History of Kirby Vacuum Cleaners

How Kirby Got to the Top

The Kirby Company is a subsidiary of the Scott Fetzer Company, part of the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate overseen by Warren Buffett.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, USA; it is a producer of vacuum cleaners and a multitude of home cleaning accessories.

Kirby vacuum cleaners maintain a retro look reminiscent of the first model dating back to the 1900s. They have earned a strong reputation due to power, versatility, and a long unit lifetime, despite a purchase price significantly higher than most competitors.

The history of Kirby Vacuum Cleaners can be classified into three categories:

• Pre-500 Models
• 500 Series Models
• Post-562 Models

Pre –500 Models - "the beginning" of history of Kirby vacuum cleaners

1906 Unnamed hand-powered centrifugal pump canister-type machine
1906 Unnamed electric-motor-driven centrifugal pump canister-type machine
1910 "Frantz Premier" -- a/k/a "Domestic" -- electric-powered upright
1912 Hand-powered "Grasshopper"
1919 Vacuette Wireless [3-4 different models including the "Improved Vacuette"]
1925 Vacuette Electric [at least two models]
1928 Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System [at least two different models incl. one with on-off switch at the top of the handle]
1928 Aer-Rotor (electric canister-type cleaner)
1935 KIRBY Model R*
19?? KIRBY Model 2R
19?? KIRBY Model 3R
19?? KIRBY Model 4R
19?? KIRBY Model C
1939 KIRBY Model 2C
19?? KIRBY Model 3C
19?? KIRBY Model 4C

500 Series Models - "middle ages" of history of Kirby vacuum cleaners

Model 505 - 1945
It was the first model with the new-patented "Magic Finger" belt lifter instead of a non-functional, decorative cap and the second model with a black rubber handle grip. It introduced all-new black "Ethocel" plastic attachments instead of the earlier vulcanized fiber material.

(There were no models 506 or 507 -- 505 was sold for three years)

Model 508 - 1948
The color scheme was completely redone. Improved motor-driven floor polisher with radiating rows of tufted bristles instead of long, coiled Fuller brush strip.

Model 509 - 1949
Suds-o-gun feature added to sprayer. Hose and bags were redesigned.

Model 510 - 1950
"Triple cushion vibration" feature of rug nozzle and Handi-butler were first introduced.

Model 511 - 1951

Model 512 - 1952
There were not many changes in these models.

Model 513 - 1953
This was an updated model with more attractive color scheme. New stainless-steel rug guard was added to bottom of rug nozzle that runs the entire length of the nozzle. New "push-push" on/off switch was introduced.

Model 514 - 1954
New re-designed, larger, more comfortable plastic handle grip in new red colour. Modernized plastic belt lifter introduced with new, more angular, straight-lined, modernized style "Kirby" cursive logo in red lettering against a silver background.

Model 515 - 1955
Now just a Kirby logo in a circle, no V shapes or stripes. New 10-bladed fan.

Model 516 - 1956
New streamlined motor housing -- motor body, switch, cord connector, axle, all integrated into one smooth unit of polished aluminum gave this model a really a new look in every aspect. Completely new, less-complicated tilt-latch mechanism with metal switch on top of motor housing was also adopted.

Model 517 - 1957

Model 518 - 1958

Model 519 – 1959
Back end of motor housing (the axle part between the rear wheels) made more angular, with a slight inward "dip" in the downward curvature, and the louvres were more evenly and cleanly made; similarly, side louvres were also made more uniform in appearance. These models depict various modifications in design.

Model 560 - 1960

Model 561 -1961
The single major aesthetic change to 560 (& 561), was a lovely new metal, triangular-shaped belt lifter, with the Kirby logo floating over a gorgeous metallic-gold sunburst.

Model 562 - 1962
All new dark-tan color scheme (given the exotic name of "SIRROCO") came into existence.

Post-562 models – "the modern" history of Kirby vacuum cleaners

Here is a list of post-562 models, with corresponding manufacture dates:

1963/64 Sanitronic VII (Sirocco)
1965-67 Dual Sanitronic 50 (Sirocco)
1967-70 Dual Sanitronic 80 (Avocado green)
1967-70 Dual Sanitronic 80 (Avocado green)
1970-73 Classic 1CR (Medium brown, gold bag)
1973-76 Classic Omega 1CB (Dark brown, dark brown pinstriped bag)
1976-79 Classic III 2CB (Candy-apple red, plaid bag)
1979-81 Tradition (Dark blue; intro of paper bag)
1981-84 Heritage (Gray/orange)
1984-89 Heritage II Legend (Charcoal/gray/red)
1989-90 Legend II (Dark rose-pink)
1990-93 Generation 3 (Alabaster)
1993-96 Generation 4 (Medium gray)
1996-99 Generation 5 (Maroon)
1999-01 Generation 6 (Black/Yellow)
2002-05 Kirby Ultimate G
2005-06 Kirby Ultimate G Diamond

As you can see the current models on the market are based on 100 years of history of Kirby vacuum cleaners with all the development and technological advances till now.

Now you know why they are a great choice...

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