Used Kirby

I see a lot of used Kirby's for sale lately and am wondering what to look for when purchasing a used unit. What are the pros and cons of a Kirby vacuum. I hear they perform well, but are they really that much better than other commercial vacuums?

they are big and heavy I see most people use them for coat racks

we have a g3, its okay has assisted wheels

but it just doesnt have much weight up front right on the brush roll, it doesnt work well on low pile carpet

I like the sanitaire better, but also I think its hard to beat the bissel cleanview for 80 bucks brand new

buy one and try it side by side with a solid commercial vac and youll see why I like it

Hey Eric, go by Parish Vacuum on Bragg blvd. it's on the left just after you come off the off ramp of the MLK. Ed is the owner. I buy and repair all my vacuums with him. He has all different models. I have two Kirby's on one the vans. Just don't pay a lot for a used model. And by all means don't by new.

Yeah, I've heard that they're heavy. I don't know how the new drive assist helps with pushing it around.
Nice to know that they don't perform well on low pile. My Sanitaire is excellent at that.
After seeing retail and used or refurbished prices I would never consider buying new. $2500 new, $50-500 used.
Always heard that Kirby was the ultimate. Thanks for the input.

I have not experienced any problems on low pile with a Kirby.  In fact, I've used them on walk-offs in store fronts to suck up the gravel and ice melt residue and it did a better job than my ProTeam 1500 vac.

They are heavy for a vac, but what in your van isn't a little heavy?  That rotary isn't light, that swinger or orbital isn't light, so why the issue with a good vacuum?  It isn't any worse than a full 7qt inline sprayer to carry off your van.

As for models, they are all almost identical on the inside, so it doesn't matter too much, but you will want the assist motor and hepa bags which came along with the G4 series (I believe that it is correct).

My personal favorite is the Ultimate G Diamond Edition as it was the only model with 2 vacuum speeds for when you are using it on more delicate items.  This is my residential model and it has served me well.  I use a G4 on commercial jobs.

You should be able to find a nice model for $75 on the older ones and $150-$200 on the newer models.  Parts all interchange and are readily available cheap, so don't be scared by the age.  When inspecting a unit, listen for any clicking noises in the assist motor and let it run for 15 minutes to see if it overheats or smells overly hot.

These are great vacuums that come with a million attachments, but their only weakness for me is that you have to remove the head to attach the hose to run those tools.  The head just pops off, but I do wish there was a way to just plug a hose into the vac stream without that step.

For me, if it is commercial where there will be lots of popcorn stuck along the walls or something like that, then pass on the kirby as you will be wasting time taking the hose off / on.  For everything else, they make a great tool.

I have 2 Ultimate Gs Diamond Edition. You have three different levels on the brush roll when you install them I always go with number 2. The direct drive makes it easy to push. built like a tank never clog.

I've never gotten the fascination with Kirby. It's the only vacuum we had growing up. My mom was sold on them. I never liked them, and still don't. And.....I'm a vacuumaholic.

Sebo, Lindhaus, Dyson.

Thanks for the inspection tips Mil.

I like em cause employees play the shot Olympics with them.