My Kirby update - a year into ownership...

[matt8808]

I've been meaning to do this for some time now.
In less than a month my Kirby Sentria2 will be a year old! However the last year hasn't been as smooth as I'd hoped!!!

Heres a link to my thread when I first bought the machine - http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?23837

So a quick skim of things - I bought the machine brand spanking new from my local Kirby dealer. I paid just over £1000 for the machine with all the dry use tools, shampoo system and zip brush.

I'd also asked them to order in the hard floor polishing head / waxing system, the turbo sander and the handi butler.
A few weeks went by and they eventually said they couldn't obtain any of the extras I wanted. The handi butler wasn't obtainable because Kirby didn't make it for the Sentria2 machine and the hard floor kit and sander because apparently they couldn't order just the one for me - apparently they had to order in bulk - something they were unwilling to do for these parts as demand for them is low. I wasn't hugely bothered - I only wanted them so that I had the COMPLETE system.

Fast forward a few months and I found a hard floor polishing kit on ebay complete with the wax applicator arm. Brand new, boxed and most importantly for the Sentria2. For £60 I couldnt buy it quick enough.
I'm keeping my eyes out for a brand new boxed sander in the Sentria2 colour scheme.

Here are a few pics of the machine as it stands a few weeks ago. I took these while I was having a tidy round and had all the extras out to arrange them in their storage area better.....

The machine hasn't been my daily driver for the whole year - there was a period a while back where I was only using it every now and again, however recently it is back as my firm favourite. In fact using anything else leaves me feeling like the carpets aren't really clean.
I know some of you find Kirbys big and bulky, however having used it for so long it feels normal to me and the weight and size are not an issue at all.

I've changed the belt once so far, and any extras such as bags, belts and shampoo will always be genuine parts....
I accidentaly vacuumed up a steel nail (maybe about 1" long) a few months back. I was horrified. Although I can't see a single mark on the fan thankfully!

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?23837

 

[matt8808]

I'm very pleased with myself for keeping it in such good condition. I hate it when things get bashed up. The only real signs of use are light scuffs to the rubber bumper - something that can't really be avoided on a daily driver. I keep telling myself that it's not an issue and that I'll order a new bumper when this one starts to look really tired.

For a years use I don't think it looks too shabby though!

 

[matt8808]

NOW HERES THE BIGGEST ISSUE I'VE HAD......

Around two and a half months ago the mains cable developed a fault. If you twisted it in the wrong direction it would cut the power. The break was where I had the cable clipped unto the upper cable grip on the cord hook.

I bought a Diamond Edition brand new a few years ago and that developed the same issue down by the emptor. I assume it's a common issue on the cable Kirby use?

Anyway I contacted my local dealer and informed them of the issue however due to my work pattern it was a few weeks before they could come to me.

TWO MONTHS ago the Kirby guy came to look at my machine. He confirmed the cable was faulty but couldn't replace it as they were out of stock.

Not an issue though, they had already ordered more and it should take less than a week to get them. My machine was still useable as long as I held that area of cable and didn't twist it.

Long story short - I was fobbed off with excuse after excuse for two months. Their order didn't arrive ect ect and in the end I had to contact Kirby UK. I don't know what they said to my local dealer but within minutes they were on the phone wanting to come and fit the cable!

The guy that came to fit it gave me some BS story about how there was a global shortage and there were no new genuine cables anywhere in the world!!

Anyway, they fitted a new cable. Sadly it's in the Sentria1 colour but I'm just glad to have a working cable. I now no longer use the cable grip on the upper cord hook (pictured) to avoid stressing a concentrated area of the cable - hopefully to avoid this happening again.

He claims they had to buy a brand new machine and take the cable from it just to fix my machine because of the 'global shortage'.
He also told me some other rubbish such as I need to have the machine serviced every year as the tech drive needs oiling and dirt will build up behind the fan case and cause the machine to over heat.

He also told me that although the warranty is 3 years, in the second year I have to pay labour and call out costs and the 3rd year only covers the motor. I think this is utter rubbish and will be reporting these claims to Kirby UK.

I will also no longer be using my local dealer again. The nearest other dealer is well over 100 miles away... a distance I will be willing to travel as I'm so unhappy with the aftercare service from my local dealer who is only 5 minutes up the road!

