Thread Number: 47287
Using a Speed Queen FL commercial machine at home?
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Post# 686847   7/2/2013 at 12:00 (3,922 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        

Hello, new here, but I've learned a great deal from browsing about the forum.

I've had bad luck with washers lately, and I've figured out that the newer and more electronic they are, the less reliable they seem to be. My current Whirlpool Calypso has died for the final time, and I'm tired of feeding it new control boards, which leads me to my question...

I've found an older small Speed Queen small front-loader, ex laundromat machine for sale close to me. It needs timer repair, but the price is cheap and may become cheaper after some negotiations with the seller. Model number is sc27mn2yu40001. Now, is this something that would be reasonably suitable for home use? I do have a concrete floor and a large area for it. Thanks for any replies!





Post# 686875 , Reply# 1   7/2/2013 at 14:35 (3,922 days old) by frontloaderfan (Merrimac valley, MA)        

frontloaderfan's profile picture
That's something most of us can only dream of, myself anyway. If I could do that, I would do it in a heartbeat. Most of today's appliances are designed to be disposable and tossed after a few years so you're forced to buy a new one.
Add to that the SQ laundromat version uses a decent amount of water, not just a couple of thimblefulls like the modern plastic junk made in third world countries.
If the machine is otherwise sound, I'd go for it.


Post# 686876 , Reply# 2   7/2/2013 at 14:36 (3,922 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Depends on its power suply and if it needs to be bolted to the flor. If these two things are no problem, you just have to be awear of the higher noise levels that may occur with an commercial washer. But I'm not the expert in US Washers, so, thats all i can say.

Post# 686901 , Reply# 3   7/2/2013 at 16:27 (3,922 days old) by frontloaderfan (Merrimac valley, MA)        

frontloaderfan's profile picture
It would probably be three-phase 240 V (just assuming, so FWIW), and most definitely need to be bolted to the floor. I believe the commercial versions also have a different kind of drain in that they do not pump out their water as much as they just open a valve and dump it into a drain trough (sp?).
I'm not an expert on commercial machines either, but I do recall seeing this kind of setup at the local laundromat.


Post# 686908 , Reply# 4   7/2/2013 at 16:41 (3,922 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

kb0nes's profile picture
It _may_ be 3-phase, I'm not so sure I'd assume that as a certainty. If its a smaller machine (which it probably needs to be for home use) then it is just as likely to use single phase power, although it could be 240v. If it is 3-phase there are work around methods to derive 3-phase power from a single phase for that but one has to question if it is worth it.

The bigger question is if it is a hard mount machine. Most commercial machines have no suspension therefore require that they be bolted to the floor to keep from walking around. The bolt-down requirement is probably a deal breaker for most home users. There are some soft mount machines (which have suspension) but they aren't very common in laundromats.

You will need to contact the seller and get a photo of the model/serial # plate, that will list the power specs the machine requires.

If you are looking for a solid home machine it might be worth looking into either a top or front load current Speed Queen residential machine. They have been proved to be quite reliable and don't have excessive levels of electronic controls that often scare people off.


Post# 686969 , Reply# 5   7/2/2013 at 20:57 (3,922 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        

Thanks to all who have replied!

I talked to the seller, and it is a single-phase machine that runs on residential 240V. Not sure if it's hard mounted or not, but I have a concrete floor which it can be bolted to.

It's only $100, so I'm going to go pick it up tomorrow regardless. I will post updates as I have them.


Post# 687054 , Reply# 6   7/3/2013 at 05:22 (3,922 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

kb0nes's profile picture
I did turn up a service manual doing a google search on a partial model number. The manual was titled as Hardmount Washer Extractors so it will need to be mounted. I was unable to find any info on the Alliance web site.

My suspicion is that the 27 in the model # is the capacity in lbs. That's a big home machine, bet it weighs about 500 pounds!


Post# 687055 , Reply# 7   7/3/2013 at 05:52 (3,922 days old) by Jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
I've had a commerical

jetcone's profile picture

soft mount in my tenants for 12 years - perfect machine!!

 


Post# 687068 , Reply# 8   7/3/2013 at 08:01 (3,921 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Go for it and ask the owner how it had been mounted on its place till now. And if it was bolted, ask him how to do that. But will be nice to have such a washer.

