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Kirbys 1956 to 1969
Kirby Model 516 (1956-1957)
Kirby's first big redesign since the 1930s.
The motor is now covered by a housing giving it a sleeker and more modern design.
Safety switch is now redesigned.
The 'Handi-Butler' is redesigned and updated.
The motor is now covered by a housing giving it a sleeker and more modern design.
Safety switch is now redesigned.
The 'Handi-Butler' is redesigned and updated.
Kirby Model 516
The bag design is plain grey with a circular redesigned logo on it.
Kirby Model 516
The belt lifter is redesigned and there is now a bag guard around the bottom of the bag where it meets the Sani-Emtor to help protect the bag.
The handle fork is now wider.
The handle fork is now wider.
Kirby Model 516
There is now a redesigned on/off switch with a red button on it making it more eye-catching.
The straight suction rug nozzle and swivel connector appears but is not part of the standard attachements they was optional extras and came in their own box matching the pattern of the main boxes.
The straight suction rug nozzle and swivel connector appears but is not part of the standard attachements they was optional extras and came in their own box matching the pattern of the main boxes.
Kirby Model 516
The wheels are now grey smooth plastic instead of the black rubber.
The front wheel axle is now wider increasing its stability.
The front wheel axle is now wider increasing its stability.
Kirby Model 516
The more integral handle tilt latch has a metal button on it. This was only on the 516. From the 517 it was plastic and matched the colour of the Kirby.
Kirby Model 516
The Kirby 516 was grey with red female and male plug ends.
The male plug had the Kirby logo on it but no yet connector to attach it to the cord when winding it up.
The male plug had the Kirby logo on it but no yet connector to attach it to the cord when winding it up.
Kirby Model 516
Side angle of the redesigned Sani-Emtor. The tray was still grey which ran all the way to the Kirby Model 561. 'Sweet-Aire' liquid now came in a smart red can.
Kirby Model 516
The fan casing was now also updated. A rubber gasket was added to the front of the fan case where the power nozzle attaches so it gave a better seal against suction loss.
Kirby Model 517 (1957-1958)
The Kirby 516 and 517 were practically the same machine except the tilt latch button was now red plastic. Cord connector now appears on the plug. Also the crevice tool was redesigned with an added brush tip; Never offered on any crevice tool before.
Kirby Model 517
It introduced the suction relief valve on the main head.
Kirby Model 518 (1958-1959)
The Kirby Model 518 introduced the new "Speckled" pattern bag.
Kirby Model 518
Full angle view.
Kirby Model 518
Straight on view.
Kirby Model 518
Side View
Kirby Model 518
The male plug now has the cord connector on the back so when you wound the cord up it would attach to the cord keeping it neatly together. This appeared on the Kirby Model 517.
Kirby Model 518
The middle handle section now has grooves in it instead of being smooth, shiney metal on previous models.
Kirby Model 518
The wheels now had textured grooves instead of being smooth as on the 516/517.
Kirby Model 519 (1959-1960)
Angled view. The 518 and 519 are very similar models except the 519 had some motor improvements increasing efficiency.
The hose end that attached to the hose coupler is now red plastic.
The hose end that attached to the hose coupler is now red plastic.
Kirby Model 519
Full cross view.
Kirby Models 560 (1960-1960) 561 (1961-1962)
The Kirby 560 introduced the new style metal triangular belt lifter with the red and white Kirby logo surrounded with an attractive gold sunburst design.
This gave the new belt lifter strength and beauty.
This gave the new belt lifter strength and beauty.
Kirby Model 561(1961-1962)
The Kirby 561 introduced the Kirby Handi Waxer.
Kirby Model 561
Close up.
Kirby Model 561
Kirby 561 handle and bag hanger view.
Kirby Model 561
The side-angled view of the power plant.
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