Thread Number: 7608
New Kirby Info
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Post# 83859   11/11/2009 at 14:35 (5,251 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        

Okay so I am new here and going to trey not to get in too much trouble by posting this but once everyone saw it they would get as excited as I did. This is what I believe is the new model Kirby that is going to be coming out. The Patent holder "The Scott Fetzer Company" has done work in the past for The Kirby Company, they are also located in Cleveland OH only a few miles away from The Kirby Companies Corporate office.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO isufan11's LINK


Post# 83860 , Reply# 1   11/11/2009 at 14:44 (5,251 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        

I forgot these ones as well


CLICK HERE TO GO TO isufan11's LINK


Post# 83861 , Reply# 2   11/11/2009 at 14:45 (5,251 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        

more

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Post# 83862 , Reply# 3   11/11/2009 at 15:05 (5,251 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Wow - that IS radically different! Glad to *finally* see some change and innovation! I'm intrigued to see what the final product will look like - I wonder what colour scheme they picked?

Post# 83863 , Reply# 4   11/11/2009 at 15:31 (5,251 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        
Agreed

I am kind of excited to see the bag returning to the back again, I also like the fact that they are still staying true to there heritage, and keeping a metal base.

Post# 83865 , Reply# 5   11/11/2009 at 15:49 (5,251 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
very nice

kirbymodel2c's profile picture
It looks nice if it is what they have planned.
I thought some1 off here said it was going to be Electric blue in colour?

James


Post# 83866 , Reply# 6   11/11/2009 at 15:58 (5,251 days old) by vintagehoover ()        
Observations...

- I'm curious about the provision for a powernozzle...I can't see why you'd want to hook that up to a direct-air upright which already has a revolving brush...

- A separate, smaller bag for when you use it as a handheld/matress cleaner: does it require a second sort of dust bag? Maybe you fit a standard Kirby bag, but fold it in half?

- I'm looking at all those many belts and gears; why do I find myself thinking of Ira Lee and Sweeper-Vac? I wonder how reliable they'll prove to be, and how much maintenance they'll require...

- Will that toothed belt tangle with fluff and threads?

- What about TechDrive? I assume it's still a feature? How's the weight been affected by all this new technology?

- It looks like a pretty complicated mechanism...being Kirby, I'm sure it's been tested to the Nth degree if they're confident enough to take this huge leap forward.


Post# 83868 , Reply# 7   11/11/2009 at 16:26 (5,251 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
Thanks Jon for digging up these patent applications and for posting them. It's easy to see the design relationship to the all metal Kirby tech-Drive KIRBY upright with various familiar attachment solutions in these proposals.

It would be a big leap forward from the Sentria Series if indeed this turns out to be the Next Generation Kirby.

But let us not lose focus that these are simply patent applications for ideas so that their butts are covered should Kirby/Scott-Feltzer (one is a division of the other) decide to produce this machine next or put them on hold for another decade or even choose to bypass this design altogether - the individual 'imagineering' component designs are now legally registered and protected.

I do admire the new package and am having fun pouring over the drawings and text on printouts I just made. The previous thread on 'the next Kirby' makes for amusing reading, as well. Wild speculation is an enjoyable exercise in 'What If' but only an official press release will confirm what one hopes is a new model KIRBY Series in the pipeline. Let us pray...

Dave


Post# 83869 , Reply# 8   11/11/2009 at 16:43 (5,251 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        
There is a new Kirby Coming

After speaking with a friend over at Kirby he told me that there is a new vacuum coming within the next 6 months, and they are going to be winding down the production of the Sentria. He also told me that the vacuum in the patents is one that was first designed for them in the early 2000's and the patent was applied for but never, pursued until late 2007. Doing patent research, I have been able to see that they have applied for patents on every facet of this new machine, form the tech-drive, to the handle, wheels, hose, bag holder assembly, and so on. A patent cost about $60k-$150k. With so many patents being applied for and issued to Kirby, Scott-Feltzer, and Design Crew 2, (Kirby's in house design team) makes me, as well as my insider believe that this is the new model. Of course they could just be trying to throw us off.

