Thread Number: 37242
Huebsch ZFN50R Arrived Today!!!!
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Post# 553760   11/3/2011 at 02:47 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Hello everyone.

My Huebsch ZFN50R finally arrived today. The final price for it was $1896 (In Canadian Dollars) including shipping, delivery and installation. I ordered it on September 26, but the wait was worth it. This is considered to be a "Non-Core" item because of the rear control panel, most people want the front one.

Since Huebschman wanted a bunch of pictures, I'll include them into this thread.

I have thought about modifying it with a higher water level, but it seems to get my clothing washed just fine the way it's already set up. Don't fix it if it isn't broken, right?

First, I'll start with a head on shot of the washer itself...





Post# 553761 , Reply# 1   11/3/2011 at 02:49 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Second Washer Pic

Here it is next to my GE Dryer, which will eventually be replaced with the matching Huebsch dryer, which I believe is the ZDE4BR. Notice how much wider the dryer is as opposed to the washer...

Post# 553762 , Reply# 2   11/3/2011 at 02:51 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Control Panel Shot!

Here's a nice closeup picture of the control panel. It's fairly simple in comparison to other washers. In all honesty, not much to look at. I personally I'm not all that hot on the design of the knobs, but they do look tough and durable.

Post# 553763 , Reply# 3   11/3/2011 at 02:55 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Close up of the front

Here's a nice close up of the front. Don't worry, the condensation on the glass is from the washer being outside. The rim of the door is plastic, but the glass is nice and thick, no plastic there!

Post# 553764 , Reply# 4   11/3/2011 at 02:58 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Closeup of the tub

Check out the number of holes, but more to the point, the completely integrated metal paddles in the tub! This is what my hard earned dollars paid for. No plastic parts to hold bacteria, mildew or mold here! As odd as this sounds, I kind of like the "Styling" of the rear of the tub, it looks very industrial.

Post# 553765 , Reply# 5   11/3/2011 at 03:02 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Maiden wash!!

OK, Here was the real test. The specifications said that the tub has a 3.3 cu.ft volume, which isn't as large as some of the other washers on the market.

The picture here shows my double-sized comforter crammed into the tub. I did have to put a little bit of effort to get it into the machine, but it did fit.. but just barely.

I'm sure some of you will say, "That's not going to get cleaned, you've overloaded the machine!" ... Perhaps.. But compared to my GE, it's better.


Post# 553766 , Reply# 6   11/3/2011 at 03:03 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
... and with the door closed.

Here's the same comforter with the door closed. I had to hold the door closed to get the machine to start, otherwise the door light would flash. They really do build these things tough.

Post# 553767 , Reply# 7   11/3/2011 at 03:05 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Hot water!

Here's some water vapor coming out of the soap dispenser. I washed the comforter on the hot setting. My water heater keeps the hot water at about 80 C. I thought it was kind of neat to watch.

Post# 553769 , Reply# 8   11/3/2011 at 03:06 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Some french labelling...

I took the time to add the optional french detergent warning label on the machine. Here's what it looks like...

Post# 553770 , Reply# 9   11/3/2011 at 03:08 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Energuide label

For other Canadians who want to purchase this machine, or for you Americans who have never seen a Canadian Energuide label, here you go...

Oh, I'd like to see the washing machine which consumes 478 kWh of energy as well as the one which consumes 77 kWh of energy.


Post# 553771 , Reply# 10   11/3/2011 at 03:30 (4,529 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Inital review

Well, I've done about six loads of laundry in this washer today. So, I thought I'd at least give an informal review of my experiences so far.

- This washer is incredibly easy to use. There's absolutely nothing to the controls. Simply set the water temperatures you want, whether or not you want an extra rinse, set the cycle and press start. Done. Couldn't be any easier. What did surprise me was the warm/warm wash/rinse selection, which you really don't see much of anymore on modern machines.

- I noticed that this machine produces a noticeable hum, even when the cycle selector is set to Off. This could just be a transformer or something. It's not a big deal, but I do wonder if it'll get noisier over time. Every other machine I've had in the past has been completely quiet otherwise when it's off.

- It's incredibly quiet when it's washing, it's even quieter than my GE toploader. Even on the rinse cycle with the sloshing, it's quieter, instead of the "Chug Chug Chug" noises of the GE. The spin cycle isn't as loud as I thought it would be, considering my past experiences with late 60's era White-Westinghouse front loaders at the laundromat. I was half expecting loud motor noises, but not quite.