Anyway the new cable was only fitted last week so heres a picture of the machine with the new cable too...

 

[matt8808]

I've also bought an AEG Rapid Clean. This is so that on day to day 'quick' cleaning I don't have to mess about with the Kirby hose. I now only get the Kirby tools out when I'm doing a BIG clean every other week or so.

This saves so much time and makes the Kirby even more of a joy to use as theres no faffing about when I'm in a hurry.

So. A year in. Would I buy the machine again? Yes!

I love my Kirby. Its built like a tank and I never worry about any dirt being missed when I use it. It's basically everything I could want in a vacuum. Well built, unbeatable cleaning power IMHO and its just something you KNOW is going to last.

Fair enough the cable failed - this wouldn't of been an issue at all had my local dealer stepped up to the mark and dealt with it as they should.

I use the shampoo system every few months to keep our carpets looking fresh, I've even used the floor care kit to wax and polish the kitchen floor. Every part of the machine gets used at some point.

I can see this being my daily driver for many many years and IF I ever decide to replace it, it will likely be for another new Kirby.

Altough having said that I'll feel very let down if this one isn't still going strong in 30 years!

So yeah.... If you hadn't already guessed, I love my Kirby haha

I'd even go so far as to say I'm more pleased with it now than I was when I first bought it. Now that I'm fully used to the size and weight, running the Kirby round the house feels as easy as pie

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Mr Matt, I'm glad your still happy with your Kirby. He looks as shiney as ever.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">If you want a Sentria II turbo sander Kent is selling them on ebay... at $35 and $23 postage to the UK.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">It's in the new style box by the looks of it but if you want one in the original Sentria II box just keep your eyes pealed on ebay.</span>


<div class="iti-eu-txt iti-eu-pd u-flR">
<div id="" class="iti-lbl u-flL iti-num vi-iti-lbl-acc-cls"> </div>
<div class="iti-lbl u-flL iti-num vi-iti-lbl-acc-cls"> </div>
<div class="iti-lbl u-flL iti-num vi-iti-lbl-acc-cls"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">eBay item number:</span></div>
<div id="descItemNumber" class="u-flL iti-act-num"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">181771171215</span></div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"> </div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Shame about the cord. At least it's been sorted now. I have one of the first Sentria IIs and they came with the Sentria 1 colored cord from new.</span></div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I'm glad your fan is ok after sucking up that nail.</span></div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I might have to get my daily driver Kirby shampooing this week... Your Kirby Sentria II looks very smart in the pic where it's shampooing.</span></div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"> </div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">If ever your popping by this way let me know. Your welcome to pop in.</span></div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"> </div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James.

</span></div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"> </div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">P.S still love your carpet.</span></div>
<div class="u-flL iti-act-num"> </div>
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</div>

 

[sptyks]

Hi Matt,


I got my Sentria 1 about 3 years ago. It was a fully refurbished machine that I got off ebay. It has been my daily driver since I got it and have never had a problem with the mains cable. I always keep the cable clamped in the upper hook and still no problem with it. You just seem to have run into bad luck with your cable.


 


As far as sucking up a 1 inch nail, I would not worry about that. I have sucked up many small small items with my Sentria such as screws, metal washers, small coins, etc. The new white Amodel fan in your Sentria II is extremely durable. Amodel is 300%  stronger than Kevlar and much less likely to break than the metal fans Kirby used to use prior to 1980.


 


If you would like to read up on how Kirby and NASA collaborated to develop the Amodel fan, check out the link below.



http://spinoff.nasa.gov/spinoff1997/ch9.html

 

[matt8808]

Thanks for the info guys.

Regarding it still being shiny... I need to sit down and give it a propper polish as I think it's lost some of its luster. However it's only ever been wiped down with a duster so far so it should come up a lot nicer once it's seen a bit of metal polish - I use Autosol.

I'll have to pull my finger out and get myself down James, be good to speak in person rather than email and text!

 

[Vacuummania]

Congrats!

Nice writeup on your "Kirby year" experience. I absolutely love my Kirbys! I've tried so many different brand and types of vacuums, but I always come back to the Kirby.

