Kirby G Series machines

[luxflairguy]

I've been contemplating buying a Kirby G series machine. Is there really much difference between a G3 and the later machines? I had a G3 and very much liked it, except for the amount of weight it had when using it with the hose. But I miss the self-propelled feature.
Please share your thoughts! Greg aka Luxflairguy

 

[vibragroomer]

TechDrive

The TechDrive (transmission) shifts much more smoothly. In fact, it shifts so smoothly that you don't really notice it. The G3 was a little jerky.

 

[tristar]

Regarding the powerplant itself, there is virtually NO difference between the G3 and all the models in between through the Sentria. The Diamond Edition offered a 2-speed motor, but it was the only exception.

The G3 originally had a jerky shifting transmission due to the lack of a centering spring. Because of that, it was also the easiest to push! The G4 and later all used a very similar transmission, but the actuator had a centering spring on it to return to neutral when you let go of the handle. The Sentria supposedly has a different gear ratio so that it accelerates differently.

The G3 and G4 machines originally had Lexan fans in them. Because of this their fan chambers are shaped slightly differently from a G5 and later. However, in a G3 and G4 you can install a metal fan from a Tradition or earlier machine to make a beast out of your Kirby! Most G3's and G4's nowadays have had their fans replaced with the modern Kevlar fans from the G5 and later.

The outer bags were also different. The G3 had a fairly typical felt-lined vinyl outer bag. The G4 came with a better filtering bag meant for use with the Micron Magic bags. The G5 and later came out with the best filtering bags designed for use with the Micron Magic HEPA bags.

The Emptors also had some minor differences. The G3-G5 all had the same flattened emptor while the G6 and later machines all have a rounded emptor. The new emptor design is supposed to improve performance, but in actual practice it doesn't make much difference.

The last thing that really changed in the designs was the nozzle. The G3 and G4 had the indicator light on the left side and the G5 and later switched the indicator to the right side. The later G6 machines introduced the new style "Oblique" brushroll that has staggered bristles.

So what does it all mean? They all really clean about the same. I've had variations of almost every variety and I've kept the G3 for the simple reason that it cleans just as well as the rest of them do and it was the first machine I bought to start my current collection. I'm sure some other members feel differently, but I've thrown different tests and situations at my Kirbys and they've all done about the same. They're a great vacuum though! Versatile and powerful...gotta love it!

 

[riccarlover]

I COMPLETELY agree with Eric. All the G Series machines are the same. I do have to say though after using all the G Series the G4 seems to be the quietest for some odd reason. Maybe it's just me...

Clayton

 

[xraytech]

I think they all perform the same, but I prefer the G6 because I like it's black and gold color scgeme the best of all of the Generation series

 

[luxflairguy]

Thanks for all the info!! How "special" is the 2 speed feature on the G7? Or is it just a "topside" version of the safety switch? Inquiring minds want to know!! Greg

 

[ohio_tuec]

Generation after Generation....

I agree with everyone else. There is minor cosmetic differences between models, but performancewise, there is NO difference between the Generation 3 and the Sentria. The only reason I prefer the Generation 3 is that it uses regular screws, whereas G5 and later machines use Torx screws, so it's a little less user-serviceable. When I received my Sentria, the front nozzle was busted, so I used a nozzle casting from a Generation 3, and with a Generation 3 brushroll it works just fine, only difference is that the BPI is on the left side. As for the Diamond Edition with the two-speed switch, that's the only G series I don't have (I do have the conventional Ultimate G), but I understand the two-speed switch was discontinued because everyone was using it exclusively on high, and it burned out the commutator prematurely. Can anyone verify this?

 

[vintagehoover]

Ohio_Tuec - I heard differently; I thought the issue with the 2-speed switch was that people used accessories like the shampooer and polisher on 'low', and THAT burned the commutator out! I thought that's what our group was told when we toured the factory last August (I remember someone asked our guide about this issue, I forget who!)

Anyone?

