More Kirbys...and I know you're probably getting sick by now!

[vintagehoover]

The last two Kirbys I shall be buying for a while...I'm all Kirby-ed out, I'm sure you guys are reaching your limit, too!

First off, the Tradition. Was described in the listing as 'not sucking'...and here's why - the emptor and fan-outlet were PACKED SOLID with this:

 

[vintagehoover]

Having dug all that out...

...and given it a polish, it turned out quite nicely:

 

[vintagehoover]

Before and After:

...

 

[vintagehoover]

Extras!

It also came with this very nice set of boxed tools and accessories. Looks like almost everything's there! What are the 'Rug Renovator Rug Protector Pads' for, by the way??

 

[vintagehoover]

And finally:

The Diamond Edition. Almost new, barely a mark on it! Came with everything!

 

[compactelectra]

Rug Renovator Pads

Were used to put under furniture legs after shampooing to keep from discoloring the carpet.

Fred

 

[vintagehoover]

Close-up:

...

 

[vintagehoover]

OK, I lied...

...there was also this Oreck XL. I've always been curious about them, and this one was a steal!

My impressions: very light, VERY loud, good at picking up surface dirt and bringing up the pile. But then, you already knew that! It would make a nice second cleaner, for when you just want something to grab quickly before you have guests round. I wouldn't have it as a main cleaner, and I wouldn't spend £400 on a new one!

 

[vintagehoover]

Group shot!

...

 

[clarkecombi]

Nice Machines

Those are nice machines, are you gonna post vids of them on youtube?

 

[vintagehoover]

Thanks!

I already have videos of the G4 and G5 on YouTube (perhaps you've seen those?), and I'll try and do videos of the others tomorrow, since it looks like I'll have a free house!

My YouTube channel:

http://uk.youtube.com/user/vintagehoover

 

[badata]

I'm all Kirby-ed out, I'm sure you guys are reaching

NEVER am I all Kirby'ed out!!! I don't think I could reach a limit witht the Kirby line. nice job on the tradition!! Kirby's are fantastic machines!!! if they don't "suck" its because someone abused them!!! thanks for sharing!!!

michael

 

[swiveltop]

Nice Kirbys

That Tradition sure brings back memories, I worked at a Kirby Dealer when I was 14 from '79 to '82 doing all the repairs, I remember the Classic 3 and Traditions brand new out of the box. Mark

 

[thunderhexed]

Tradition

The Tradition has always been one of my favorite models. I bought one last summer from a guy here at work for $35.00. I already had a box of attachments - except the hose and when I got it, it was in pretty rough shape cosmetically. I spent a couple of hours cleaning it up and polishing it and it looks almost like new. I think it needs a new fan though cuz it makes a very loud "throaty" sound when it's on. I had another Tradition previously and it was the quietest Kirby I had ever owned. As far as the one I have now, I need to get another cloth bag for it eventually as the one I have now is faded and looks like it has water stains on it. I have the cloth shake out bag for it too but prefer the paper bag system. Congrats on your finds!

 

[badata]

nice

Hey Jack,
This is Jeff using Michael's computer, I have an Ultimate G Diamond and absolutely love it! Its one of three that I use for daily drivers.(the other two are my Miele Champagne and a Sanitaire blue S634)
I look forward to seeing your videos on youtube!

 

[petek]

Were all the attachments in that cardboard case? Both of mine came with blue plastic cases, sort of shaped like a tool box with carry handle.

 

[louvac]

Hey Guys!
My favorite Kirby is the Tradition! Maybe because it's blue? I don't know and much less do I care...I just love it! Many Kirby gurus consider the Tradition, Kirby's worst model because of the smaller diameter fill tube which supposedly reduced airflow. I never found my Tradition to be compromised regardless. I am still looking for one of the earliest models which had the speed switch located in the headlight visor. All tools including the hose had an aluminum spike with engaged the safety switch above and inside. Kirby later on changed the design during the run of the machine and re-positioned the speed control switch on the bottom. The visor on the earlier models had a blue slide switch lock which locked the visor down into position. I have five Traditions and only two of them are exactly the same. Kirby also made some models without the suction control bleeder on the rug nozzle. It's simply smooth across the top.

 

[sleepdoc]

Tradition

I'm usually more objective than this, but my feeling about the Tradition is that a machine that beautiful cannot possibly be the "worst ever." John gave me a beautifully restored Tradition for my birthday, which I chose to keep in its original conformation, rather than adapt it to use the G-series bags. It cleans just fine, although I would be interested in seeing if there's a difference between it and other models, maybe in a cleaning contest-like test.

 

[sleepdoc]

Kirby cleaning

Someone posted a thread here several months ago describing having cleaned a new carpeted house exclusively with a Kirby Legend II for quite a while - over 15 years, I think. Then, recently, they replaced the carpet, which revealed a dust-free floor underneath. That's a functional testimonial! I have been using my Kirby a lot since reading that. Also, the Legend II is a very handsome machine.