operating two plants: that year witnessed the opening of the Kirby West manufacturing facility in Andrews, TX, during Classic 1CR production. That may also account for the minor differences in bag materials.

~Ben

 

[kirby519]

Hi Ben
Yes I was aware that there are two manufacturing plants here. More curious as to what was installed as factory build and what is factory replacement. As there are many variations of bags. I recently saw an open top bag for the Dual 80 on ebay a few weeks back. It was a Kirby product as it had the Scott & Fetzer tag on the seam.

I thought the open top bags ended with the sorroco tan trim of package of pre 560 model which introduced us to the Sani pocket. I know you could still get it as a replacement bag well into the 90's in tan or bluish grey. I have one for my Heritage II. (Bluish grey with dark red lettering.) The sani pocket was standard until the tradition with the disposable bag.

Didn't realize you could get an open top bag in the dual 80 green. I only saw a few of the Dual 80's close up in the 1980's. And the couple I saw had the sani pocket shake out bag. every one I knew had a 519 or similar. A Classic or Omega or Classic III model. Again the sani pocket bag standard on all of them. and only know one person that had a Dual 50. I have a couple of each of those models. All sani pocket bags.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Steve,

Yes, there are a lot of oddities there.

~Ben

 

[kirby519]

Yes there are.

That's why it would be fun and informative for those not as familiar with what was Factory installed at the time of manufacture and factory replacement for when you wore out the originally installed bag. Now all the replacement bags for the pre G series are basic black no matter what the model.

It is similar to the hoses. what machines had cloth covered hoses and which model had the wire reinforce vinyl hoses.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Steve,(Kirby519) Hope you are well.
</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">As far as I'm aware non of the Dual Sanitronic 80s came with a open bag when new from the factory.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I have a feeling I saw the bag you refer too. But that would of not come on t</span><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">he machine originally.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;"> I don't know if you've seen my website yet. But I have pictures of my Kirbys/pre Kirbys that you can look at and scroll through. There are still several things I need to alter/add/change but it will give you some food for thought. I still need to add my Vacuette model B and Avalir...when I get chance for one thing.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">If you click on each of the pictures it will give you info on each one.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">http://www.mrvacuumcleaner.co.uk</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>

 

[kirby519]

@kirbymodel2c

Correct

An open top bag was not standard for that model. Until a few days ago I didn't even know that Kirby offered one for that model. Until I saw it on Ebay.

 

[kirby519]

@kirbymodel2c

I have seen pictures of your collection. It is something to behold. How did you come about all the pre Kirby Classic models? are they US versions? converted European voltage? I seem to recall the UK wasn't introduced to the Kirby until the Omega model was in production. Is that accurate.

Any Idea how or why Kirby got into your market? IE the normal expansion of a business. Or Travelers or citizens of the UK that may lived abroad found Kirby and asked for them in the UK?

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi

Steve, Thanks for the complement on my Kirbys. All my pre Classic models are from the USA. Although I do have a second 230 volt 508.


 


Kirby arrived in the UK around 1973, The farther of my friend who is himself a semi retired Kirby distributor was one of the first Kirby distributors in the UK. They use to go to companies selling Kirbys. Nick would tell me about how they would approach coach companies for example and go straight in to a demo with the Kirby set up as a portable and pull dirt from the seats. Towards the late 70s they moved in to more of the domestic in home demo's


 


Kirby was expanding and one of the reasons they came to the UK and South Africa first was because we spoke english.


 


James

 

[thermokid]

Kirby Omega Bags

their were really three types of bags on the Omegas. One is a gold bag with the omega patch (same color as the Kirby Classic) model except with the Omega patch. And then the Armored bag in two types one was a striped bag and the other was the armored bag that we all know... I have one of each on my omegas... Just saying.

 

[kirby519]

@theromokid

I do believe that I have seen one or two of the Omegas with the gold bag and patch.

In our area the armored bag seemed to be the most common with the striped armored bag the most common.

Probably a good thing that Kirby has unintentionally color coded their machines. Even when ordering supplies the order form describes the color of the bag on machines with disposable bags so the consumer can identify their machine.

I like to see the look on peoples faces when I can tell them the model of the machine by the trim package color scheme, how the bag is mounted and or by the rug nozzle and have never seen their Kirby. And can tell them the approximate age. They are just wowed.

 

[kirby519]

@kirbymodel2c

I can see where introducing a product on a commercial level can get sales going in a new market.

I have seen many pre G series machines in use in banks, stores, restaurants etc. Always impressed me as a young child. Needless to say I would have been glad to assist them with the cleaning.

I have run thru several models cleaning commercial buildings. Dual 50, Classic, Classic III, Tradition, Heritage. All of which were purchased for under $100.00 a few minor repairs and could out vacuum anyone and do just as well if not better than a much newer commercial vacuum. especially in the winter time.












4100.00