Thread Number: 42948
Speed Queen fron the laundromat to the home
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Post# 631783   10/15/2012 at 08:21 (4,200 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        

I have just started my quest to replace my old TL washer that is leaving grease marks on my clothes. I am currently leaning towards the Speed Queen FL. I just this morning found a Craigs List ad where someone is selling out a laundromat. They have 8 18lb speed queen washers for 500.00 each. Can anyone tell me if if is possible to bypass the coin op system on one of these for residential use? Also what differences are there between these commercial units and the home unit in regards to the cycles available? I work in the IT industry and wold not be afraid re-programing one of these machines if they have a PC interface to do it with, but I have never worked on one before. What advice can anyone provide as to the suitability of this?



CLICK HERE TO GO TO julianweber's LINK on Atlanta Craigslist





Post# 631812 , Reply# 1   10/15/2012 at 11:19 (4,200 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        
My Advice is....

kenmoreguy89's profile picture

Get a "new" VTG toploader!! Or fix your SQ! Let alone FL's!

Reading the city I thought you were from Rome Italy! Then I seen the CL ad being from GA, so Rome GA

Anyway I think it is possible to bypass, as for many  coin-op machine  it is just matter of an imput to start the cycle I guess...is not it?  so maybe you should be able to catch the wires inside and put  a start button to make the contact  command to start, like the one in newer whirlpool dryers as to intend....
I think it is very likely possible....


Post# 631821 , Reply# 2   10/15/2012 at 11:40 (4,200 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

The laundromat machines are probably machines without suspension systems (hard mount) and would have to be bolted to a strong concrete floor. They might also need to operate on a different power supply than is available in domestic settings. Ask the seller questions.

Post# 631825 , Reply# 3   10/15/2012 at 11:54 (4,200 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        

As best I can tell the 18lb model was not sold in a bolt down version. There is the issue however that it may be a gravity drain and I do not have a floor sump, but I have to wait for the seller to respond before I know that. Thanks for the help so far.


Post# 631832 , Reply# 4   10/15/2012 at 12:42 (4,200 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

This post has been removed by the member who posted it.



Post# 631853 , Reply# 5   10/15/2012 at 14:11 (4,200 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        
Easiest way to use a coin-op at home.

wayupnorth's profile picture
I have some good friends that own several rental properties which they install their own coin-ops. Naturally, they have a Maytag coin- op set at home and they simply remove the locking coin box itself and recycle the same quarters over and over.

Post# 631881 , Reply# 6   10/15/2012 at 17:14 (4,200 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        

Wayupnorth
That is a pretty simple and effective solution. If I can get the seller to call me back I might have my first Speed Queen.


Post# 631906 , Reply# 7   10/15/2012 at 18:49 (4,200 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Front loaders

mrb627's profile picture
How do you know that the 18# machines are the front loaders?

Malcolm


Post# 632117 , Reply# 8   10/16/2012 at 13:41 (4,199 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Very good point, Malcolm.

Post# 632178 , Reply# 9   10/16/2012 at 20:00 (4,199 days old) by TechJunkie ()        

When I was in college and trying to get free laundry out of the school, I figured out (with the help of the schematics taped to the back of the machines) that there was one trigger wire the coin boxes used to switch to 110v when all the change was inserted and the lever pushed in.

I would be cautious poking around in there but the schematics are usually taped to the inside of the access panel behind the controls and that should help you greatly.


Post# 632184 , Reply# 10   10/16/2012 at 20:37 (4,199 days old) by Iowegian ()        

I believe the coin-op SQ top loaders are rated at 14 lb capacity, so they are probably talking about front-loaders in this ad.

But a person could probably buy a brand new 18 lb SQ front-loader with coin mechanism for under $2,000. So, the real question is paying 25% of new cost for a used machine a good deal? How used is it? How much life does it have left?

Given that they are trying to sell their mop and bucket for $45, that would make me question the ad valuation of their machines.

If I were looking to buy, I'd get the model number at the least and try to figure out how old/how used the thing was. Then I'd offer maybe $150 depending on what I found our from researching. Maybe even less than that.


Post# 632218 , Reply# 11   10/16/2012 at 23:38 (4,199 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        

Thanks everyone for the advice. So far the seller won't contact me so this may not matter after all. I am still looking at purchasing a Speed Queen front load machine. If I find another good deal on a used commercial washer I may re-visit this topic, but for now I am leaning towards a new afn50rsp.