Post# 83870 , Reply# 9   11/11/2009 at 17:31 (5,251 days old) by joe22 ()        

WOW, thank you for finding this out.

Post# 83874 , Reply# 10   11/11/2009 at 18:28 (5,251 days old) by bisonian (Where the buffalo roamed! (Ocala, FL))        
Just to Clarify...

"The Patent holder "The Scott Fetzer Company" has done work in the past for The Kirby Company, they are also located in Cleveland OH only a few miles away from The Kirby Companies Corporate office."

No. Scott-Fetzer is the PARENT company of Kirby, and always has been. S-F also owns the Douglas brand, Campbell-Hausfeld air compressors and a number of other companies.

Since 1985, Scott-Fetzer itself has been a division of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.


Post# 83875 , Reply# 11   11/11/2009 at 18:49 (5,251 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

*Barf*

:*(


Post# 83877 , Reply# 12   11/11/2009 at 19:16 (5,251 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Alex, remember that patent drawings are to help protect specific technologies, and are not necessarily indicative of the exact styling of the finished product.

Unless, of course, you find a patent for the styling of the finished product!


Post# 83880 , Reply# 13   11/11/2009 at 20:50 (5,251 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

Well, if it turns out anything like what this sketch shows....

RIP Kirby. ;)


Post# 83881 , Reply# 14   11/11/2009 at 21:06 (5,251 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        
Regarding the ever so illuminating comment "*Barf* &quo

aeoliandave's profile picture
as a contribution to an interesting discussion thread in which most posters have shown a positive angle and well thought out debate now that the possibility of a New Kirby appears to be a near certainty...

What are ya? 15?

Oh, right.....


Post# 83882 , Reply# 15   11/11/2009 at 21:22 (5,251 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Who knows, it may not as bad as I thought!

caligula's profile picture
I know Kirby patents and trust me, there were several odd ball designs from time to time, even some from Jim Kirby himself!

If I understand the drawings correctly there are 2 designs. The more or less "standard Kirby and the newly designed carpet nozzle with hose and wand assembly. There also seems to be a completely redesigned handle as well. Believe it or not, I sort of like it! If there are 2 designs to choose from, the standard and the upgraded I can deal with it.

I notice the bag is in back instead of on the side which makes me think no Sani-Em-tor, but I can live with that too. So Kirby is changing with the times! If we must, we must. And maybe, just maybe, Jim Kirby is not turning in his grave after all, and approves of this.

For me, the bottom line is that I'll stick with my 1-C, 2-C, 512, D50, D80, Classic series and G series. Give my a 1-C, or Classic 111 any day.

Alex Taber


Post# 83883 , Reply# 16   11/11/2009 at 21:38 (5,251 days old) by kirbyotronic ()        

No need to get your panties in a bunch now. I think I'm entitled to my own personal opinion. Yes, it's great that there's some change after all these years, but this doesn't even sound like it's a Kirby.

Oh, I'm 14 by the way.



Post# 83884 , Reply# 17   11/11/2009 at 22:14 (5,251 days old) by isufan11 (Minneapolis )        

I know many people like there Kirby's for one reason or another, I personally love the chrome, ballooning bag and the "classic vacuum" design that they offer. Lets look on the plus side though if this is the Kirby design they are going with at least they tried to stay true to its heritage, they did not turn it into a "Plastic" or "bag-less" which are what everyone else did or is doing. I was at a local store the other day and saw an Electrolux professional that was almost all plastic now, or even the 100 year anniversary Hoover Convertible that was nothing like the original. So my hats off to Kirby for trying to keep true to themselves while adapting to what the consumer tends to be moving towards.

Post# 83885 , Reply# 18   11/11/2009 at 22:53 (5,251 days old) by normvac (COLUMBUS, OHIO)        
I love it !