 

[samotronic]

2 speed switch

I have a Diamond edition model with the 2 speed switch, a feature that I use all the time and think was a great asset. I would have to assume that Vintage Hoover is correct because the 2 speed switch is designed to lower the speed for throw rugs, etc, not raise it. The Kirby instinctively wants to devour throw rugs and with the lower speed it thoroughly vacuums them without consuming them. I use it for dusting as well as it does not cause the dusting tool to adhere to the surface and stiffen the hose.

 

[vacfanatic]

Here is one of my favorites I own. Rarely use it, don't wan't it to get scuffed!

 

[bimmer740]

Diamond Edition

I too have a Diamond Edition (bought it NIB on eBay) and I absolutely love it!! I use it weekly and I think the tech drive seems to be better than on the G4 I had a while back. I don't use it on small area rugs often but when I do that Two Speed switch is a life saver! Like someone else said earlier, it makes it possible to vacuum an area rug or door mat easily without pulling it right up into the machine. I use the Kirby Hepa bags in my unit and while they are expensive, I noticed they greatly improve air flow and they last me a long time. The Diamond Edition is one machine which I will never part with, I plan to have and use it for many years to come! I use a little Windex to wipe it down every few weeks and I still think it shines just like new.

 

[kirbyluxhoover]

Bags

I have a G4,G5 and G6 and the bag fitting is the same as the Heritage II and I don't see why the better filtering bags can't be used in all of them. The HII, Legend, Legend II and G3 all used plain yellow papers bags. My friend who is not a collector uses the better G4/G5 Bags in his G3. Why not get the better filtering? I am planning on using a G bag in my HII once I get it restored. I am going to keep some of the vintage yellow bags around for sake of my collection.

 

[tristar]

I'd hope that anyone who uses the HII or later uses at least the Micron Magic bags. They don't leak anywhere near as bad as the HII/G3 style did and with the batting inside the bag, they maintain suction longer.

The history lesson was to show what was introduced with who. I know some people who have converted their pre-HII Kirbys to using the HII style Emptor with the cloth HEPA bags. I converted my sister's Classic III to that setup before I gave it to her for Christmas.

 

[thunderhexed]

Micron Magic

I use them in my Heritage II, Legend II and Generation 3. I love them. My machines don't get so dusty after use.

 

[vibragroomer]

I had a Diamond G

and just gave it to my Mom, complete with attachments and Rug Renovator. It is a great machine. She just wanted to borrow it to use the Rug Renovator. But after vacuuming with it a few times, she decided her carpet didn't need the Rug Renovator treatment. So I just gave it all to her -- like I didn't already have a few vacuums around our house already! When I used it, I always used low speed on throw rugs and outdoor entrance mats.

 

[vintagehoover]

Beautiful, Andrew! Makes me miss mine...it was sold last year to help pay for my trip to North Canton!

Great cleaner, but not terribly practical for my house.

 

[ohio_tuec]

You are probably right James, as I mentioned prior, I cannot confirm or deny this, but one thing is certain - Kirby must have discontinued it on the Sentria for a reason. Also, having the two-speed switch makes it impossible to swap top housings with other G series machines. Thanks to everyone who posted photos. I do have a question though. On Vacfanatic's photo postings (picture number 2 which shows the side profile of the cleaner) you will note that the bottom 2 rows of motor vents are blocked off. This is true for the Sentria also. Does anyone know why Kirby did this? Couldn't this cause a greater propensity to overheat? I would think the more cooling vents, the better.

 

[vintagehoover]

Ohio_Tuec - could the blocking-off of the lower vents be an attempt to prevent dust/fluff, or perhaps foam or moisture from the shampooer, from being sucked into the motor by the cooling fan?

WRT the 2-speed switch, I'm sure it was discontinued because it caused premature burn-outs, like you said - it's just the reason behind that which I'd like someone to confirm. I don't think running it constantly on 'high' was the issue, because surely 'high' was just 'normal' for the rest of the G-Series? I thought the switches' function wasn't to boost the power, but to lower it when needed? I did appreciate the feature on my Diamond Edition, I used it a lot!

 

[tristar]

The switch's function on the Diamond edition was to LOWER the speed, not boost it. When the machine was set on "high" all the speeds were the same as other G series machines.

The lower vents have been blocked off on about every Generation vacuum I've seen or used. My G3 is blocked off as was the G6. I've always wondered about that too!