Can anyone suggest where I might find a good deal on one. The local dealer has quoted me 1,500.00 installed which I don't think is any special deal, but he is local ans will service it.



Post# 632219 , Reply# 12   10/16/2012 at 23:41 (4,199 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        
Serial number just in

I just checked and the seller did send me a message containing the serial number of one of the machines. Can someone here help me decode this?

0395058395


Post# 632277 , Reply# 13   10/17/2012 at 07:26 (4,198 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Comm SQ FL Washer

combo52's profile picture

If the serial # system is the same as for other SQ products the CFL machine would have been built in March of 1995.

 

If I were you I would just get the new SQ FL washer you are interested in with the generous 3 year warranty, because these SQ washers are not that popular you may look a long time to find a deal on a slightly used machine.


Post# 632295 , Reply# 14   10/17/2012 at 08:38 (4,198 days old) by chris74 ()        
Normally...

...these laundromat machines need a higher voltage so you can't use them in a regular household.

Post# 632435 , Reply# 15   10/17/2012 at 23:09 (4,198 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
They could very well be single phase, 120 machines... But they will be hardmount with gravity drain... The coint drop can be replaced with a simple start/stop rocker switch... But getting to the timer to rapid advance it will a pain, and you cannot extend the cycle times...

Post# 632762 , Reply# 16   10/18/2012 at 23:26 (4,197 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        

Well, the seller sent me the model number and it turns out these are hard mount 110v gravity drain machines. I downloaded the parts manual and detailed instruction manual which shows how to properly build a 4" thick rebar reinforced concrete base for the machine. It also indicates that the cycle times can be altered with jumpers on one of the circuit boards. Unfortunately, the hard mount and gravity drain are hurdles I am not willing to overcome, so these are out. I do like the programable cycles though.

Does anyone know if it is possible to re-program one of the speed queen afn50f home laundry machines? That is the direction I am leaning now.



Post# 632810 , Reply# 17   10/19/2012 at 08:10 (4,196 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Quantum Controls

mrb627's profile picture
I believe if you purchase one of the On-Premise machines with the Quantum Controls that some programming changes can be made via a blue-tooth or wifi connection. Not sure what the expense is in this endeavor.

I do not believe that the homes units can be re-programmed easily, though.

Malcolm


Post# 633199 , Reply# 18   10/21/2012 at 07:56 (4,194 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Check eBay

launderess's profile picture
There are always lots of various coin and or commercial washers listed. However you're going to have to arrange shipping and installation.

You can also find new and or used SQ domestic front loaders as well.


Post# 633304 , Reply# 19   10/21/2012 at 18:06 (4,194 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        
I Ordered a new one

Well, I decided to go ahead and order a new Speed Queen AFN50F. I hope it is all the folks on here make it out to be. I am looking forward to delivery next week.

Thanks everyone for the advice and info so far. I am sure I will have more questions once I start using it, since this is my first front loader.

Julian


Post# 633515 , Reply# 20   10/22/2012 at 19:26 (4,193 days old) by Iowegian ()        

Congrats on your new order. It would be cool if you'd post a review/impression after you've gotten it installed and run a few loads.

Post# 635541 , Reply# 21   10/31/2012 at 19:24 (4,184 days old) by tecnopolis (Ocala/Dunnellon, Florida 34481)        

tecnopolis's profile picture

Has your new Speed Queen arrived yet?


Post# 635851 , Reply# 22   11/2/2012 at 02:47 (4,182 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Oo Nice

jetcone's profile picture
welcome to the SQ Stable!

I have 3- love them. Well one actually resides in my apartment so I never get to use it. Why do you want to change the programming before ever using it? The regular wash is 20 minutes, the delicate is about 10. You can select everything easily except hot rinse!!

I would recommend voiding your warranty and upping the water level, there is a whole thread here about that in the archives- but I never told you, I know nothing!



Post# 635877 , Reply# 23   11/2/2012 at 07:48 (4,182 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Turning Up The Water Level

combo52's profile picture

Will not void the warranty on anything but the water level control.


Post# 637892 , Reply# 24   11/9/2012 at 20:42 (4,175 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        
The machine is in...

The new washer was installed a couple of weeks ago, and so far it is working well. Today I received a water tempering valve which I intend to use to boost the cold water temperature. As it stands, anything other than a hot wash is below 70 degrees F. I am also experimenting with the water level. I will see how this goes.