- The washer is very reluctant go to into a 1000 RPM spin unless the load is perfectly balanced. Most of my loads resulted in a 650 RPM final spin. Despite that, the clothes came out moist, but not dripping wet. I also found that after washing some sheets, the washer became unbalanced and started walking across the floor during the final spin. Fortunately, Alliance was nice enough to include two rubber feet to put over the metal feet for "Slippery" floors. After I lifted up the washer and put on the rubber feet over the metal ones, the washer hasn't moved since. I can't blame them for this, it sits on a concrete floor after all.

- I do wish it did wash with more water, but the comforter which I washed earlier was completely wet after the final spin, which is a good sign. When I was younger, I used to stuff double loaders so hard that the clothes in the middle were dry even after the final spin. I learned my lesson there. :)

- I like how the instruction manuals tell you that you can wash with regular detergent, just don't use as much. Other washers I've seen explicitly say that you can ONLY use HE detergent, anything else voids warranties. (WTF?) I have to use up the rest of the Kirkland and Tide detergent we have. HE detergents are usually more expensive around here than the regular stuff.

- The one thing I have noticed that bothers me is how the door taps against the cabinet during the spin cycle. If I press on the plastic, the tapping stops. Everything looks aligned, so maybe this is normal.

- A small part of me wishes this machine had an LED drum light or something. Then again, that wouldn't make it "commercial" anymore.

- I like the textured feel of the control panel. It's a little unusual in comparison to the straight flat printed control panels on my TOL GE's. I'm not sure why they did that, but it looks nice.

So, those are my observations so far. If any of you want extreme close up pictures of the control panel, let me know. I thought I'd stop here for now.

I'm very happy to share this with you all, even though in a lot of ways, this is just a "Plain Jane" machine. My GE's are much more interesting to look at.


Post# 553783 , Reply# 11   11/3/2011 at 06:57 (4,529 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Door Knocking

mrb627's profile picture
I had the door knocking when my machine was new as well. After a couple of months, it lessened to the point I don't really notice it at all.

Simple = Better!

Malcolm


Post# 553875 , Reply# 12   11/3/2011 at 15:10 (4,528 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
unbalanced and started walking across the floor during the f

ronhic's profile picture

What on earth?

 

Is the machine perfectly level? Check it with a spirit level......and, silly as this sounds, are all the transport bolts out?

 

As for the rubber feet stopping it moving, be prepared to replace them on a regular basis as if the washer continues to 'want to move', they'll wear out fairly quickly.....


Post# 554005 , Reply# 13   11/4/2011 at 06:34 (4,528 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Reply to Ronhic

I do know that the floor is a little uneven. Yes, the transport bracket and bolts have been removed as well as the shock sleeves. (If that's what they're called) I made sure to ask for them when they finished installing the machine. This machine doesn't have any VRT (Vibration Reduction Technology) so this is somewhat expected.

I should take a level and see if the machine is balanced. The installers didn't use a level at all when they put the machine in, which surprised me. Then again, they told me that they install 25-35 machines a day when I asked them, so I wasn't about to question them about leveling it.

In the pictures, you can see it is a little off, but that's easily remedied.

If the rubber feet wear out, it will be easy to get inexpensive replacements. If it's something which I'll have to replace on a regular basis, I'll have to find a different solution. I would suspect though that one of the feet would wear out faster than the other one.

Re-Reading this post, my thoughts sound like something out of an elementary-grade picture book. Wow. Believe me, I don't talk like that at all in real life!


Post# 554082 , Reply# 14   11/4/2011 at 12:56 (4,527 days old) by roscoe62 (Canada)        
@ Qualin

Hope you enjoy your new machine for along time it does have a great name for dependability.
When you said you ordered this washer do you know of where the dealer had to get it from in Canada. I know there is a dealer in New Brunswick for the maritimes so I'm wondering if these machines are manufactured in central Canada and shipped through out the country to their dealers.I ask this since there is a bi-lingual control panel.Last time I saw one of those it was on our kenmore.

Tks


Post# 554085 , Reply# 15   11/4/2011 at 13:12 (4,527 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee)        

danmantn's profile picture
Congrats...I always liked the rear controls--what a great way to replace a TL and keep the existing dryer - instead of "forcing" a dryer upgrade as well. I love me some Speed Queen/Huebsch.

Post# 554086 , Reply# 16   11/4/2011 at 13:14 (4,527 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee)        

danmantn's profile picture
Get ya some of the color knob inserts---really dresses up the control panel, believe it or not.

