Kirby Sentria sighted at work!

[niclonnic]

It was a busy day at work today. The sun was out over here in Washington State, so lots of people donated stuff.

One person donated a Kirby Sentria vacuum cleaner; it came with the attachments and carpet shampoo kit. I thought it was cool to see somebody donate a Kirby!

First of all, it's a heavy vacuum. I'm not surprised, considering it's made out of metal, unlike most other vacuums. It was in pretty rough shape; parts of the base were covered in dirt and rust, and the outer bag was missing a plastic piece.

I took the vacuum over to one of my co-workers, and he said it was an ancient vacuum! I wonder what year the Sentria is from?

I would greatly appreciate it if anybody could tell me more about Kirby vacuums. I've never used one; all I know is that they're sold door-to-door, are very expensive, have a convoluted process of using attachments and are apparently one of the best-performing vacuums on the market.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a pic of the Kirby. It is NOT priced yet.

 

[kirby27]

Year

The Kirby Sentria has dates from 2006 to 2012. Kirby vacuums have great suction and lasts for many many years. I have four of them!

 

[kirbyvertibles]

Everyone sees a Kirby and oh its ancient lol I've even had people say do they still make Kirby and I will show them a newer one and they think it's 50 years old.

 

[human]

Kirby uses a time honored design. If you look back to the 1930s and 1940s, almost all upright vacuums looked like a Kirby. Although Kirby has retained that old school look, they have continued to refine and update the design, although if you look at the recent--and lengthy--"Kirby Avalir 2" thread, some folks think they're not updated enough. I personally like the design, which blends the elegant with the industrial but what I like best about them is they're designed to be worked on and maintained for a decades long useful lifespan, unlike 95 percent of the other vacuum cleaners on the market today. Cleaning, polishing and refurbishing a decrepit looking Kirby is a truly satisfying experience. One thing's almost certain. That Sentria won't stick around the store long.

 

[sptyks]

Niclonnic...

The Kirby Sentria was made from 2006 to 2012 so it is far from being ancient.


I own a 2011 Sentria and I can truly say that it will deep clean any carpet far better than any plastic vacuum including any of the Dyson's. It is true when you hear the popular saying "Nothing Cleans Like a Kirby". The Kirby Sentria is easily converted into one of the best shampoo systems on the market today.


 


It is true that Kirby's are heavy because they are primarily made of aircraft grade Aluminum which will never rust. With the Sentria, the extra weight is compensated for with a very smooth self propelled transmission called "Tech Drive" which can be turned on and off with a foot pedal. With Tech Drive on, it feels like the Kirby is floating on a cushion of air.


 


I can also say that all Kirby's are built to last for many decades instead of just a few years like so many plastic vacuums on the market today. Kirby's are easy to work on and repair, and parts are easily found online, especially on ebay. There are numerous videos on Youtube that will guide you on how to replace the Fan or Rollerbrush and belt. There are also videos for more complex repairs such as replacing the motor or transmission.


 


Here is a picture of my Sentria:

 

[huskyvacs]

I never thought the attachments on any Kirby were "convoluted". "You put the birdie on the perch" as I was taught by the door to door salesman in 2002. He also said you could use the sprayer gun to make soap bubbles for a bubble bath, not entirely sure that's safe, haha

But yeah, you just turn the handle to remove the belt, unlatch the brushroll nozzle, stick the attachments on and lock them in place, and away you go. It's no different than putting a drill bit on a power tool. Very very simple. Kirby always had an attachment for everything, and in the 1970's they got a bit out of control with trying to turn the Kirby into a portable machining shop with the grinders and drills and cutters, but it's always been a great vacuum and no matter how much decades of neglect and bad owners use them, they always survive and can be brought back to showroom condition with just some polishing and oil.

My dog loves the massage brush attachment, and a family friend used to use one as well to clean clients up when cutting hair in her home. A good comb and deep massage clean to the scalp to remove loose hairs.

 

[niclonnic]

Interesting...

I have been spoiled by bagless vacuums, so that's why I thought Kirby attachments were convoluted. I didn't know they were that simple. I could say that it's inconvenient to have to constantly swap between the brushroll nozzle and hose depending on what you're cleaning. This is in contrast to most bagless machines, where the hose is always ready to go.

I've never used a Kirby, but it's a machine that I've casually wanted to use. Maybe someday I should try one...

 

[huskyvacs]

Well it's just a matter of making out a game plan on how you want to clean. You can tackle the carpets first and then swap to the hose and get the walls, or do the walls and furniture first and then hit the floor. I think I can change the Kirby from brushroll to hose in less than 10 seconds, lol

 

[tolivac]

No problem for me--Kirby could be considered to be like a Shopsmith workshop toolYou have to plan out your jobs so you go thru the least conversions.