Post# 687076 , Reply# 9   7/3/2013 at 09:00 (3,921 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        

Alright, I'm getting ready to leave the house with trailer in tow. I will ask the seller how they have it mounted. May have to pick up some concrete anchor bolts!

Post# 687091 , Reply# 10   7/3/2013 at 10:14 (3,921 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Good Luck :)

Post# 687122 , Reply# 11   7/3/2013 at 13:52 (3,921 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        

It's purchased and on the way home. It was a pain to load, but looks nice!

Post# 687123 , Reply# 12   7/3/2013 at 13:55 (3,921 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Oh, haven't thought of it being that big... This will be a twice a month wash for you, wont it? Now you just need the matching dryer...:)

Post# 687243 , Reply# 13   7/4/2013 at 09:59 (3,920 days old) by A440 ()        

What a great looking Speed Queen!
What a bargain!
Are you going to put this in your laundry room?
Take pictures when you get it in place.
Would have been great if he would have had a dryer to go with it.
Talk about getting your laundry done quick!


Post# 687678 , Reply# 14   7/6/2013 at 20:23 (3,918 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

You probably have no idea of the thickness of the block of concrete you are going to need for that machine.

Post# 687718 , Reply# 15   7/7/2013 at 01:56 (3,918 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

The hardmounted White-Westinghouse 8 kg machines at the local laundromat near where I grew up were on a solid block of concrete about six inches thick and were bolted down with 1 inch bolts.

With a big machine like that, who knows. Best to call Alliance and ask.


Post# 687896 , Reply# 16   7/8/2013 at 00:19 (3,917 days old) by A440 ()        

So how is it going?
Are you washing away?
I have been checking on these in the Atlanta area. I was shocked how many are for sale. Not as cheap as you found, (lucky you) but not bad prices.
Would love to see your set up for your new machine. I have the itch to get one of these...and a commercial dryer.
Brent


Post# 687950 , Reply# 17   7/8/2013 at 12:14 (3,916 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        

I did get it home and yesterday got it in the basement. Let's just say that moving a 29" wide, 500 lb. machine down a flight of stairs and through a 29.5" wide landing was a challenge, especially since it was just me, my father, and my wife assisting.

Now, another challenge. The machine runs on single-phase 240v but has a funky L6-20 twist-lock electrical plug, while I just have an old-fashioned 10-30 240v receptacle for my dryer. Anyone with electrical experience want to chime in on how to make this work?


Post# 687961 , Reply# 18   7/8/2013 at 12:58 (3,916 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

kb0nes's profile picture
You either need to swap out the plug, or change the outlet, pick one. The Twist-Lock connectors are great connectors but for home use any 3 (or 4 whichever suits) prong connector of proper power specs is fine. Changing out the plug will be a lot cheaper and easier. You can buy a suitable replacement plug at the local home store.

Now for the $100,000 question, have you figured out how to hold it down yet? Contacting Alliance as mentioned up thread would be a very intelligent thing to do...


Post# 687975 , Reply# 19   7/8/2013 at 14:05 (3,916 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Pssst!

launderess's profile picture
Post# 687993 , Reply# 20   7/8/2013 at 15:10 (3,916 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        

Well, I got it wired up and started to check it over. I ran a cycle with no clothes, and it worked fine up until the rinse cycle, where it would get stuck and keep turning indefinitely. I figured out that a couple taps on the timer with a small hammer were enough to get it to advance, so it will need a timer rebuild or replacement. I figured as much, so I was happy that all the other functions were working.

Now, for the part that most of you already anticipated...

The former owner said that he had it LOOSE on the floor, NOT bolted. Myself, being naive, believed him, though the bottom frame has a set of nice mounting holes that must have been for something? The test run seemed to support his statement, as the machine didn't even start to vibrate on the spin cycle. So, I put together a load of old towels and clothes to try it out for real, and when it hit the spin cycle...

I couldn't hit that OFF button quickly enough! It shook, rattled, rocked, and leapt 6" off the floor. After I cut the power, it still shook like crazy for a good 20 seconds until the drum came to a stop. So, I'm off to borrow a concrete drill and some bolts...



Post# 688021 , Reply# 21   7/8/2013 at 16:07 (3,916 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Had to be fun with 500 pounds bouncing towards you :) But a 20 lbs load is not that easy to handle. Jsut sum up which forces occour when 20lbs are forced with ca. 200 G's. Makes 4000lbs if it is not reduced by dampers or springs....