I think that many people judge them without trying to live with them for a while and give them a chance to shine.
I'll admit that they're heavy to lug up stairs and conversion into a canister is a pain in the butt. To combat this, I have one on each level of my house and I generally use my lovely Electroluxes for canister work.

Bottom line: Tech Drive makes vacuuming so much easier, they really agitate the carpet, quality and reliability are exceptional, and parts support is incredible (and affordable). Sadly, many dealers can make life miserable - though that can happen with any vacuum, of course.

 

[seanc]

I like my G4 a lot for its upright cleaning ability and flexibility to turn into a canister. Unfortunately my housemates and OH hate it.
"Why do I need gears on my vacuum?!" they say.

Its days are numbered as I'm likely moving to a much smaller house in the next month and won't have space.
It's replacement is a used Sebo K3 Premium, which is another story in itself.

Anyone in the market for a Kirby G4 around Cambridge/Bedfordshire?

 

[dedede]

I've not had a cord problem. But kudos to you on making them fix it. If I got that much push back I'd just buy a cord online and move on.

 

[human]

Vacuummania wrote:
I think that many people judge them without trying to live with them for a while and give them a chance to shine.
I'll admit that they're heavy to lug up stairs and conversion into a canister is a pain in the butt. To combat this, I have one on each level of my house and I generally use my lovely Electroluxes for canister work.

I reply:
I do the same except I live in a one-story house so no problem with stairs. When I was in my two-story apartment, my Kirby Gsix stayed downstairs, my Electrolux 1205 stayed upstairs and I also did the steps with it. The Electrolux canisters are great for the steps because they're just the right size and shape to rest on a step and remain stable. I have no doubt that was part of their design.

My Kirby Heritage I was briefly an upstairs machine at my apartment until my (now ex) girlfriend 'borrowed' it after she threw her Oreck in the dumpster. I guess I can write that one off the inventory now.

 

[dedede]

Am I the only person who really doesn't mind the weight? I carry mine up and down stairs everytime I use it. It's not light, but it's fine.

The frustrating part is the hose. It's usually fine, but sometimes you put it back into upright mode and then notice that last cobweb...

 

[cuffs054]

I've got a very long hose with mine. It allows me to put the K in the middle of the room (think AirWay) and clean the whole room+ without moving it.

 

[turbo500]

"I think that many people judge them without trying to live with them for a while and give them a chance to shine."

I grew up with one, and I've had 4 since I started collecting when I was 17.
Still don't like em

 

[turbomaster1984]

Well anyone who knows me knows that I never but never throw away or resell or give away a vac for good, once I have something in my collection it stays.

With one exception. The Kirby Heritage I bought. It was sold on within 2 months and Ive never been tempted for one since.

Glad it works for you but theyre not exactly everyday cleaners for anyone who just wants the job done so they can actually go off and live life.

I dont understand the hype but then I do think theres more to life than chasing attachments and hoses especially when there are plenty of machines that clean as well as or of not better than a Kirby.

Personal mileage may vary and as much as I like a clean home and vacuuming there are so many other things that I want to make the most of in the small amount of time I have on this planet. Messing around with one of these for a few sofa crumbs and a bit of hose poking when another cleaner can get it done in 1/3 of the time just isnt me.

Sounds harsh and I dont mean to be rude , great carpet cleaners and they groom but IMO they are not ideal in any way for above floor and general cleaning when one simply wants the job done.

 

[turbo500]

I agree. Too big, too heavy, too inconvenient. I'm sure they're great when you have large open spaces of carpet, but who wants to live in an empty living room.

My mother hated ours. Our other vacuum did the same job in half the time. As a full time working parent with 4 kids, why waste time?

Not to mention the price of the damn things new and the notorious pressure sales tactics that the reps will use to get a sale. A new Kirby costs more than my house costs to run each month.

 

[turbo500]

God, we're going to be chased out of VacuumTown by angry mob waving pitch forks and crevice tools for this LOL!

 

[matt8808]

Okay.... so a few points to clarify....