I think the new possible Kirby generation is an awesome leap
in the right direction. One thing I would have to say having
lived with and repaired all Kirby's since 1970. I will NOT
buy the first one. They will need to come out with a second
edition of the first. As they tend to not alwas have a complete or workable product the first time around !
Just my experience. I would probably have to have one if it
encludes everything that is holding on the Patent drawing.
Then I can say the potential I saw back in 1959 or there about. With the Westinghouse, combo that went NO where and
greatfully so. Kirby did it and did it right, after 40 years!!!
AT least within my life time ! So for all of you bagless
fans! Except for the Dyson's they (In my humble opinion) are the only
"real bagless" worthwhile machine !
Norm
Just my personal thoughts and perspective ! Not intending to
change any one elses mind or preferences !


Post# 83888 , Reply# 19   11/11/2009 at 23:18 (5,251 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Okay, so Kirby is upgrading!

caligula's profile picture
Seeing the second set of patents pleases me and draws it into better perspective. Please understand this everybody, as I said before, I'm not at all happy with the new Kirby design, but I can live with it! As I also said in my previous post. If we must, we must!

These patent drawings are abstract and give an over-all idea of what the "new Kirby" might look like. Till it goes into production nobody knows for sure. What I see, I can live with! Am I to believe that because there are no cord hooks, there is some sort of cord rewind feature? I've been in favor of that since I gave my first training class in 1976 (Classic Omega). However, it also means that the cord is no longer detachable. An idea I don't like! I also like the way the hose connects to the main housing, and the over-all design. I just checked my Kirby patent book and found patent # 2,648,396. Filed Feb. 3, 1949 by Jim Kirby himself. Interesting similar to the 2010 concept. The question is about other Kirby features. Rug Renovator, Mirical head, shoulder portable and whatnot.

I guess we will have to wait and see.

Alex Taber.


Post# 83889 , Reply# 20   11/12/2009 at 01:36 (5,251 days old) by kirbyultimateg (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

It sounds like that the new Kirby model is very radical in design.
I wish Kirby would bring back the Heritage II with a metal fan.


Post# 83897 , Reply# 21   11/12/2009 at 07:07 (5,250 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)        

countryguy's profile picture
I like the new design with the bag behind the handle. I always find the bag on the right side gets in the way when trying to vacuum close to the wall on that side. Attaching/detaching the brushroll looks a lot simpler - no more belt lifter - and attaching the hose looks easier also. Being able to add an electrified hose and power nozzle might be nice for those times when you are doing a thorough house cleaning, rug and above the floor and being able to switch back and forth. When you just want to vacuum the carpets then you can use the Kirby in the standard way. I have an Ultimate G and I use it mainly when I am vacuuming the carpets only. When I am doing a full cleaning I use my FQ with power nozzle.

Overall, I like the design.

Gary


Post# 83903 , Reply# 22   11/12/2009 at 08:22 (5,250 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
The last company to bring back an old favorite was Hoover with the Stainless Steel (or White) Constellation even as dark forces were gathering at the gates. Sure it was made in China and much of the interior fittings were plastic but the styling and suction remained intact. To me this is the last of the true Hoovers...with the 100th Anniversary Series from TTI a final dying gasp, as I imagine the Centennial Editions were the last to have actual input from North Canton. As for the machines we see today lining the aisles of Big Box and Department Stores or small independent Vacuum Shops, with the purloined Hoover Bug slapped on, let no one for one minute in their most fervent wishful fantasies believe that these are 'Hoover'. You can now find these SS Connies un-opened in the box for less than $75 if you search far and wide enough. I intend to put a deserved 100th Anniversary sticker on mine. :-)

If Kirby can make a go of it (and I believe they can judging from what these radical and eminently practical designs suggest) re-interpreting their own legacy machines as all-new, unique and quality machines that look and operate like no other on the market then they will soldier on as the last of the Great American Vacuums. Electrolux and Compact/Tristar have managed to keep afloat producing the same basic configurations that will today set you back in excess of $2000. There will always be a market for Maseratis, Maybachs, Veyrons and Aston Martins, too. Then along comes Fisker with his uber-luxury Electric Vehicle appealing to the same but less conservative crowd of early adopters - he will sell every automobile he produces.