Post# 688033 , Reply# 22   7/8/2013 at 16:21 (3,916 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Similar Units At Local Laundromat

launderess's profile picture
Am here to tell you even when bolted those machines can shake and vibrate!

When the 50lb unit is spinning a badly unbalanced and heavy load you can feel the vibrations coming up from the floor.

When one has really heavy loads like thick cotton blankets or quilts that the Miele has a hard time balancing will take them to the Laundromat. Better to spend a few dollars than risk destroying the suspension system.


Post# 688048 , Reply# 23   7/8/2013 at 17:08 (3,916 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Even a soft mounted washer can cause earthquakes if it is spinning at 1000rpm with 11kg on one side... Just E.Lux style :)

Post# 688052 , Reply# 24   7/8/2013 at 17:25 (3,916 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Micah: First, let me say there's no way I'd want a commercial washer for home use. I like the cycle versatility, the quiet, and other bells/whistles of a modern front-loader. I tend to get bored with a washer and trade it in for something newer every few years, so longevity (which I know is important to you) isn't high on my priority list.

Having said that...I've been following this thread and have joined the section cheering for Team Micah. After reading about the work you've done to acquire, move (500 lbs., oy vey!) and install your Speed Queen, I hope you get years of trouble-free use from it. You have a washer almost never seen in a home setting that will be a great conversation piece to show off to friends and neighbors.

You definitely came to the right place for assistance. The people here with experience in such matters (I am definitely not one of them) are fonts of knowledge that we've come to treasure.

Good luck with the timer---maybe the jump-around of your test load dislodged the problem, LOL---and with the bolt-down process. Glad there appears to be no other problems with the machine.

Be sure to post a photo (or a video, even) of the machine in action when all is said and done. You'll have good reason to be proud of your accomplishment!




This post was last edited 07/08/2013 at 17:45
Post# 688206 , Reply# 25   7/9/2013 at 12:01 (3,915 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        

Thanks for all the support everyone!

I got up early this morning and ran to the local Menard's to rent a hammer drill. I now have six 1/2" threaded rods set 4" into the basement concrete with anchoring epoxy. This should meet the specs that Speed Queen had in the installation manual. In fact, they only recommended at least 2.5" deep holes and said that epoxy was optional, with the alternative being expansion bolts which wouldn't be as secure.

So... I will report back after the epoxy sets!


Post# 688226 , Reply# 26   7/9/2013 at 14:01 (3,915 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

kb0nes's profile picture
Micah you are tackling this somewhat crazy labor of love head on. Initially I was a bit worried you bit off more then you can chew, after all that is a crazy machine to have at home! I hope you shoot a good video or two once you have it firmly in place and running to share with us all :)

I have been considering one of the small Huebsch OPL washer extractors for home, but one of the comparatively simple soft mount versions. I'm concerned both with the weight and the cost but it would quite likely last the rest of my life.


Post# 688259 , Reply# 27   7/9/2013 at 15:49 (3,915 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
One Does Like A Man With Stick-To-Itness

launderess's profile picture
But how sticky can you get? *LOL*

Am cheering you on as well!


Post# 688360 , Reply# 28   7/9/2013 at 23:51 (3,915 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Wow, after reading the manual, I can't believe how close I was..

Recommended pad height between 4" to 6" inches, recommended bolt size is 0.63" if I read that properly.

Man, even my own Huebsch machine shakes the concrete floor on certain loads. I shudder to think what an unbalanced hard mounted machine will do!

To the OP, I admire you and your spirit! I hope you can get that timer replaced soon, that machine will last you a long time.


Post# 688719 , Reply# 29   7/11/2013 at 11:16 (3,913 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        
It's alive!

The washer is now installed and working perfectly! I already purchased a new timer, but the original seems to have fixed itself and is consistently working. I suppose the new one will go on the shelf, just in case. I made a quick video of it in operation; hopefully it will embed properly.

It washes great, and takes about 35 minutes for a normal cycle. And before you ask, yes, I'm now on the lookout for a close-matching dryer. Speed Queen front control dryers that are both non-stack and stainless steel seem to be few and far between, so it may be a while.






CLICK HERE TO GO TO MicahMcDowell's LINK


Post# 688722 , Reply# 30   7/11/2013 at 11:28 (3,913 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Nice!