Post# 554118 , Reply# 17   11/4/2011 at 16:21 (4,527 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Leveling A Front Loader

launderess's profile picture
A trick our Miele serviceman told us was to put all feet at their lowest point, then start the machine spinning. Then begin to raise each foot as required to the point where the machine stops moving about and is steady.

Reason for this was told that some flooring is not always totally even and despite using a level and obtaining side to side and front to back perfect readings the washer is still off. Tried the thing and it worked. This was after days of pulling one's hair out releveling again and again to get the Miele from shaking.

As for detergent: If you have non-HE detergent you want to use up go ahead, but if buying new I'd stick to "HE" or at least detergents that do not create much froth and or are easily rinsed.

The difference between using something like non HE "Tide" versus "Persil" is night and day. With the latter rinses are almost always clean by the second or third cycle. The former can sometimes still have problems after the fourth. However then again my Miele only spins after the third rinse in "normal" so maybe that has something to do with it.

Oddly enough when using vintage detergents such as the box of "Gain" in my stash the wash water is clear and the rinses are as with Persil or any of the other European detergents in my stash. Am guessing that the older Gain formula has phosphates instead of being laden with Zeolites, washing soda/soda ash and other fillers.


Post# 554121 , Reply# 18   11/4/2011 at 16:34 (4,527 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)        
The trick is....

ronhic's profile picture

 

If the machine is not level left-front to right-rear and right-front to left-rear, then no amount of left side level or right side level adjustment will fix it. It is the vibration caused by the opposite corners being out of level that will make the machine move.


Post# 554229 , Reply# 19   11/5/2011 at 08:38 (4,526 days old) by tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Glad to hear that you are enjoying your new machine. I cannot imagine installers not putting all 4 "rubber" shoes on the metal feet of the leveling legs. They give the machine a firm purchase on the floor. Is the machine on a concrete floor? If not, there are vibration-absorbing pads sold to reduce the transfer of vibration from the machine to the floor.

Post# 554386 , Reply# 20   11/5/2011 at 21:40 (4,526 days old) by A440 ()        

Great looking washer! Love the drum!

Post# 554447 , Reply# 21   11/6/2011 at 05:24 (4,526 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Replies

I purchased my machine from Castle Appliances in Calgary, Alberta, who is an authorized dealer of Huebsch machines. They also sell some commercial stuff too, but mostly just retail.

I checked the machine and it is level. It seems sturdy enough, but I'll consider that advice about lowering the feet and then raising them during spin. Ever since I put the rubber feet on, it only moves a little bit on the pulse spins, but not during the final spin.

Thanks for the advice and compliments guys & gals!


Post# 554448 , Reply# 22   11/6/2011 at 05:26 (4,526 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Another reply...

To answer Tom, the machine is sitting on a concrete floor, so I don't notice any vibration at all in other parts of the house.

Post# 554481 , Reply# 23   11/6/2011 at 09:26 (4,525 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Dispenser Tool

mrb627's profile picture
Now you need the dispenser tool so you can remove the drawer for cleaning.

Malcolm


Post# 733604 , Reply# 24   2/7/2014 at 21:28 (3,701 days old) by wrungout ()        

hi qualin, you have a gorgeous washer! I am intrigued by the simple design, and quality build. The one thing that I don't see that I am looking for in my next washer is a delay wash option. Does your washer come with this function? Thank you in advance!

Post# 733900 , Reply# 25   2/9/2014 at 03:28 (3,700 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Wow.. this is an old thread. So, it's been a little bit over 3 years since I first got this washer. Guess I should provide a status update.

The washer has been downright flawless. The washer has been adjusted so that it washes and rinses with a higher water level, but only enough so that the water comes up to the rim of the inner tub. This has dramatically improved the rinsing capabilities of the washer and using the "Extra Rinse" switch isn't really needed unless I've been washing with bleach.

I am very impressed with this machine. It does a great job washing clothing and hasn't ripped, torn or shredded any item of clothing I own since I bought it. We've put everything through this machine and it handles it quite nicely. I've had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever. (Knocks on wood!)

I would highly recommend this machine to anyone thinking about buying a front loader. The extra price is certainly worth it.

Wrungout, this washer is a "No frills" machine. It is designed to do one thing and one thing only, wash your clothes. I don't see why you'd need a delay wash option when it can complete a cycle in 40 minutes.