----- "theyre not exactly everyday cleaners for anyone who just wants the job done so they can actually go off and live life" -----

I can whip around our house with the Kirby just as quick, if not quicker than I can with any other vacuum. When I vacuum I'm not doing it for pleasure, I'm doing it because it needs doing and I want it done properly and quickly.


-----"Messing around with one of these for a few sofa crumbs and a bit of hose poking when another cleaner can get it done in 1/3 of the time just isnt me"-----

Nor me. I can easily go weeks without using the Kirby hose. Few crumbs on the sofa? Sweep them onto the floor. Stairs? I just lift the Kirby up and vacuum them with the main machine. Crumbs around the edges in the kitchen? The suction from the main floor head has always been enough to pull them in so far. SHOULD I need to quickly use a hose for 'a few crumbs' I just whip the AEG hand held out. Takes seconds. But then again hooking the hose onto the Kirby takes seconds too when you're used to the machine as a daily driver.

-----"they are not ideal in any way for above floor and general cleaning when one simply wants the job done"-----

The come with every nozzle you can think of. How is that not ideal?
As already stated, I don't want to spend all day vacuuming. If I'm doing a deep clean I'll vacuum an entire level of the house with the machine in normal mode, then hook up the hose and go around doing any jobs that need above floor cleaning. I can deep clean the entire house from top to bottom using only the Kirby and only need to hook the hose up once or twice. Hardly an issue. Its all about adapting your method of cleaning to the way the machine works. Few crumbs in each room that need the hose? I'll come back to them and go around getting them all at once rather than hooking up the house multiple times.

-----I agree. Too big, too heavy, too inconvenient. I'm sure they're great when you have large open spaces of carpet"-----

I'll put this in a differnt context... Take somebody who has only ever driven a normal car. Put them behind the wheel of a HGV. Imagine how daunting the size would be and how they would struggle to drive it, if they could manage to drive it at all.
Now take someone who drives HGV's for a living, its second nature to them and they can almost do it with their eyes closed.
Same applies to the Kirby in a way... I'm used to it. I'm not some weak little old woman, I'm a 27 y/o man. Weight is not an issue at all for me, nor is the size, it feels normal. I've never had an issue of it being too big or heavy to vacuum anywhere and we live in a 'normal' sized house.
In another context, I drive busses and coaches for a living and can quite confidently negotiate things that some people would struggle to do in a small car. It's all about being used to and comfortable with the size of the thing you're controlling.

-----"Not to mention the price of the damn things new"-----
To some people the price of a Kirby is not an issue. It's no different to spending a thousand pounds on a Miele washing machine. I don't see how price is even an issue. You either have the money and are happy to spend it, or you don't and buy something cheaper.


I'm not going to lie. When I first got the machine it WAS an effort to use. I was in the habbit where EVERY time I'd vacuum I'd get the hose and vacuum all around the edges, dust the skirting boards, down the sides of the sofa ect ect and it WAS a faff on. The machine also felt HUGE. Even before I'd got the Kirby I could easilly spend an hour vaccuming the house in my OCD ways. Now? I can do the whole house on a 'day to day' vacuuming session in 15 minutes. If that. It's still just as clean.

I've adapted my ways to the machine. It's also helped me relax a bit more when it comes to cleaning and I actually SAVE time because of it.
I DON'T need to use the hose EVERY time I vacuum because the edges and behind the sofa ect ect only need doing periodically. I DON'T need to get the hose and vacuum the risers of the stairs every time. Just lifting the machine up with the main nozzle on and doing the treads is more than enough. I whip the machine out, vacuum the main floor area and thats it done. It's just as clean as it was a year ago when I'd spend ages on my hands and knees doing all the edges every time ect. Should I NEED to use a hose for a minor job, I can whip out the AEG. Yes you could argue that I've had to buy a hand vac, but thats down to sheer laziness and me wanting another gadget. It comes in handy for the car. I could have the hose on the Kirby just as quick as I can plug the AEG into the plug socket.

Take the AEG out of the question, lets say I never bought it, cleaning the house would be just as quick and easy for me.

I can totally understand that they're not for everybody.

It all boils down to personal opinion... you think the Kirby is heavy.... My grandmother thinks an ORECK is heavy!!

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Meh...

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The "Haters gonna hate" and "Bitches gonna bitch" hay hoo.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>