Next Kirby?

[rivstg1]

colors etc

With minor but constant airflow improvements due to brushroll design, emptor redesigns, bag technology, fill tube diameter and construction changes, and finally a slightly higher spinning motor . But, everyone is basically correct with their statements....its almost same vacuum since 1990.

I was talking with a Kirby technician and salesman for 35+ years....he told me from what he knew of the ownership/engineering aspect of the company....they HAVE tested moving the attachments onto the handle area and several other changes.....and that they won't manufacture a 'new' Kirby unless its better performing than the existing one. IF all that's true, it certainly adds ammo to the understanding of WHY its still basically the same vacuum.

ideas to ponder....

 

[lesinutah]

Dysonman

That's an impressive pic. The vacuum looks aerodynamically different but same uniform style. The belt lifter came in 1946 but that's 72 years ago. Small things but like you said they haven't changed much and they won't.
Beautiful 1c or 2c.
Les

 

[oreck_xl]

They've had long enough to develop a new design....

We know that the Generation 3 was in the works since at least the days of the Heritage II (ala the Prometheus). And rolled it out on the 20th anniversary of the Classic platform. I hope by the 30th anniversary of the Generation 3 next year they have something new and revolutionary.

 

[kirbyg6]

Hopefully fingers crossed

 

[juju93]

Well if they read these forums then they can take some ideas and roll with it. Like it shouldn’t be hard. If rainbow can improve on the E2 Black and come out with the new SRX then Kirby can do something, besides a new shampooer.

 

[kirby519]

Rainbow was long over due to increase the airflow and suction power of the vacuum. According to what has been posted here there is supposed to be a 30% increase.

A light bulb in the water pan hardly improves it's over all performance. I for one wasn't impressed by the redesign of the power head.

I would like to see the Kirby loose some weight. How ever I don't want a plastic vacuum either. I would like to see the Dual sanitronic make a come back with today's performance.

 

[tolivac]

I don't want a Kirby with the hose and tools onboard-will just make the machine even MORE heavy,clunky,awkward and less useable.I don't use the Kirby hose hardly at all-and funny use the attachments on OTHER vacuums!In general don't like hose and tool on board uprights.And sometimes you leave a trail of tools you have to go back and pick up when they fall off.NO THANKS!Kirby has reached the peak as to how good they are going to be-NOT BROKE----DON'T FIX IT!!I can agree a new machine based on the older designs would be good to try.

 

[tolivac]

DO NOT want the direct drive brushroll-these motor in the brushrolls are plagued with expensive failures.You have to replace the WHOLE THING-otherwise its just a few dollar belt.Take the belt anytime!When the motor in the roll was really popular seen PILES of these rolls in vac shop junkpiles-along with the vacuums they went to when the customer bought a conventional belt driven brush from the vac delaer in a NEW machine.

 

[mmcphee]

Electric Attachments?

For me, I think they should bring the of the pre-Sentria Kirby back and add some electric attachments. All they would have to do is add a power take-off socket on the side of the vacuum and make an electrified hose. That way they could offer an electric power nozzle and an electric version of the Zippbrush. Once they do that, all they would have to do it make it an optional accessory and call it the Electric Attachment Set. Kirby wouldn't even have to make the electric nozzles themselves. All they would have to do is purchase them through Wessel-Werk (EBK 360 perhaps) and then slap their names on them like every other vacuum manufacturer. That way, you can use your Kirby to get under low pieces of furniture (a magical concept in the world of Kirby) They should also bring back the normal/delicate switch that made its appearance and exit on the Diamond Edition.

They should also drop the black color scheme and come up with something different. Another thing that might be an interesting feature would be a retractable power cord. Take what a Kirby used to be in the Generation Series and add some new features that they haven't tried before.

 

[kirbyg6]

Yeah I think black is a boring colour I would like to see a yellow one again or the purple we sore on the g5

 

[juju93]

Also scale down the overall size of the carpet shampooer. It’s too bulky and can’t get into tight spaces.

 

[superocd]

Re: the carpet shampooer

I think that it would be cool to change from the "dry" method (suds) to an actual extractor by upgrading the motor, fan and fancase to handle direct water contact. A modified shampooer head could incorporate the extraction nozzle and brush in one unit. The collection tank could be a part of a different handle specifically for carpet extraction mode, which could also incorporate the solution reservoir, pump/regulator, controls and hot water inlet (no "clean water" tank, just get it from the source). Perhaps this would be the second best thing to using a truckmount service or a true commercial grade extractor.

 

[luxlife]

I think the rug renovator would be a great CRB design...

That is, if they can make the modifications to it. CRB stands for Counter Rotating Brushes, which is the basis of the Host carpet cleaning platform, Whittaker’s LOMAC platform and plenty of other brands that emphasize low moisture and encapsulation for carpet cleaning. It would totally revolutionize that attachment for Kirby.

 

[rodknock95]

Canister

I think they should design a canister and corner the market. I use my Kirby for bi-day whip outs, and when I really get in the cleaning mode, use the Aerus Guardian cause its easier to switch from carpet mode to hose mode.

Blaze

 

[tolivac]

Kirby canister-wouldn't that be from their Douglas division?Retract cord on the Kirby-drather stick with what they have-I just don't like cordreels on uprights.The powered attachments sounds nice.How bout replacing the foam carpet cleaner with a true dry one using Host or Capture.There could be an attachment to spread and work those in-than the regular nozzle and reusable dump bag to pick the powder back up in.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

These are reasons

why people like vacuum collectors would be a great source for vac manufacturers. We know these cleaners, use them, love/hate them.
Wouldn't you love to sit down with "Research and Development" at these companies?

 

[mmcphee]

Dual Motors?

Another thing that Kirby could do to change up the Generation Series might infuriate some people is make the power nozzle electric. That way, the main motor could focus on raw suction and self propel and that way, It might be able to produce more airflow.