Huebsch machines are designed for light commercial use, so they don't have any of the gimmicks you typically find on consumer machines. As a result, there's less things that can break down or cause problems later on.

The matching dryer though just had its automatic cycles stop working last week. I put a load of clothes in it and it ran for three hours without advancing the timer. (The clothes were very dry by the way.) The timed dry still works. I think all it needs is a new timer, but I'll get an inspection done as well just to ensure that everything is OK.

Other than that, both of these units have been very reliable.


Post# 733928 , Reply# 26   2/9/2014 at 08:02 (3,699 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Observation

mrb627's profile picture
Qualin,

I noticed something about the tub in my SQ FL yesterday and I thought I would ask here. I don't have any sign of scratching on the back wall of the wash tub. I suspect it has to do with the quality of the stainless steel used. I do recall tub scratching on the Miele almost right away but not on the Speed Queen.

How is yours?

Malcolm


Post# 733929 , Reply# 27   2/9/2014 at 08:36 (3,699 days old) by wrungout ()        
Delay wash

the reason I asked about delay wash is because quite often, I put a load on the night before, with my delay wash option, to be ready for me to dry first thing in the morning(or after work-or whenever I will have time that day to deal) I work 6 days a week and do most of my wash on Sunday. However, sometimes a member of my family needs something during the week, that's why I asked about the option. Thank you for your response.

Post# 734167 , Reply# 28   2/10/2014 at 01:36 (3,699 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Malcolm, the rear of the tub in my Huebsch looks as pristine as the day I bought it. Strange that the Miele's would have an issue with that.

Wrungout, I don't think you'll find any machine designed for light commercial use which has a delay wash feature. At least none that I'm aware of. That would be a feature only found on consumer grade machines only.

The exception to this rule may be the Miele front loaders, but they come at even more of a price premium over the Huebsch machines. I wish you the best of luck.


Post# 734169 , Reply# 29   2/10/2014 at 01:47 (3,699 days old) by washer111 ()        
Some Questions:

You make the comment that you are impressed with the machine's washing ability.

 

Do you ever have any trouble with the shorter cycle times having issues on items like Whites (Stained) or regular clothing that is stained, or are there "workarounds" you apply to alleviate the situation? 

 

I'm also guessing, since your water supply is so hot, if you have trouble with the "HOT" setting really ending up to be "Warm-Hot" at best? I know the machine has ATC, but I wonder about the effect of a cold washer being fed Hot water?

 


Post# 734208 , Reply# 30   2/10/2014 at 08:26 (3,698 days old) by wrungout ()        

thanks again for your response. I am going to Saskatoon tomorrow, so I will take a look at the Miele. Unfortunately, there is no Huebsch dealer in Saskatchewan. I will have to wait until the next time I go to Calgary. I really liked having rear control panel. My first front loader had it, and my Parents have an LG that has rear controls. (I hope I didn't jinx it, their machine is about 7 years old)

Post# 734420 , Reply# 31   2/11/2014 at 05:12 (3,698 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

To washer111:

I don't have issues with the shorter wash cycles and stains. I find that if there are clothes which are heavily stained, I pre-treat them using something like "SHOUT" and wash them in a smaller separate load. I find that a larger tub works better for ensuring there's more washing action when it is needed. As a result, longer wash cycles don't seem as necessary.

As well, this washer does not have ATC. Hot is tap hot, warm is lukewarm and cold is tap cold. I find that if I want the water to be very hot, I have to temper the machine first, which isn't a big deal.

I'd say that "COLD" setting is about 10 C, Warm is about 30 C, Hot (Untempered) is about 50 C and Hot (Tempered) is about 60 C, although I haven't measured it.

By tempering the machine, I mean, letting it fill with hot water without any clothes in it, letting it agitate for a few seconds to warm up the tub, running the spin cycle to drain it and then starting a normal cycle with clothes in it.
I rarely do this except for when I want to wash whites with Persil.

To Wrungout:

Huebsch and LG are the only manufacturers that I'm aware of that sell a front loader with rear controls. I guess front controls are much more popular. I got the rear control ones because I liked the look and they were cheaper than the front control machines.





Post# 734423 , Reply# 32   2/11/2014 at 05:29 (3,698 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

One short thing I thought I should add...

The way this machine determines "warm" is the same way they do it in their top loaders. They simply use a mixing valve with a restrictor on the hot side so that the water isn't too hot. I personally don't find that this slows down hot water filling all that much, in all honesty.

