My last bagless cleaner was what got me interested in vintage vacuums again. I have owned two bagless units, and I hated both of them. I would much rather have a bag (even a shakeout type) than have to mess with tapping, brushing, and washing filters. I bought a Kirby in 2004, then another, then an Electrolux, then another Kirby....than another Electrolux....LOL. You get the picture.
"throwbacks"
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Kirby should reconsider bringing back the 500 Series machines. A smaller construction and a 4-5 Amp motor. They would not even require 'tech drive'. The machine could also have a HEPA certified bag in it. Sell it with some needed tools in the average home. Kirby could sell this for less than half of the Sentria II. People would consider it because it is not as big or bulky as the new Kirby, also much less expensive and extravagent. Just my .02.
-Tyler
Kirby should reconsider bringing back the 500 Series machines. A smaller construction and a 4-5 Amp motor. They would not even require 'tech drive'. The machine could also have a HEPA certified bag in it. Sell it with some needed tools in the average home. Kirby could sell this for less than half of the Sentria II. People would consider it because it is not as big or bulky as the new Kirby, also much less expensive and extravagent. Just my .02.
-Tyler
jscarlato
Well-known member
I don't disagree, but would it be practical?
For years, I've admired Kirby for their cleaning ability, quality construction, and an array of nice tools. In some ways, Kirby's design is a throwback vacuum that has been improved and modernized over the years. When Kirby puts out a model, it is THE model, the company's top of the line, no other below it. But what about the idea of putting out a companion model, also top quality, but smaller like the 500 series and less in price? Would customers who avoid Kirby because of price and size be attracted to the smaller companion model?
At this year's VCCC convention, it was a real treat to visit the Kirby plant and see how the whole second floor is the assembly line where the current Sentria II is rolled out from individual parts to completed and boxed units. If I understood the presentation correctly, the 100-year-old Cleveland plant produces the model sold domestically, and the Texas plant produces models sold overseas. Intriguing as the idea of a companion model may be, what is the practicality of installing and maintaining (meaning more workers) a second assembly line to concurrently produce a companion model? Customers may like this idea, but not the company's bottom line.
For years, I've admired Kirby for their cleaning ability, quality construction, and an array of nice tools. In some ways, Kirby's design is a throwback vacuum that has been improved and modernized over the years. When Kirby puts out a model, it is THE model, the company's top of the line, no other below it. But what about the idea of putting out a companion model, also top quality, but smaller like the 500 series and less in price? Would customers who avoid Kirby because of price and size be attracted to the smaller companion model?
At this year's VCCC convention, it was a real treat to visit the Kirby plant and see how the whole second floor is the assembly line where the current Sentria II is rolled out from individual parts to completed and boxed units. If I understood the presentation correctly, the 100-year-old Cleveland plant produces the model sold domestically, and the Texas plant produces models sold overseas. Intriguing as the idea of a companion model may be, what is the practicality of installing and maintaining (meaning more workers) a second assembly line to concurrently produce a companion model? Customers may like this idea, but not the company's bottom line.
marks_here
Well-known member
No matter how I try
I still like how the 500 series works over the Sentria. No matter what they've done @ Kirby to remedy the skipping on my carpet it still does, different brush rolls, different back wheels, even different transmissions only for the rep @ Kirby to suggest I get new/different carpet.
I still like how the 500 series works over the Sentria. No matter what they've done @ Kirby to remedy the skipping on my carpet it still does, different brush rolls, different back wheels, even different transmissions only for the rep @ Kirby to suggest I get new/different carpet.
super-sweeper
Well-known member
I would love to see,
A modern 500 series! It could be the 2000 series!
What if the belt lifter had a hole in the middle, where a cover could be removed and a hose could snap in???
Combined with some HEPA shake-out bag, and you'd have a best seller!
A modern 500 series! It could be the 2000 series!
Combined with some HEPA shake-out bag, and you'd have a best seller!
Gr8DaneDad
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2014
- Messages
- 660
The hole in the beltlifter is technically improbable, no way to get a good seal without removing the belt and lifter. Shake out bag?? That would guarantee no purchase from me. Why buy new when I can just use a real 500 series?
Kirby 500 Series Redesign
It could be like an experiment. The top of the line model would probably sell less. Kirby may even outsell the competition. The pure simpleness of this possible machine, would make it more attractive to an average customer. The factory could possibly be equipped to make this second machine. The machine would also weight way less than your "plasti vacs", even being made out of durable aluminium. It is just a thought. I would love to see it happen, but highly unlikely.
-Tyler
It could be like an experiment. The top of the line model would probably sell less. Kirby may even outsell the competition. The pure simpleness of this possible machine, would make it more attractive to an average customer. The factory could possibly be equipped to make this second machine. The machine would also weight way less than your "plasti vacs", even being made out of durable aluminium. It is just a thought. I would love to see it happen, but highly unlikely.
-Tyler
Alternative Kirby model-this may not be so far fetched.Some consumers may like the idea of a lower priced machine.The return to a dump bag-at least have it as a choice--would appeal to those folks who like bagless machines.
The alternative Kirby model could even be used as a "deal closer" on the higher priced model-the salesman could offer the machine at a special price when purchased with the higher end machine as that "upstairs" or vacation home vacuum.Or he could suggest it could be a gift to a relative or freind.It seems "Lux" offers other models to consumers so they have a choice.
