Kirby Heritage II Legend Airflow Losses

[wyaple]

The first measurement was easy to get, the last one (CFM at the nozzle) required me to build an airflow box. I think this pic should easily illustrate where and by how much CFM is lost in this machine. I think this is excellent performance from a 29 year old cleaner, admittedly with a new fan installed.

From the base of the machine to the nozzle, there is a loss of 161-121 = 40 CFM. This represents about a 25% loss from the direct air motor. Of course as the bag fills, the airflow will drop as well.

Last note: the rug plate opening is largest I've measured (a little over 36 square inches) and the CFM density is well above average, about 3.3 CFM/Sq. In. If you ever wondered if this old beast was still capable of deep cleaning, it certainly is.

This is the exact machine that started my vac collection and interest in measuring all aspects of these "labor savers".

Bill

 

[suckolux]

I think that may always be my favorite!

 

[human]

Yup, it's a beast!

 

[scooby214]

Comparison to a Sanitaire

Thanks for posting these airflow loss results. I'm curious to see if you have access to a Sanitaire for performing your airflow loss tests. I've had both Sanitaires and Kirbys, and have always been curious about which one has the higher airflow at the nozzle. I know it takes more than airflow along to deep clean a carpet, but I'm just curious about the airflow itself.

 

[wyaple]

Brian,

I wish I had a Sanitaire but alas, not yet. I test all my vacs and am posting these type of results daily.

Bill

 

[tolivac]

Remember the Kirby is running at a LOWER motor speed when the floor nozzle is attached.I am Assuming the 2nd airflow reading was with the hose?Then the motor is running at a HIGHER speed.What would be interesting is to try to get a CFM reading with the motor "cheated" to run at higher speed with the floor nozzle attached.

 

[wyaple]

Rex,

Those measurements were taken with the Heritage running at the LOWER speed. At the machine body on HIGH speed (nozzle removed, no hose attached), I get 194 CFM without a bag and a few CFM lower than that with a clean HEPA bag. The airflow of Kirbys is simply insane!

No hoses were used to protect the innocent...(ha!)

BTW, when you attach a hose, the motor speed certainly goes up; however, since the airflow opening drops about in half, the actual airflow out of the end of the hose is much less than what you might think. About 107 CFM at the hose end (stretched out of course).

Bill

 

[jscarlato]

Kirby Legend II

Although I admire and use my Kirby Avalir (and other G models), I have a fondness for my Kirby Legend II. I really like the Heritage II style of the Kirby, and I think the Legend II's color is a winner. For these reasons, I do like to keep my Legend II in good shape, and I use it from time to time. From personal usage, and according to the airflow stats posted above, I agree that this model sucks like crazy and is a tribute to the Kirby line.

 

[kirbykleankarpet]

I recently used this Heritage II as a straight suction cleaner on the floor where it created its own mess, and it got everything up on the surface after just a pass-over or two. I took it apart to assess it and see what all was defunct on it, as I am restoring it for a friend. He has had it in a barn for the last 10 or so years. It's amazing how much suction it had when powered on after being in stasis for so long! Oh, the HD1 in the picture is mine. A fully functional trash find, complete with hose!