We have our water heater set to 60 C, which is probably hotter than it should be, but we don't have children so it's not really an issue.

I love how this machine doesn't "dumb down" the hot water. Washing with very hot water has cleaned a lot of items that I couldn't get clean before.

If I could improve on this machine:

1. Separate water level switches for washing and rinsing. Washing would have a low water level while rinsing would have a high water level. (Switchable?)
2. A 240 volt automatically controlled heating element which would make boil washing possible. I'd rather boil wash than bleach.
3. A higher final extraction speed. Preferably 1500 RPM, with a kickdown to 1000 RPM or 500 RPM depending on load balance and cycle selection.
4. A "Woolens/Knits" cycle which would just put the machine into redistribute for the wash cycle with water in the tub. This would minimize tumbling but would still effectively wash the clothes.
5. The ability to select wash cycle time, 10, 20 or 30 minutes. (Could be labelled, "Light", "Normal" and "Heavy")
6. End of cycle buzzer. The dryer has one, why not the washer?

Just some ideas. Other than that.. I'm quite happy with this product and I'm glad I bought it. Worth every penny so far!


Post# 734567 , Reply# 33   2/11/2014 at 19:27 (3,697 days old) by mielerod69 (Australia)        
Longer wash times for AU machines

mielerod69's profile picture
Hi,

Just had a look at the WELS website and the Australian version Speed Queen front loaders take 128 mins to complete a normal cycle. The toploaders using the high efficiency mode take 84 mins.


Post# 734639 , Reply# 34   2/11/2014 at 22:44 (3,697 days old) by washer111 ()        
Ouch..

When you take into account that the machine will temper incoming hot water because of a cold drum/clothes and the long washing time, then I think the water might be cold be the time the machine reached the end of the Main-Wash...

 

It would be nice if the Australian machines came fitted with a booster heater considering we have higher distribution voltages to all premises, and considering the long times it would be nice!


Post# 734650 , Reply# 35   2/11/2014 at 23:43 (3,697 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

mielerod69,

Now I'm really curious as to why there is such a difference in cycle times! I wonder how the cycles are different?

My guess is that Australians pack their machines so much heavier than Americans/Canadians so they need longer washtimes to get the clothes clean? I don't know.. I'm speculating.


Post# 734802 , Reply# 36   2/12/2014 at 17:38 (3,696 days old) by mielerod69 (Australia)        
Cycle times

mielerod69's profile picture
Hi Qualin,
The reason that the cycle times are longer on the AU machines is that they have to meet minimum wash proformance of 80% soil removal. The machines are tested to full capacity of 8 kg for this test.


Post# 734829 , Reply# 37   2/12/2014 at 19:21 (3,696 days old) by washer111 ()        
Institutional Testing:

Okay, now I'm glad to know that these machines will CLEAN loads :-)

 

The energy-labeling program they have here tests water usage plus energy usage in Cold and Warm(?) water. This has me wondering: I wonder if the SQ machine increases cycle times even more on the 128minutes when selected on Cold or if that time is optimised for cold washing, and warm (or hot) just gives further improved results?

More and more I'm being convinced the SQ is the best washer on the market today. The lack of water heater issue is really drifting off for me!


Post# 735138 , Reply# 38   2/14/2014 at 04:39 (3,695 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Now that is odd! That would mean I guess the American and Canadian versions wouldn't be able to remove 80% of the soil.

Post# 735332 , Reply# 39   2/14/2014 at 23:49 (3,694 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Well, I will say that this machine did a better job of cleaning our clothes than the 2004 vintage GE Top loader it replaced. It's also considerably easier on them. The GE liked to rip things...

Post# 816754 , Reply# 40   3/31/2015 at 17:57 (3,284 days old) by Huebschman (Quebec, CA)        
SQ FL with electronic controls

Well qualin... looks like you're one of the lucky bastards to get a rear control porcelain mechanical FL washer.
Just tooked at the Huebsch CDN website (home.huebsch.com... for your convenience to you all) and only the Imperial and the new model are offered in the FL category.
I know we are a small market and to offer a wide selection may not be wise businesswise. But on the other hand, I think Alliance should target publicity to the CDN market more since we do not have the same HE regulations (though I think it will come soon enough).. Now I'm referring to the 412 that is the only TL available and with the same fill level as US machines.

Then again... consumers are easily told what to buy in a WM (music, lights, colours, so called "intuitive functions"etc) and the industry does a very dog job doin' it!