Kirby occupies a singular and lofty niche in high end versatile metal vacuums for which discerning consumers have been content to pay the asking price as Sentrias evolved from the G Series and with that kind of willing customer base a smaller company like Kirby will have no need or temptation to over produce product. Kirby has enjoyed steady success over many decades and has not had to cater to the masses with a cheaper secondary economy line with the Kirby name applied on something plastic. Riccar and Miele own their targeted markets because they take the same basic design and offer upgrades from economy model to top-of-the-line.

Should this new machine be produced primarily in cast metal as the patents indicate, whether to these exact specs or something equally innovative that allows for Kirby's legendary power and versatility, then folks will buy it and thank their lucky stars such a fine device is still available.

Certainly Kirby could put out this new machine at a more attractive and more widely attainable price point if they opted to replace body & nozzle castings and things like the handle with plastic but I bet they will not and would not do so - that is not their style.

I'm so wishing for the best outcome my wisher is sore; I won't be able to afford a new one but then, that's why I'm a collector of fine vintage machines to satisfy that craving for well built products.

Within 6 months, you say? Be still my anxious heart...

Dave.


Post# 83905 , Reply# 23   11/12/2009 at 09:33 (5,250 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        

I'll reserve my judgement until I see it. I love Kirbys, but I never end up keeping them because it's not a good fit for my home because of cleaning obstacles like stairs, low furniture, etc. I'm glad to see Kirby is still a good fit for plenty of folks, as evidenced by the fact that they're still in business.

Post# 83908 , Reply# 24   11/12/2009 at 10:26 (5,250 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        
New Kirby Prototype

Yes, I'm with you John. The final product will tell the tale. All in all, not a bad looking machine. I only wonder how much of it will still be aluminum? I hope the bag graphics will be a little more conservative with this one. Ever since the G4, they keep coming out with wacky prints. It's cool that they have two different bag systems - reminiscent of what Air-Way did on their Sanitary System when converted to handheld use. Also, I hope the machine is polished aluminum and not painted, maybe coated with some sort of lacquer so the aluminum does not tarnish. For the first time in history, Kirby will have a "BagInTheBack," and for the first time in more than 60 years a switch in the handle!

Post# 83911 , Reply# 25   11/12/2009 at 11:44 (5,250 days old) by joe22 ()        

any royal fans remember when royal put out the *powercast* radical in design, 2 motors, hard bag compartments, and much heaver than the normal metal upright. it was an innovative design.

they were dropped from production pretty fast, there is no way to really improve on the basic design, brush, fan, dirt in the bag. royal went back to the basic design with pretty colors for the outerbag (green, maroon, various blues)

just a thought shared. . .joe


Post# 83914 , Reply# 26   11/12/2009 at 13:09 (5,250 days old) by whirlpolf ()        
hope it will stay a "person"....

What I like about the new style:
- Nice to have a smaller bag in the hand-held setup (I found that folding of a long bag strange all the way through).
- If I understood the drawings correctly, this would be an easier way of changing the front accessories (not that the regular belt lifter was bad, not at all: sturdy and reliable - BUT making 4-5 different hand movements just to get a nozzle off?) Looking forward for a simple "click and done" solution.
- odd thing: why have that extra motor brush when you have the power brush anyway?

But one thing is most important to me, no matter what the new design is:
I find Kirbys have sort of a "personality", more than other vacuums: This friendly (sometimes somewhat grumpy) roar of the brush roll, the singing whine of the motor joining in and all along this the neverending stormy rushing sound of the air streaming up the fill hose ("...bet you, I will never be out of breath" it seems to say).
Overall just it is just like having an old, dear and reliable sheperd dog in your home, grumpy and "hmmpf" at times, but never leaving you alone.
(Right, since the introduction of the Tech-Drive, a sheperd with a cat biting his ass, but still a nice set of friendly and helpful pets.)
Somehow Kirbys always have "bushy eyebrows" to me, very much like the blue eagle of the muppets show. Distiguished, yet "no-nonsense" attitude.