Post# 637916 , Reply# 25   11/9/2012 at 22:25 (4,175 days old) by Iowegian ()        

It's a shame that SQ doesn't get into the latter part of the 20th Century and provide temperature control on their FL & TL machines. We have had Whirlpools that have had ATC since the mid-1990s.

Don't get me wrong, I like what they are doing building machines in the U.S and building them to last, but if a person buys a SQ, it's not like deciding between the used I-Phone that has 3G and the newer one that has 4G.

If you buy a Speed Queen it's like going back to a dial pay phone. And I mean that in the most complimentary Ward and June Cleaver way...



Post# 637954 , Reply# 26   11/10/2012 at 04:20 (4,174 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
IMO

mrb627's profile picture
ATC in any fl machine is almost pointless as they really don't use enough water at any one fill to make much difference. Further, most modern detergents are being formulated to perform better in cooler temperatures anyway.

Malcolm

( I do wish they would bring back the heater )



Post# 638227 , Reply# 27   11/11/2012 at 12:19 (4,173 days old) by teknikleespekng ()        
Water tempering valve

Julian, can you give me more information on this? This is an issue of concern for me. I am spoiled by my current machine with ATC and true hot fill that I am loathe to give up. I just want to love the machine once I get it.

I still havent bought the SQ yet (AFN50R). I would love to have a smaller Euro machine (24" depth because of space issues), but the SQ looks to be the best investment on the dollar. I have put off the machine for financial reasons, and now with Superstorm Sandy, my DH and I have been out of work for weeks w/no pay. Fortunately our home and our lives are intact.


Post# 638363 , Reply# 28   11/11/2012 at 20:15 (4,173 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        

The tempering valve is being used to mix hot water into the cold water inlet and thus bring the temperature of the cold water up. The outlet temperature of the tempering valve can be set between 60 - 120 degrees F.

The one I am using is a Watts model l1170-ut-m2
www.mrsupply.com/watts-series-117...

And this is a picture of it with a few fittings to adapt it to the hoses.


Post# 638383 , Reply# 29   11/11/2012 at 21:13 (4,173 days old) by Iowegian ()        

@mrb627:

Yep, there's not a whole lot of reason to get excited about how accurately a machine can control fill temps when the mass of the inner and outer drum would swamp what the water temp could accomplish. My thought process has been stuck in top-loader world where there would be maybe 15-20 gallons of water used. A front-loader might only use, what, maybe 3 or 5 gallons?

How well a machine could raise or maintain the wash temp is more important - which is why you probably mentioned the heating element. Thanks for the reality check.



Post# 638787 , Reply# 30   11/13/2012 at 15:21 (4,171 days old) by teknikleespekng ()        
ATC, water tempering

Thanks Julian! Looks like a lot of hoses going there. I would assume you have to split the hot line to get it into one side of the valve, the cold intake and the mix out.

Malcolm - its only November here and my machine is doing a mostly hot fill with some cold to do a warm wash (note my hot water heater is only set to 120F because of my son). My cold is about half/half tempered with the ATC. I know new machines have different temperature standards, which is why I really wish I could fix this machine. The only problem is the bearings.


Post# 638792 , Reply# 31   11/13/2012 at 15:44 (4,171 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        
Teknikleespekng

If you look at the picture, the plumbing is actually quite simple. The valve has a hot input on the left, a cold input on the right, and the mixed water exiting at the bottom. You are correct that the hot water is split and you can see the tee on the left (Hot) input of the valve. In case it isn't obvious in the picture, the mixing valve sits in the middle of the water hoses feeding the machine with the water flowing from top to bottom.

Post# 638798 , Reply# 32   11/13/2012 at 16:02 (4,171 days old) by teknikleespekng ()        
Hoses

Gotcha - does the cold terminate at the valve? The hose leading out of the valve goes to the cold inlet on the machine? Im asking because I see 4 hoses in the photo. Is that the hot water hose coming from below to go into the top of the splitter?

Post# 638802 , Reply# 33   11/13/2012 at 16:22 (4,171 days old) by julianweber (Rome, GA)        

" does the cold terminate at the valve?"

Yes, Hot/Cold come in, and Hot/Warm go out.


Post# 638823 , Reply# 34   11/13/2012 at 18:08 (4,171 days old) by teknikleespekng ()        
2nd Photo

PERFECT! Thanks! Now I understand the angle of the other shot. :)


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