GE Filter-Flo Fans

Really, GE's are sort of crap these days. I think the main reason that the Filter-Flo went away in the newer models has to do with their decision to go with an electric drain pump. The original had a motor driven mechanical pump, so filtering was very easy. Also as mentioned, the suspension system of the Filter-Flo's relied on the mechanism and inner tub to swing about requiring the stationary outer tub to be large enough to accommodate that. This is how many solid tub washers worked and it worked OK as they didn't have to fill that larger outer tub with water, only the smaller inner tub. GE kept that design when going to the perforated tubs in the 60's for who knows what reason. It's a simple but crude suspension system that was out of date LONG before they stopped making them in 1995. I still love em though, it's just an example of a company not updating their product over 50 almost years. The tub setup could have been changed, and that damn clutch setup for the speeds. GE says that with the clutch, you get "full speed filtering" even at a lower agitation speed, but the truth is Whirlpool machines had filters too but they still performed on the lower speeds. The multi-speed clutches in the GE's were a COMMON repair as were the transmissions. Overall the machines were simple to work on though, and GE really accessorized the machine in the 70's and on with a lot of cool items (ie. mini-basket). We all have our reasons for liking things, but I myself am amazed that the design lasted for as long as it did. I also wish that GE replaced them with something just a wee bit more reliable than the newer machines are. To me it makes the machines all that more special.

-Tim


Forum Topics & Rules Manuals & Literature	New users Click-here to sign-up

Post# 487779 1/9/2011 at 22:29 (4,854 days old) by Andy (Mount Vernon)
Checkrate/Likes Hey guys, if you liked the filter-flo design of the older GE toploader washing machines, and would like to see that design brought back into style, I have an idea, and I will leave it up to you, if you would like to participate. I recommend going to GE Appliances on Facebook, uploading your filter-flo washher photos to their Fan Photos page, and sending them a request to revive the filter-flo design, including the Activator agitators, mini baskets, speckled ceramic tubs, etc. They will turn your request into their Design Team. It's unlikely they would listen, but then again, there's always that chance that they would bring them back, also. The more people that send in requests, the more likely they are to revive them. Bring back the filte-flo and quality! Happy washing! Andy

Post# 487795 , Reply# 1 1/9/2011 at 23:02 (4,854 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)
Checkrate/Likes *filter flo* would be cool,but the old 1950s design would be way too expensive to make today probably cost GE twice as much to make a filter flo as the '96 up design cost to make. they are also archaic in their water usage as the outer tub has to be oversize to allow for motion of the washbasket.

Post# 487799 , Reply# 2 1/9/2011 at 23:19 (4,854 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY)
Checkrate/Likes *GE Design* Really, GE's are sort of crap these days. I think the main reason that the Filter-Flo went away in the newer models has to do with their decision to go with an electric drain pump. The original had a motor driven mechanical pump, so filtering was very easy. Also as mentioned, the suspension system of the Filter-Flo's relied on the mechanism and inner tub to swing about requiring the stationary outer tub to be large enough to accommodate that. This is how many solid tub washers worked and it worked OK as they didn't have to fill that larger outer tub with water, only the smaller inner tub. GE kept that design when going to the perforated tubs in the 60's for who knows what reason. It's a simple but crude suspension system that was out of date LONG before they stopped making them in 1995. I still love em though, it's just an example of a company not updating their product over 50 almost years. The tub setup could have been changed, and that damn clutch setup for the speeds. GE says that with the clutch, you get "full speed filtering" even at a lower agitation speed, but the truth is Whirlpool machines had filters too but they still performed on the lower speeds. The multi-speed clutches in the GE's were a COMMON repair as were the transmissions. Overall the machines were simple to work on though, and GE really accessorized the machine in the 70's and on with a lot of cool items (ie. mini-basket). We all have our reasons for liking things, but I myself am amazed that the design lasted for as long as it did. I also wish that GE replaced them with something just a wee bit more reliable than the newer machines are. To me it makes the machines all that more special. -Tim