Kirby G3

[VacTime87]

I've been on this Kirby kick lately. I'm considering purchasing a rebuilt Kirby G3. This vacuum is significant because it was one of the first Kirbys I actually got to see in person as a kid. I was at a friend's birthday party, and his mom had it sitting out because she had to vacuum before the party. I was mesmorized by it. I couldn't stop looking at it. Of course, I wanted to use it haha. So, now I'm thinking I want one for myself. I know the cords on the G3s tend to discolor over time. I was wondering if it's only the cord, or do the outer bags do the same? Just looking for some input from you guys that have one/had one. Thanks!

Michael

 

[tase]

The cords are pretty much the only piece that turn a crappy <span style="background-color: #ffff00;">yellow</span> color. If you get a replacement from Kirby at this point, they will no longer yellow.


 


The tech drive is a bit of an annoying prick. They tend to become clicky if you don't put them back in neutral before shutting the vacuum off or putting it in drive after turning it on. Though, this may just be an urban legend. (Any proof here guys? I always thought that this is what causes it.)

 

[kirbykid]

I sell rebuilt kirbys. If you haven't bought one yet please send me an email. [email protected]

 

[super-sweeper]

those cords,

Would get Brown to the point that they mimicked nicotine staining! I've never seen a discolored bag, though.

 

[super-sweeper]

to ship a,

Generation 3 over the continental United States would be astronomical, in terms of $$$$$!

 

[sptyks]

FYI - Shipping a Kirby Sentria from Indiana to Massachusetts cost me $44.00 last year.

 

[kirbykid]

I have a shipping account with UPS now and its a lot cheaper.

 

[kirbyluxhoover]

G3 Tech Drive

I've only used one G3 and it's tech drive was jerky. I was at a local Kirby Company office when the G4 was being sold I asked what was the difference between the G3 and G4 and they told me they bugs had been worked out of the tech drive so that it was smoother and they improved the paper bags to filter better.

I've too want a G3 because it was the first self propelled but the tech drive is my only draw back. Someone locally is selling a complete with the boxes G3 on Craigslist for $200.

I also wonder if it is possible to service or upgrade the tech drive with a new part to fix the jerky problems.

 

[tase]

I know that Tech Drives are interchangeable.


 


If you wanted to put a Kirby Sentria tech drive unit in your G3, you can. All you have to do is change the pedals and wheels over to the model of your choosing and it will work just fine. The whole tech drive unit is powered by a belt that attaches to the Kirby motor and all Generation series have the same setup for the motor and tech drive unit. The G3's just happened to be the problematic one. (The G5, G6, and Ultimate G tech drives are really whiny compared to the G3, G4, Diamond, and Sentria though.)


 


Most Kirby parts are interchangeable. 

 

[sonnyndad]

Tech drives

I can agree that G5 and G6 drives are whinier than the others.

 

[sptyks]

Kirby G3 trash find

I found a G3 next to the dumpster of my apartment complex several months ago. After I got it working I found that the Tech Drive was smoother and quieter than the one in my Sentria. I suppose the G3 Tech Drive may not be original and may have been replaced at some point in its past. 

 

[tase]

Even though my Kirby G3's tech drive clicked in Neutral, I do have to agree it was probably the smoothest and quietest tech drive from Kirby.

My Sentria II's tech drive comes close though.

 

[martin187]

kirby g3

We have had a G3 for 7 years and it still runs like new, we got it refurbished.

 

[bikerray]

If the drive is clicking in neutral it's usually because the cam lever is worn. There should be a bump on the cam lever that pushes the dog away from the gear.
When that bump gets worn down it doesn't push the dog far enough so you get that clicking sound as the teeth ride over the gear.

 

[madabouthoovers]

And that's a really common problem caused by a lack of grease on that lever where it bears against the dog housing, or excessive use of the transmission pedal.

 

[VacTime87]

I agree about the tech drive on the Kirby's. My G5 started clicking in neutral and had to replace the cam bracket. That's good to know about the G3. Definitely helps with my decision. I also love the crisp, clean color of the white.

 

[kirbyluxhoover]

Thanks for all the info

I've been thinking about getting a G3 because they are very affordable on my quest to some day have one of every Kirby Model. Currently the Sentria's are out of my price range. Part of me was hoping for a 100 year model like my 80 year model G4.