Is this too "artsy"? I feel all my Kirbys are alive somehow ;-)


Post# 83921 , Reply# 27   11/12/2009 at 14:53 (5,250 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
traditonal bag

thunderhexed's profile picture
I'm just happy to see that they are potentially going to stick with a traditional soft bag design. I personally have never been a fan of emptying dust cups and cleaning filters after every vacuuming, plus i feel still having a soft bag is part of what sets Kirby apart from the rest (not to mention the big bucks they rake in from selling those disposeable bags!). They should be lined with Kryptonite at those prices!!

Post# 83928 , Reply# 28   11/12/2009 at 17:50 (5,250 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        
"They should be lined with Kryptonite at those prices!!

Well, yes, but who's to say you have to use GENUINE Kirby bags? I find the knockoffs work quite nicely ;-)

Post# 83930 , Reply# 29   11/12/2009 at 17:59 (5,250 days old) by thunderhexed (Edmond, OK)        
kinda odd like that...

thunderhexed's profile picture
well, I'm kinda strange i guess. I just like supporting Kirby and I like using genuine products. I kinda feel like using a generic bag in a high end vacuum would be like taking my Infiniti to a jiffy lube or wal-mart for maintenance. I like the whole experience. :) I have no doubt that the generics work just as well, it's just an idiosyncrasy of mine. Besides, it gives me a chance to pop into the various vac shops around town to see what might be lurking in a corner for sale :).

Post# 83934 , Reply# 30   11/12/2009 at 19:31 (5,250 days old) by vinvac (Dubuque IA)        

vinvac's profile picture
Kirby Bags may be expensive...but they sure do filter well. The brown paper looking bags are awesome and I am now just trying to use the cloth type...so far, not a spec of leaked dust...

And your not shaking out a dirt cup and having it all come back in your face...no matter how carefull you are, any of the bagless machines with filters or cyclones...you still have to mess with a certain amount of yuck! With my Kirby, you remove the bag, take a damp cloth and wipe the inlet tube...boom your off and running for another month.

My only complaint with my Kirby is that my house is not big enough...the Kirby doesn't work well here for that reason. However, neither would a Dyson due to the bulky head on it.






Morgan


Post# 83936 , Reply# 31   11/12/2009 at 20:41 (5,250 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        

I guess it doesn't look as bad as I thought it might... wonder how true to that design the real one will be. I think it will be good to have the bag in the back so the Kirby won't tip to one side when full. I'm glad they will be keeping the power drive and excited about the prospect of a power nozzle, I've often wondering about the first real upright/canister in one machine. Not so crazy about the loop style handle though, I've never liked those.

Wow, Morgan, you wipe the inlet tube when you change the bag? That's pretty clean! I know what you mean about small places... the Kirby and Dyson both are hard to fit under things. I have a small 1 bedroom apartment, and in small spaces, frequent changing of direction is required. With the weight and transmission in the Kirby, I feel like I'm backing up a bus when I have to change directions... it should really beep when reversing. Due to the transmission, I have gotten my toes a few times on the back stroke (usually with the power drive dial-a-matic more than the Kirby has done it too).


Post# 83937 , Reply# 32   11/12/2009 at 20:45 (5,250 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()        
By the way

... It's hard for me to even comprehend a new Kirby at this point... I've never even touched a Sentria yet!

Post# 83943 , Reply# 33   11/12/2009 at 21:34 (5,250 days old) by frkirby511 ()        
Kirbys ...can't beat 'em!!!!

I have to agree completely with Morgan. I have not found any vaccuum as clean and odor free as the Kirby with filtrete bags including Electrolux which I sold for 4 years in college.

I find the enclosed cases with bags develop an odor unless you use a new bag each time. The dirt cup, bagless indeed are impossible to empty without getting some mess back at you.

But the bagged uprights with a cloth bag seem to avoid getting an odor. I found this especially with the filtrete bags. You can leave them in for a month and they remain fresh.

