Pushing a Kirby to its limits?

[vac_whisperer]

Okay, so sitting here looking at my 1-CR, what would happen if you absolutely stuffed a Kirby? The bag, emptor, even maybe out intop the fan casing...? Ive heard horror stories on here about people finding Kirbys like this, but I have two questions:

1)If youre just using the vacuum for your weekly vacuuming, how long will it take to do this?

2) What would happen to the machine?

VW

 

[suckolux]

Thinking it would just rev since the air would not move. Fan on motor to cool it separately right?

 

[vac_whisperer]

I think youre right. It would run, just it wouldnt pick up. But would it damage the machine? Ill use my 1-CR since its a pretty much lost cause.

VW

 

[suckolux]

With its motor cooling fan, I doubt there would be damage.

 

[vac_whisperer]

Okay, thanks! I think Im going to start on it this week. Any idea on how long it would take?

VW

 

[kirby519]

I have an inlaw that stuffed the bag on a Classic III. Didn't do any damage to the machine as the fan case was not stuffed. I believe that it took about a year and that was with a dog in the house. It took my brother quite a while to clean out that bag. He nearly needed a crow bar. And just about beat her with the handle of the vacuum for not empting the bag regularly and then complaining that the vacuum didn't work.

 

[suckolux]

That would really depend on so many different factors. Sq footage, frequency of cleaning, pets, carpet type. A while I would think, like months.

 

[brandon_w_t]

To completely fill it it may take up to around a year or so. Do it with a sanitaire. Would take much less time.

 

[vac_whisperer]

Im not trying to create a huge debate, but I think Kirby is just as good as Sanitaire, if not better.

VW

 

[brandon_w_t]

No need to debate. Different carpets and situations require different machines. It's just what works for the owner is what works best.

 

[vac_whisperer]

Ive always been a Kirby guy. And I have wanted to at least use a Sanitaire since I first saw one! From what I have heard they are AWESOME vacuums.

This is what ive always thought:

Sanitaire= Best commercial cleaner
Kirby= Best residential cleaner.

VW

 

[brandon_w_t]

Good points. Sanitaire are nice. Not as durable as a Kirby. But price points show why. A Kirby is a more deluxe and higher quality machine than a sanitaire. The brush roll is key too. Kirbys seem to be the most amazing cleaners for dog hair. Sanitaire not so much.

 

[vac_whisperer]

I have been thinking about getting a Sanitaire for the past few months.

I love the look of them. Theyre heavy metal! Literally and figuratively! XD I only own two plastic vacuums and thyere the worst vacuums I have. A DD and an Oreck. Blech. (Well,I actually have four vacuums that are plastic, but the other two are actually good. A Panasonic Performance Plus and a Dial-a-Matic.)

And I'm always partial to Kirbys because I grew up with a Classic III and a G4.

VW

 

[brandon_w_t]

Haha good comparison. I used to have that same model sanitaire pictured. The key is to get a 7 amp model with vibra groomed two

I have had 3 sanitaire never had a problem with any. My daily driver is my top of the line s677d with the D loop handle wit switch.

 

[vac_whisperer]

Yes, Ive heard that Sanitaires have EXCELLENT motors in them and ive also heard that theyre pretty durable. But could they last as long as a Kirby?

VW

 

[brandon_w_t]

Well you know that's a good question.

As a collector I think it's hard for any of us to really wear down a machine. I have seen in vac shops in for repairs both sanitaire and Kirby in dire need of lots of work. Sanitaire machines are built to be easily fixed and cheap. Kirbys similarly.

Sanitaire machines do have a considerable amount of plastic compared to a Kirby but it's good to know that their plastic is very thick and durable.

Think of all the kirby vacuums. There are more vintage models out there in good running order than just about any other brand. It says something on their quality for sure.


I think every collection needs a Kirby as well as a sanitaire. They are both classics in the vacuum world.

 

[vac_whisperer]

I have a total of 8 Kirbys and sadly 0 Sanitaires. Im hoping to get one before the year ends, so well see what happens.

Well, I think its time I logged off for the night.

G'night, all.

VW

 

[bagintheback]

Sanitaires are made to be repaired, because many of them are abused. That's why they have the Quick-Kleen models. Kirbys are built for the least repairs while maintaining the best carpet cleaning performance. I am very glad Kirby still has no clean-air machines.

Kirbys and Sanitaires are very close in carpet cleaning performance. Kirby has the air-flow and the Sanitaire has agitation, although it really comes down to the carpet. Kirby has the best tool suction for sure.

 

[whirlsonicmore]

I use a Sanitaire paper bag/ chrome cover/ wide base model at the one cleaning account we have. There's LOTS of carpet there, but I also use it to clean the outside mats and even part of the sidewalk. It's obviously been through many brushes and fans, but that motor keeps taking it. I won't put a metal fan on it, fearing that it would just transfer the damage to the fan cover. I've seen it happen too often on other units (and sometimes cracked base assemblies).
Fans are still cheaper and it can be replaced in less than 5 minutes.

It's probably the simplest unit to repair in the commercial/ industrial work field.

I nicknamed it "the lawn mower".