Kirby G series never picks up

[Impfac]

I'm wondering if I'm alone in feeling the G series Kirby, from the G3 to the newer ones, don't pick up well. I feel like they do a really crappy job, especially on heavy stuff like cat litter. I buy and sell them all the time, and know someone who has one, and it always seems to do the same crummy job.

Is it just me?

 

[matt8808]

Well I've got to say I bought a Diamond Edition brand new from the local dealer a few years back and nothing could beat it then.

I've now got a Sentria2 that I bought brand new and again nothing seems to come close to it.

While I think all Kirbys perfrom pretty much the same the Sentria has slightly more airflow than older models due to the redesigned emptor and slightly more agitation due to the stiffer brush

 

[kirbymodel2c]

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Very true Matt.</span>


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


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Hope the new carpet is settling in well after your Vax disaster

</span>


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


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

</span>

 

[ralph123]

I'm no Kirby expert, but do you have the height adjusted properly?

 

[dysonman1]

While I think the Kirby does an acceptable job, I don't think it's as good as it's hyped up to be. I have an almost brand new Sentria II just sitting in the spare bedroom - unused. On some carpets it seems to really do a good job of agitating (beating). But on my new carpets in my new home, it does almost nothing.

 

[sptyks]

I agree with ralph123. Sounds like improper height adjustment. Or maybe worn brushroll and/or belt.


 


I have a Sentria made in 2009 and it does an excellent job on my medium pile plush carpet. I have tested it with many different substances including kitty litter and coffee grounds with excellent results.


 

 

[floor-a-matic]

Could it be uneven flooring?

 

[human]

I have a G5 with a Sentria-style brush roll and two Gsixes with original brush rolls. They're all deep-cleaning beasts but brush roll height adjustment is key. Start with it all the way up and then ratchet down until you hear the pitch of the motor deepen slightly. Kick on the Tech Drive and you're off to the races.

 

[tolivac]

My Kirby Avalir,Sentrias-and other G machine do just fine for me-have you checked height,belt,brushroll conditions?Is the airpath clogged?

 

[kirby519]

I have several G models. A G4 G5 G6 and one other All seem to work very well on any carpet or surface I have used them on. I have a cat and have had no problems with the vacuum not picking up well. Check the brush/agitator and see if it is properly adjusted in the nozzle as well as make sure the belt is on the motor shaft.

Some very dense pile carpets you may not notice the nap being moved like on lower grade IE less dense carpet pile.

 

[Impfac]

Its not a single unit, although they do do better higher than all the way down; its a dozen of these over the years that I've picked up and resold AND the one at the in-laws. Obviously, I have to test them out and usually they have to get a brand new belt and bag, so I know that's not the issue. I've felt all of them under perform even compared to my day-to-day Bissell Heavy Duty upright cyclonic ($130 from 2010 or so). Combined with the impracticality of the hose attachment and the weird sales model, it makes me kind of dislike Kirby on the whole, although they do seem to easily last a good 30-40 years, which is no small feat.

I'd put the pickup on par or slightly below my go-to canister, the Kenmore 116 series, which does ok but not great in most conditions.

 

[sebo4me]

Maybe modern Vacs are starting the leave the ancient Kirby design behind?

 

[sptyks]

I have not seen or heard about any new or old vacuums that will out perform the Sentria or Avalir Kirbys with the possible exception of the newer 9 and 10 amp Royal metal upright vacuums. I have a 2008 10 amp Royal Everlast 8300 that has equal to, but not better performance than my 2009 Sentria which has only a 7 amp motor.


 

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Umm

If <span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">a Kirby is only cleaning up like a <a name="start_30950.342176"></a>canister or worse there must be something wrong with it.
</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Although sometimes you find if someone likes or dislikes a vacuum that tends to influence how they judge a machine whether it's true or not.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The CRI didn't give the Kirby a gold award for no reason.

</span>


 


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

</span>

 

[suckolux]

I have had a G7 here for a week, to service it for a friend. I have never used newer than a G3 myself. They are still a bit big and heavy for my home, but with this newer style brushroll, sucker really digs in. Not sure it cleans that much better than my H2 Legend, but I can't use that machine any longer due to my back/ hip. IF I had wall to wall carpet, I think newer G series would be on my short list of CL shopping as I see them 100-200 Dollars often.

 

[sebo4me]

No the CRI gave them the gold award for the bulging brown envelope

 

[suckolux]

I did opt for the newer hepa cloth bags for this G7 before she took it home, 5 Boxer dogs indoors and out and lots of dust on the farm, I think this will be a big help if she will spend the money. I also managed to fit one on my H2 Legend, though its not as secure with the tabs at a different position, but I love the bags. Since its tight inside the zip bag, will it stay on??

 

[sptyks]

Sebo4me you're full of it.


 


So, I suppose all of the many vacuum manufactures who got a GOLD award from CRI also gave CRI the brown envelope? I think not!


 


I agree with James 100%. Kirby deserves the CRI Gold award for carpet cleaning ability and excellent filtration. 

 

[sebo4me]

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