The alternative Kirby model could even be used as a "deal closer" on the higher priced model-the salesman could offer the machine at a special price when purchased with the higher end machine as that "upstairs" or vacation home vacuum.Or he could suggest it could be a gift to a relative or freind.It seems "Lux" offers other models to consumers so they have a choice.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
It would be fun to see more retro vacs. A Convertible with LED lights and plug in attachments would be awesome. It seems to me though retro vacuums don't catch on as well as other items as people in general don't remember them in the same way they do a car or even kitchen appliances.
Also as far as bagless machines, it seems like that's all people buy anymore is bagless uprights. People think all they need is a Walmart bagless upright to clean their house. And I see a lot of people selling their vacuums because "they got laminate floors and have no more carpet". That tells me that they think a vacuum is only for carpets and not hard floors or anything else.
And I think part of the reason bagless uprights are so popular is that is all that the big retailers sell anymore. I like how Sears pushes the idea of the convenience of bagged vacuums and has a good selection of upright and canister vacuums from various brands.
But it seems Sears and Kmart are the last place most people think to buy a new vacuum. Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Lowes, anywhere else that only seems to have bagless uprights is where they go.
And I can understand why people don't want to spend a lot on a vacuum. With all the other things that they have to spend money on that they need and less to spend money on fun things, a vacuum will be pretty low on the list for most.
Also as far as bagless machines, it seems like that's all people buy anymore is bagless uprights. People think all they need is a Walmart bagless upright to clean their house. And I see a lot of people selling their vacuums because "they got laminate floors and have no more carpet". That tells me that they think a vacuum is only for carpets and not hard floors or anything else.
And I think part of the reason bagless uprights are so popular is that is all that the big retailers sell anymore. I like how Sears pushes the idea of the convenience of bagged vacuums and has a good selection of upright and canister vacuums from various brands.
But it seems Sears and Kmart are the last place most people think to buy a new vacuum. Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Lowes, anywhere else that only seems to have bagless uprights is where they go.
And I can understand why people don't want to spend a lot on a vacuum. With all the other things that they have to spend money on that they need and less to spend money on fun things, a vacuum will be pretty low on the list for most.
nycwriter
Well-known member
The problem is ...
... that the Hoover Convertibles and Constellations of old -- built as they used to be built -- would never be able to compete, price-wise, with the cheap plastivacs coming out of China.
Adjusted for inflation, a Hoover Convertible from 1968 would retail for over $600. Who would pay that much for a Convertible-style vacuum when there are so many $100 specials at Walmart?
... that the Hoover Convertibles and Constellations of old -- built as they used to be built -- would never be able to compete, price-wise, with the cheap plastivacs coming out of China.
Adjusted for inflation, a Hoover Convertible from 1968 would retail for over $600. Who would pay that much for a Convertible-style vacuum when there are so many $100 specials at Walmart?
dysonman1
Well-known member
You guys are extremely optimistic. You must understand that virtually no one buys a new Kirby because they are shopping for one. The salesman gains entrance to a home, and does his thing. No distributor would stock two different models, so each salesman has two machines out on consignment. They have enough trouble keeping track of one machine per salesman. A smaller Kirby without power drive would have to be demonstrated to the customer AFTER the more expensive one, making the demo take even longer. The distributor and salesman would make LESS money (something no one wants to do). It would never fly.
super-sweeper
Well-known member
I love optimism!!!!
sptyks
Well-known member
If you want a small light Kirby without Tech Drive, then just buy yourself a 500 series Kirby from ebay or Craig's List. That would also include the D50 and the D80. There seems to be plenty of them to be had. The downside is that they may need some minor repairs.
DesertTortoise
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- Jun 6, 2014
- Messages
- 1,189
Retro looks with modern tech certainly sells motorcycles. Cruisers aside even Ducati got into the game with their GTS 1000 and Paul Smart editions (BMW tried with their fugly R1200C but it didn't sell, and they are trying again with the much more credible R9T, a tribute to the old R90S gentleman's express). The Ducs are beautiful retro looking bikes with modern engines and chassis. They even commissioned Pirelli to make a modern radial tire with the tread design of the iconic old Pirelli MT28 Phantom, a tire every canyon scratcher in California either had on their bike or wished they did. That was the tire that most 70s and early 80's European sport bikes wore. It was symbolic of the bikes and the era so Ducati even sweated getting that detail right, but with a modern radial tire carcass underneath.
Imagine a modern take on a Lewyt 80! Maybe not? Frankly, Kenmore would have to do very little to something like my old cream colored 4.1 to add modern filtration and bring it up to UL standards. The existing old body already has the exhaust air very well segregated and changing a filter on one is super easy. Someone would probably gripe that it doesn't have a 360 degree swivel hose I guess. Sigh.
Imagine a modern take on a Lewyt 80! Maybe not? Frankly, Kenmore would have to do very little to something like my old cream colored 4.1 to add modern filtration and bring it up to UL standards. The existing old body already has the exhaust air very well segregated and changing a filter on one is super easy. Someone would probably gripe that it doesn't have a 360 degree swivel hose I guess. Sigh.