Arrrgh... Just had to spill my beans... Not to mention the price we pay....


Post# 816772 , Reply# 41   3/31/2015 at 19:35 (3,284 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

I'd not call a 2004 machine "vintage"..
Ge OTOH got really bad, for me last acceptable machine they made was the filter-flo, it takes nothing to wash better than a " ta-tack-ta-tack ta-tack" 2004 GE...you barely see load moving in them.
Scratching of the rear tubs is common in pretty much all front loaders I've seen in my life, we talking light micro-scratches , it's rather weird that Speed queen doesn't, however  these scratchings doesn't indicate a poor quality stainless.
I always think a keeper heater may be a good thing in a front loader.
Australia matter: My  own ideas about are that in the US things gone differently than Australia, take good not bad in  what I say..

Average Australian top loaders got "worse" sooner and more commonly than US and more Toys-plastic-like etc cheapy Asian-like etc... that already brought many to go Front loader by themselves  as they cleaned better than the average newish Au top-loader offerings (exceptions  existed of course but that's a general speech),  in the US you had  excellently functional sturdy work-horses till recently and situation  only changed substantially as the government unfortunately wanted so.

Of course as you know I said many times I believe the main concern of the gov was to make/induce folks go He for the obvious economical agenda  and interests/business all these enviroinmental stuff  brought and is about in the US, it was a money driven thing  not actual about the enviroinment but the money, that translates in  "as long as they bought an HE  that's okay, they can even wash one shirt at a time now and we don't care",  so I say a reduced load will likely get them clean, and that's infact what people will do.
Though in Oz  things have been a bit different and  is the actual necessity/will from the folks  that brought many to go to a lower water use machine, machine that as I said often provided better cleaning too than the average top-load offerings over there and front loader was what had been favourite, of course you had no many odd attempts to make weird configurations from the oz manufacturer like in the US, some US imported HE yes, but not from Australia,  not so much boasting of HE, not HE selling strategy and brain-washing at all, then all had also had been facilitated by the fact Australia shared the same voltage and hz as Europe..so it was just a matter of importing  the models and eventually gear up an own production....
I explain better....in AU you didn't have to induce/force to go to a front loader, they just entered the market and nobody said any company  to change anything , as I said many already  found them to clean better than the average australian top loader and of course needs such as droughts made people even  more willing to get a front loader killing all the cons they could possibly still have to someone..hence you have a non-forced market, in the US instead you had to tempt folks and claim all possible wonders  about HE and front loaders as in the US they had no actual necessity to do otherwise, they had machines cleaning wonderful no common drought problems (except some specific areas) and  of course a machine that took more than an hour to do the job was something many people didn't want or were more reluctant to deal with vs their old top loader that worked so well, so what happened, they just made front loaders that completed cycles sooner in order not to make that big difference with the short cycle of a top-loader, this was found being fixable anyway by loading them less...which is not so much enviroinmentalist but again, I fully believe it was  just a money thing over there vs what has been elsewhere.

As long as they bought a HE machine government  was happy..what they had to do after nobody cares...in australia not..they were made and sold to work as a front loader is  supposed to for all load sizes, and a longer cycle is contemplated in the picture.
Maybe also the water hotness or issues about getting enough hot water in australia also played a role in the lenghtening of cycles.
So Qualin was probably sort of right by saying  ozzies  pack more the machines, but that is kind of normal to be so...


A 60 degrees heater is  okay for laundry purposes, this is the minimum folks usually keep theirs over here and  if you want more hotness one can always add a safety mixing valve after the pipe attachement going to the machine/laundry area,  so you have actual proper hot water for laundry and the rest servicing bathrooms and so forth, and priming is of course a due to step for any non-heating machine if you want the hottest wash you can get.






This post was last edited 03/31/2015 at 20:35
Post# 816780 , Reply# 42   3/31/2015 at 19:59 (3,284 days old) by teknikleespekng ()        
Its been a while since Ive checked in...

Just wanted to update that I have the American back deck version bought 2 years ago this past February.
I have the hum when the machine is off, and the door rattle on certain loads. The noise I had during change of direction in the drum when I first got it did go away.
I am really happy this with machine. The few things I miss from my old Fridgemore are the ATC, the ability to push the knob to pause and set the cycle, and to select the final spin speed in all cycles (slow/fast). Im really not of fan of an electronic panel, but the new models do look SWEET!


