Opinions on Kirby Generation 3

[vacuumguy91]

Hi,

I'm in the market for my first Kirby...I'm still holding out for a Kirby Ultimate G Diamond, as that's the model I really want. I came across a Generation 3, what are your opinions of this model? I've never owned a Kirby before but would like to have at least one in my collection.

Thanks.

 

[crazykirbydude]

The G3 is a pretty good Kirby. Very similar to the current model.

 

[bryan1980]

Any Kirby from the G3 until now is going to be very similar, mechanically and performance-wise. Kirby did do minor tweaks between models, but it really comes down to your color preference as to which G-series model you pick.

I will say that if you end up getting the G3, take the nozzle off and try to get a look at the fan with a flashlight; if it's a gray color, it'll need to be replaced with the current, off-white colored fan. The gray ones are known to develop cracks. The new fans are made of a stronger material. It's an easy fix that's been well documented on YouTube.

 

[human]

You can't go wrong with any G-series Kirby.

 

[suckolux]

I had one 3 years ago, the drive was not as smooth as my Diamond Edition, I found it jerky. Maybe just that machine, it was very near new

 

[dysonman1]

The Generation 3 was a great vacuum, but the original version had no centering spring on the transmission - a simple fix that takes a moment. That's why the seemed 'jerky', a conclusion I agree with if there's no centering spring installed.

 

[suckolux]

I didn't know that, did not keep it long. When I worked on a friends G7 I noticed it was smooth, so I went looking for a Kirby again.

 

[vacuumguy91]

I'm a proud new owner of a G3...

Thank you everyone for the information and replies, much appreciated

I will post pictures later, but scored a mint G3, all attachments (like new) shampoo kit (never used) and original manual for $20.00 at a local estate sale...it was marked $50.00 but offered $20.00 and they said yes, we'll do it...yay me hahahaha....

It's in great shape, it's in my garage awaiting a wipe down/cleaning so I can take it inside and start using it.

I've never owned a Kirby...my passion are canister vacuums but reading up on them the last few months and seeing airflow tests on youtube, I said, that would be great for the rooms in my home with carpeting...


So excited...I will keep my eyes open for the Ultimate G Diamond...but said this color scheme is nice...and for the price...why not try out a Kirby...

 

[vacuumguy91]

Pictures...

Yay...haha

 

[human]

Were there any blue lights in your rearview mirror when you left that estate sale? Because at $20 in that condition, you absolutely STOLE that thing!

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Hey
Generation 3 is solid but it was first with tech drive. The gearing in g3 and g4 were the same newer models had different ratio. If it has been tuned up by kirby dealer or distributor I'm almost positive they fix gearing issue.
I had a g3 I fixed up and gave to coworker who needed a vacuum. It had been to a kirby dealer before and ran great.
I have a g4 I first got jerky as a roller coaster ride. I took to kirby and the g4 which is exact same as g3 except color scheme floats. I have a sentria a diamond Edition g6 and deluxe edition. It runs as good or better than any g series.
They are also a little easier to work on then later models. Basically a heritage tank with a sports car transmission. You will not find better. Just my 2 cents. Sentrias are g10 I think.
Les

 

[vacuumguy91]

Not impressed

I'll give it more time, but I'm not impressed with the Kirby...I cleaned it up, polished it...runs smooth, the self-propelled is very smooth, much smoother than the Hoover Concepts(1) and Windtunnels(2) I have in my collection..BUT it's way too bulky for me...

I only have a few rooms with carpeting but navigating around with this Kirby is cumbersome...maybe I'll get used to it?

Wanted to give an update... also, new bag was installed, I vacuumed the rooms with carpeting, none-to very little dust/dirt was collected, which is a good thing...but thought with such great airflow, this would perform better than any of my canister vacuums I use as daily runners...who knows.. :-/

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

How is your brush roll. Newer ones help kirbys perform alot better. I would also recommend a new old belt I get the name wrong but there is a difference new belts are stiff and these have give to them. I know a few people know the name of belts. It's bulky but with upgrades you won't find better carpet sweeper cleaner period.

 

[sptyks]

The correct belt for the G3 is the newer Knurled belt which has a type of tread on the inside of the belt which reduces slippage.


 


 

 

[kirbylux77]

Lesinutah

"I took to kirby and the g4 which is exact same as g3 except color scheme floats."

No, they were NOT the exact same. The G4 saw the introduction of the Micron Magic paper bags, & the outer bag material was changed with the addition of Kevlar material put on the inside to aid with filtration. This is the same material shake-out bags used on commercial vacuums.

Also, the bag connector on the top of the filltube was changed from the previous style so it held the bag more securely in place. This was used from G4 to Sentria. Halfway thru the Sentria's run saw the introduction of the F-style bag connector used to present day. The bag connector style on the G3 was used from Heritage 2 to G3.

The belt Stan is referring to is the Kirby 301291 knurled belt. The Royal Style 8 belt, used on the Royal Metal uprights, is identical....only difference is the lettering on the outside....and can be used in it's place. It would be best to stick with these belts, as I have found the knurled belt seems to last a bit longer between changes. If you have a Sweep & Groom or Eureka canister powerhead that uses the PT belt, they can also be used too if you have a few spares & want to use them first.

Rob

 

[vacuumdevil]

I think it Kirby G3 being the first self-propelled Kirby is an excellent addition to anybody s collection.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Alright they put makeup on g3 but I changed fill tube so takes new f bag. Replace fan also. You can use knurled belts but myself like non knurled just extra tension on belt lifter and personal preference. If you don't know how well motor is tension isn't wisest for worn motor.
Les