Of course I still use my Luxes...they are so classic...but... if I had to choose it would end up being my Kirbys first.

I use the Filtrete bags on my G-6, Legend, and a 519 fitted with a Legend II Mini-emptor and assembly. They are great!

As far as the new Kirby...its fascinating to me what they seem to be doing with it from the drawings presented in this thread. The "power nozzle," is intriguing. Like to see the rest of the planned attachments.

The shampooer seems to have gotten some improvement; but hard to tell exactly what they have in mind for collecting the dirty suds. It says there is a tray..but I couldn't see it. I wonder if the bag is going to come off the handle or if there will be another handle just for the shampooer??? The bag looks pretty fixed into the handle..but then its a Kirby--the first "transformer...!"

I wonder about the floor buffer..always liked that. And with so many more hardwood floors, surely they will not abandon that item. In fact, I can't imagine them not giving the hard-floor care a bit of a boost. So maybe there is more to come; but from what I read in the text above they didn't mention it.

I would definitely trust Kirby to land on its feet and come up with a first rate cleaning machine.

Bruce,
Memphis, TN



Post# 83958 , Reply# 34   11/13/2009 at 03:08 (5,250 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The info on the PROPOSED Kirby is interesting-and unique.Truely a change from the "G" platform.I do like the "powernozzle" attachment-but DON'T like the external cord wrapped on the hose-PATHETIC for a machine like a Kirby.The wires should go into the hose like the other makes.Much better.The Powernozzle would be handy for places the regular upright config won't fit.Why not put a separate motor in the main carpet nozzle too?eleiminate that complex Rube Goldberg belt system.Quite contrary any vac including the Kirby outer bags will pick up odors in time.Esp if the user cleans up after some types of "smelly" dogs.You will have to change bags more often-have the outer one cleaned or replaced-and have the fan and fancase washed regularly.And with the new wired roller drive system-separate motor-we could have a motored hand tool as well.No more air powered ones.And they could bring back their hair clippers-again with the electric motor and connected to the hose so the airstream picks up the hair clippings as they are cut-Kirbys answer to the Flowbee!And a motorized "Handy Butler toolkit.That could be more powerful than the air powered one and could do some serious work.I am looking forward to whatever new model Kirby introduces-We just have to HURRY UP AND WAIT!!6 Months sounds about right-with the Kirby dist I have dealt with-the new models were introduced in the spring-typically to one city as a "test Market"If it works well in the test market-the machine is then distributed nationwide.I am sure the Kirby guy here will call me when the new model does come out-for the area I am in I did buy among the first of the Sentria customers.

Post# 83993 , Reply# 35   11/13/2009 at 22:58 (5,249 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
just pray TTI

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
doesn't try to get it's claws on any of this. Think if they acquired Kirby as well..........

Post# 84007 , Reply# 36   11/14/2009 at 00:21 (5,249 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

If TTI bought up or "obtained" Kirby it would be the kiss of death for Kirby-Under their name Kirby would turn into another cheap plastic Chinese vacuum.I am thinking TTI is to vacuums-what WCI was to major appliances.
Another thought on that new proposed Kirby-it would appeal more to people whose homes have "mixed" flooring.The traditional Kirby is great for folks that have acres of wall-to-wall carpets in their house.Another thing for that Kirby-make a straight suction floor nozzle with brushes on the rear nozzle lips.Perfect for large hard floor areas.


Post# 84071 , Reply# 37   11/15/2009 at 10:13 (5,247 days old) by ohio_tuec ()        

"DON'T like the external cord wrapped on the hose-PATHETIC for a machine like a Kirby. The wires should go into the hose like the other makes."

Well yes I agree, but this is Kirby's first attempt at an electrified hose. For what a customer pays for one, I think the wires should be hidden as well. While they do make a superior machine, once again Kirby is LATE TO THE GAME. They didn't start using a disposable bag system until 1979! Air-Way had one 59 years earlier. Hoover already had one thirty years prior.