Post# 816792 , Reply# 43   3/31/2015 at 20:49 (3,284 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        

A few years back they installed the SQ front loaders at work and the longest cycle took 25 minutes. No on-board heater and many loads had to be washed twice to get them clean.

Post# 816794 , Reply# 44   3/31/2015 at 21:11 (3,284 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
G'day Freddy

On Australia and washers - on average top loaders still outsell front loaders. The trend here also favors large capacity machines and consumers are flexible when changing from one type of washer to another (i.e. consumers will replace front loaders with top loaders and vice versa). Some time back I recall reading somewhere that there are approx. 80 different models of washing machines on the market for consumers to choose from; competition is brisk. The problem with American products is that they are expensive. A SQ top or front loader will set you back close to two thousand dollars over here and many consumers are not prepared to pay that much for a washer. Many US machines still use plastic or enamel tubs and comparatively low speed spins. Why should people fork out good money to buy machines like that, when they can get something less expensive with stainless steel interior and higher extraction speeds? And HE top loaders are not all that popular with Aussie consumers. Until recently Whirlpool used to offer the Cabrio in their product line-up, now they are only selling front loaders.



This post was last edited 03/31/2015 at 21:33
Post# 816825 , Reply# 45   4/1/2015 at 04:35 (3,284 days old) by washer111 ()        

While TL machines still have strong penetration here, several very severe droughts have resulted in very severe water restrictions for people living in the affected areas (Which in the last couple of years have been flooded...)
This meant that using more than a certain amount of water would land you at a much higher tariff per kL than the previous 1000kL, lets say.

People either had to start being more economical with their washing habits, or in the case of many (where washing less simply isn't an option - a full machine is a full machine), switch to something more economical.

As Rapunzel said, the HE-TL machines were received badly, or are a mixed bag. Fisher and Paykel, being a more global competitor than other companies we had locally, seems to have been able to produce some of the better examples, along with the singing, dancing (and exploding) LG/Samsung models of late.

Previously, I've referred to a Simpson/Electrolux/Frigidiare machine that we had - it wasn't particularly good at what it did, and had some sort of failure within two years. It arrived to us with a faulty lid-lock, which fixed itself after restarting the maiden wash at least 10 times.
The Miele certainly out-washes* it, and even the time penalty is more than payed off in the water savings. For us, saving water inside the house means the water softener regenerates less often (Which uses around 300L (80Gallons) of water, and about 4kg of salt). This translates to huge savings.

* Although, I've personally had similar troubles with dirt stains in my shirt, that cannot even be removed with extended soaking, in a lot of cases. Recently lost an older dress shirt to a wine stain - a long soak seemed to have oxidized the deodorant residue left behind, and changed a light purple into a strange pinky-white colour.

Hmm. Seems I almost posted about the new SQ TL machine in the other thread. Didn't realise this was a resurrected thread!


Post# 816828 , Reply# 46   4/1/2015 at 05:29 (3,284 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        

The LG and Samsung models appear to be quite popular with consumers here and reports of dancing and exploding washers are from abroad.

At my current work we've had a couple of Simpson SWT9542 9.5 kg top loaders installed. I think they are actually pretty good machines and no worse than most other machines on the market.




This post was last edited 04/01/2015 at 05:57
Post# 816860 , Reply# 47   4/1/2015 at 09:24 (3,283 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        
Rapunzel ....Good day to you.

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

I speak for what I see, as I surf many  AU shops I see an higher number of front loader models vs. the Top loaders, the top loaders are also often asian pulsator now as autoctone manufacturers got bad, so non-agitator machine, in the recent past you had an higher choice of agitator machines and less asian-like washers, this is a change I've seen happening really recently.
Also, I see an always greater commonnes of newish front loader machines as I surf classifieds, ebay and so forth, they're typically EU kind.

