Kirby Tradition

[cart1531]

Since Andrew posted the manual for the Heritage, I thought I'd post the manual for the model right before it. I just got mine a couple days ago in the mail, and I'm really enjoying it. Mine was manufactured in December 1979, I'll try and get pictures of the vacuum itself very soon.

 

[cart1531]

 

[cart1531]

 

[tolivac]

Kirby has now gone full circle on the disposable bags systems in the Tradition series to the newer Sentria machines-a docking bag system.The "F" bags used in the Sentria.
and the "Handi-butler" used in the Tradition-saw this demo'ed at the time they were new-the salesman exclaimed-"The first cleaning system that can be used to build a birdhouse and clean up after itself-Do you know of any other tools that can do that?"he asked.At that time only one other-a Shopsmith (rare model) that had its own built in shop vacuum.The Shopsmith vacuum could be used to collect dust as the Shopsmith was being used.I should have bought that Kirby-now kicking myself for not doing it.Wasn't into collecting vacuums at that time.I have the jigsaw attachment and Handi-Butler with a Heritage vacuum along with the air powered hair shears-very clever and effective device.It truely works!Forerrunner to the FlowBee!

 

[cart1531]

I don't have the handi-butler with my tradition, but I do have one for my classic III, I've used it for polishing a couple times but I never tried the jig saw. I thought that the heritage I turbo tools were interesting, I saw a set one time at a second-hand store, unfortunately they didn't have anything else for it though.

 

[vacfanatic]

Wood Shop Class - Bring Your Kirby!

Love the Jig-Saw - How impractical that attachment must have been, if you compare it to what is available today. Thanks for the post Casey!

 

[aeoliandave]

Well done, Casey. Now that is a comprehensive Manual at 52 pages with all the accessories shown!

And just what I like to see - big bold clear scans suitable for printing...which I will tonight.

I've got 'real' Manuals for the Classic III and the Heritage II but since I like Blue so much my Tradition is a favorite. Now if I could just find a flexible shaft I could saw me up some plywood...

Dave

 

[collector2]

I was given a small circular saw for the kirby a while back. Anyone have any idea what model it was from? Sorry I havent done a picture of it yet but I''m assuming from the connection it was before the time that the magnetic connect was being used.

Doug

 

[cart1531]

Thanks for all the comments guys. I love the look of the blue and chrome together on the tradition too, especially since its the only blue Kirby. Now all this talk about the jig saw kind of makes me want to try mine hehe.

 

[briankirbyclass]

I have used the Kirby Jigsaw several times for sawing wood,,,and will have to say it did a deceint job. Wasnt anything fanci mind you, and the wood wasnt very thick, but i thought the Kirby Jigsaw performed very well. Just have to make sure to have installed a new saw blade, and hold the Jigsaw as steady as possible in use, but all in all, it really is a deceint saw.

 

[kenmore81]

Well done!!

I havn't had the honor of using a handi-butler, but I liove reading manuals.

 

[briankirbyclass]

If you are going to use the Handi Butler in any capacity,,,be sure to install a new belt! Like all other Kirby power driven attachments,a strong new belt is required in order for the attachment to work properly.

 

[cart1531]

I learned that lesson the hard way the other day when I was using the rug renovator with the tradition. The old belt that was in there slipped off on several occasions and it became frustrating pretty fast, I don't know why I didn't think of putting the new belt in there before I started shampooing.

 

[kirbyluxhoover]

Headlight Latch

My Tradition didn't have a latch on the lamp hood as mentioned in this book. Did it not last long due to problems?

I had a Tradition but didn't keep it when I got a Legend. Mom and Dad would only let me keep one vac so when I got the Legend the Tradtion went and when I got the G4 the Legend went. The Legend lives on because I sold it to a friend so I can still visit. That was back in middle and high school. Now I have like 30 vacs and my wife will be happy once I get the extras out of the spare bedroom.

 

[cart1531]

My Tradition would've originally had that safety switch, but it was replaced with the more traditional Kirby safety switch. I think only the very early models had that safety switch shown, and they were gone by the spring of 1980.

 

[cart1531]

Here's a picture of the vacuum itself, I'll get more photos of it with its boxes and accessories later.

 

[kirbfan94]

you need to twist the emptor tword the machine more untill it clicks, it may feel like you will break it but you won't and that is the proper position.

 

[cart1531]

Here's the envelope with an order form that was inside the package of bags, the package of bags is about as old as the vacuum itself.

<a href= title= Kirbyenvelope by casey19883, on Flickr ><img src= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3635373746_45e846d795_b.jpg width= 791 height= 1024 alt= Kirbyenvelope /></a>

<a href= title= Kirbyorderform by casey19883, on Flickr ><img src= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3634562287_778958fd47_b.jpg width= 791 height= 1024 alt= Kirbyorderform /></a>

<a href= title= Kirbyenvelopeoutside by casey19883, on Flickr ><img src= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3635384366_11b7eeff93_o.jpg width= 1046 height= 856 alt= Kirbyenvelopeoutside /></a>

 

[kirbyluxhoover]

Emptor Gasket Lube

There is a bottle of Kirby Lube for the rings on the Emptors that you can get on Ebay from a guy the only sells Kirby parts. The small bottle is life time supply for most people. It is Kirby Brand and is not suppose to damage the O rings and gaskets.