Post# 84072 , Reply# 38   11/15/2009 at 11:03 (5,247 days old) by vintagehoover ()        

Remember, the drawings are illustrative of the specific technology relevant to the patent, and do to necessarily represent the exact final appearance of the product...

Post# 84074 , Reply# 39   11/15/2009 at 11:17 (5,247 days old) by rickenbacker ()        
wow

This looks like one of the most interesting kirbys Ive ever seen

this could be a new changing point for design

i.e. classic, generation series

Charlie


Post# 84530 , Reply# 40   11/23/2009 at 09:50 (5,239 days old) by vacfanatic (Omaha, NE)        
Dealer Info

vacfanatic's profile picture
I just bought a new Sentria yesterday, and the dealer brought it over - no demonstration needed for me obviously. Well I had asked him if he had any information on the new model coming out but he simply stated "Well Kirby is always coming out with something new you know..." - Not sure if he really didn't know much about the new model coming out, or if he is just not allowed to disclose any details.

He is an older guy, has been in the business for about 25 years - Since this is an Eastern Iowa Kirby dealer, they may not be up on the latest and greatest as much as say a larger city would with possibly one or more dealers.

While I do like to see new things evolve, I can't say that anything about these patent drawings have given me any urge to wait. I quickly grabbed a Sentria before they are gone. (I know there are others of us here who feel the same :-) ). It will be intersting to see how the new model really is once it comes out. I however, have been through hell and back a few times on first generation products, not just vacuums. I decided to go with the tried and true, and I'll just sit back and watch the newborn evolve.

Andrew


Post# 84537 , Reply# 41   11/23/2009 at 13:36 (5,239 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
I'll stay with my 1-C thank you!

caligula's profile picture
I have little interest in NEW stuff! I said it before, I'll say it again, give me a 1-C, 2- C and so on up to the D-80, from that point on, too new!

Alex Taber


Post# 84869 , Reply# 42   11/28/2009 at 13:29 (5,234 days old) by trebor ()        
New Kirby design

The smaller bag for portable use is not new, it dates all the way back to straight-suction Health Mors, Royals,and Electro-Hygienes.

The power nozzle outlet has been installed om Kirbys before, just not at the factory. It allows much more through lint and hair pickup under beds, and the use of an electric mini nozzle for stairs and upholstery.

The new design appears simpler to use, but more likely to suffer damage from careless use.

It will be interesting to see.

BTW Kirby sales are doing well here, with an averge price of 1200.00 with a trade in. ALL eight of the local vacuum shops sell a ton of Kirby belt, bags and shampoo.


Post# 84922 , Reply# 43   11/29/2009 at 00:24 (5,234 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Looked the bag feed from the suction fan-this looks like a potential clog area-lets see-toothpicks,wads of dog or people hair,or small wads of paper-I know people expect the vacuum to pick those up.And the intakes look like they could clog too-they don't have the large intake openings like the other Kirbys do.I would be concerned about the complex-"Rube Goldberg" brush belt drive system for the carpet nozzle-better to replace all of that mess with a motor.Kirby would go Twin Motor!That would be much better-I can see that drive system pictured to become a NIGHTMARE for Kirby owners and repair techs.Since the attachments have some sort of electrical connection-the 2nd motor makes more sense.

Post# 372166 , Reply# 44   5/14/2017 at 11:24 (2,510 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        

crazykirbydude's profile picture
Looks a bit like a Bison.

Post# 372235 , Reply# 45   5/16/2017 at 22:03 (2,508 days old) by Oreck_XL (Brooklyn, New York 11211)        

oreck_xl's profile picture
It does, but now the $64,000.00 question is will we EVER see it? I thought the prototype machine shown above would've been the new Avalir. Sadly, that ship has sailed and it ended up being just another warmed over Generation series machine. After 27 years, it's definitely time for a change.

Post# 372365 , Reply# 46   5/19/2017 at 01:03 (2,506 days old) by Shrink1982 (Indianapolis)        

shrink1982's profile picture
Scott Feltzer owns Kirby


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