About the plastic tubs of US machines, it actually is only GE/Hotpoint that uses plastic tubs in some models not even all of their line had plastic, all the rest were either stainless or enamel, in the past there was also Westinghouse  that used plastic but now is a vanished brand on US market and had not a good rep.,  whirlpool never used a plastic tub, of course talking about whirlpool we talk of the greater  slice of US traditional top load market, so kenmore, roper, estate, Maytag etc; then there are the new HE which are not traditional.
I like enamel, is great, and find it best than many stainless tubs, australian tubs looks so filmsey and are also often welded/assembled with plastic parts, can confirm the same also of many asian-like pulsator machines that are common here too, those machines are toys and not made to last and not even find them good at washing, so quite honestly if I had to chose from a thick US enameled or plastic tub and an Au stainless but filmsey one I'd personally go US tub any day...
Also US machines cost more for 2 reasons, one is that they're built more durable and use better materials, and also are stronger, a model like a Speed Queen will last very very long, second is importing costs, they cost alot here also.
Australia agitator machines had pretty much all from awhile weak motors and lack of gearboxes much earlier than this trend started in the US, back and forth was reached from the motor and you had long slow strokes in many machines,  tubs would also  index or move along in many models, and again the matrerials were  not that  good, they're filmsey machines and even though they spin higher I'd not want to deal with one of these newer ones as I don't even like the agitation, different matter was for some of the older 90s ones that seemed still be sort of acceptable but filmsey and plasticky the same VS Us models, even though in the past they seemed anyway a little thicker, as you go back in time you also had stronger machines....
US machines simply  are more value, but yes they're expensive and not all can..My opinion...

US He top-loader as I said are not popular there and you only have some models, and that also includes Samsung and LG.
F&P offers an HE model that though goes strong abroad not much there, F&P is probably the TOL autoctone (actually IIRC is NZ) maker, not a case Fisher Pyakel models  are sold abroad when ones like say Simpson or Hoover doesn't and never did.





 

 

 




This post was last edited 04/01/2015 at 12:57
Post# 816864 , Reply# 48   4/1/2015 at 09:33 (3,283 days old) by washer111 ()        

Perhaps I'm biased - Prior to the Simpson we had an old Hoover machine (almost identical to the machine posted by Matt) from the 1990s.

It gave complete no-nonsense operation for around 15 years, with at least 5 of those on a rainwater supply from a (rusting) tank. In the end, it failed presumably because the lid-switch, out-of-balance mechanism or electrical were not operating properly.

The Simpson that followed had a similar agitation (shorter agitation stroke), but it wasn't nice seeing it do very slow, almost "distribution spins" after pumping the water out, for at least 5 minutes following each wash/rinse phase. That, and its behavior was odd, particularly in the latter years.


Post# 818183 , Reply# 49   4/9/2015 at 01:17 (3,276 days old) by hairyguard ()        
MRB627

SO THE ZANUSSI LINDO ISN'T THE ONLY ONE TO BE KNOCKING AGAINST THE DOOR WHEN IT RAMPS UP TO SPIN, THIS BEING A BRAND NEW MACHINE THANKS ALOT FOR THAT INTERESTING INFO

Post# 964731 , Reply# 50   10/28/2017 at 19:08 (2,342 days old) by ptcruisergt ( )        
@Qualin - Adjusting the water level?

How did you adjust the water level on your washer? Did you follow an existing guide somewhere on these forums?

Post# 964779 , Reply# 51   10/29/2017 at 02:12 (2,342 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Wow, old thread. I know with the newer machines you can't do it anymore, but this particular model, it was pretty easy. Yeah, there's a guide on this forum as to how to do it, but I'll be darned if I can find the thread. (Google didn't seem to help)

Basically, it just involves turning two screws equally on the water level pressure sensor switch by two turns, clockwise I believe. The water level should cover the baffle and almost reach the lip of the tub without any clothes in the tub.

By doing that, it vastly improved the rinsing ability of this machine, with the only downside is that I needed to add more laundry detergent for the wash. I used to need to use the extra rinse switch all the time, after that adjustment, I rarely use it now.

I've been running it this way for the better part of 5 years now without any sort of ill effects.


Post# 964781 , Reply# 52   10/29/2017 at 03:14 (2,342 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Make sure that the clothes still fall on the side of the drum, not into the water. After all a frontloader is based on the age old beating on a rock of the clothes. The rock was above the water level, not in the water, that would have little cleaning effect.






Post# 964989 , Reply# 53   10/30/2017 at 12:05 (2,340 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
"that would have little cleaning effect. "

Surely a twintub cleans clothes efficiently, and that generally uses water currents alone?

Disregarding water consumption, I'm now wondering which actually washes cleanest - a twintub with water currents, or the flop & drop of a frontloader?


Post# 964998 , Reply# 54   10/30/2017 at 13:05 (2,340 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
A twintub has a whole different washing action, that's comparing apples and pears.

Post# 965042 , Reply# 55   10/30/2017 at 19:13 (2,340 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
Sorry, but I have to post this again.

I know I've done this before. However, after watching the dhobi at work I couldn't help myself.



Best washer ad ever IMHO.




This post was last edited 10/30/2017 at 19:49

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