Post# 688746 , Reply# 31   7/11/2013 at 13:27 (3,913 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        
Wild Applause!

kb0nes's profile picture
Great job Micah!! Thanks for posting the video as well. That machine should serve you well, perhaps you can start a laundromat ;)

I assume that is the drain hose on the floor to the right of the machine? You have that dumping into a floor drain I suppose. My floor drain is a bit slow, I don't think I could get away with it!


Post# 688753 , Reply# 32   7/11/2013 at 14:12 (3,913 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
YAY MICHA!

whirlykenmore78's profile picture

Nice job and GREAT washer.  You will love how thourougly washed and rinsed your laundry is and how quickly it will be done.  This machine will also likely last you for decades.  Congatulations.

WK78


Post# 688754 , Reply# 33   7/11/2013 at 14:14 (3,913 days old) by lavamat_jon (UK)        

Congratulations!  Looks a smart machine.  I'm guessing it turns constantly one way while it's filling?

 

Jon


Post# 688758 , Reply# 34   7/11/2013 at 14:31 (3,913 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Great machine! Never to the laundromat again with king size duvets!

Post# 688760 , Reply# 35   7/11/2013 at 14:40 (3,913 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Very Well Done Indeed

launderess's profile picture
Same as the units local Laundromat uses, right down to the clicks made by the motor as it reverses and spinning.

The largest unit (50lbs) at Laundromat has been set to do four rinses (the others are only three), and does one "over flow" rinse where the machine continues to fill and tumble (one way) whilst the drain valve is open. One assumes this is to flush out suds or something.


Post# 688767 , Reply# 36   7/11/2013 at 15:28 (3,913 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Nice vid. Anyone know why it spins counterclockwise? What is the advantage of this?

Glad the timer fixed itself as this looks like a great buy.


Post# 688796 , Reply# 37   7/11/2013 at 17:09 (3,913 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
Is it 3 phase?

ozzie908's profile picture
if so you can change the phase and change the spin direction :o)

Austin


Post# 688815 , Reply# 38   7/11/2013 at 19:34 (3,913 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Awesome Job!

mrb627's profile picture
I am impressed and jealous. Hope you find a dryer to match this machine!

Malcolm


Post# 688839 , Reply# 39   7/11/2013 at 21:19 (3,913 days old) by stainfighter (Columbia, SC)        
all business!...

stainfighter's profile picture
Just LOVE how it operates the spin...no (seemingly) endless plotzing round to balance! Our modern FL can be so annoying and still end up vibrating quite a bit...makes me want to get one like yours and have it the garage :-)

Post# 688844 , Reply# 40   7/11/2013 at 21:29 (3,913 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Great video, Micah. Congratulations! Glad the timer fixed itself and that you have an extra one on the shelf just in case. Awesome job!

Post# 688853 , Reply# 41   7/11/2013 at 22:10 (3,913 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)        

kb0nes's profile picture
The thing that struck me in the video is how it would spin up with authority, and it had a healthy shriek to let you know it was working. Just seeing that made me want one! Working around big heavy machine tools all day makes me appreciate some heft and power more. Its almost as fun as watching our new 24 horsepower CNC lathe spin up a 300 pound piece of steel, power to spare :)

I'm curious as to how the motor control is being done in this machine. We know its powered from single phase power but I'm curious if the motor itself is 3 phase. It would make a lot of sense to have a multi-phase solid state inverter drive as that would give great speed and direction control as well as braking. The big question is what causes the clack when the machine reverses? Sounds like a big relay, or it could be something mechanical also. I would think if it was using an inverter to drive the motor the reversing would be silent though... Micah, is there a schematic anywhere you could share a photo of?


Post# 688855 , Reply# 42   7/11/2013 at 22:33 (3,913 days old) by Askomiele (Belgium Ghent)        
I'm impressed!

For sometime I've been wondering if it was even possible to put a OPL washer in a home... the only conscerne I would have over here is the fact that we you need boiler fed or at least heavy wiring ^^

I'm impressed with the performance... I'll enjoy any story, picture, video you post!


Post# 688856 , Reply# 43   7/11/2013 at 22:44 (3,913 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Boiler Feed

launderess's profile picture
How "hot" the hot water for Laundromats varies IMHO.

Our local is located in a row of ground floor shops of an apartment building thus pulls water from the same boilers that supply heating and hot water for the building. By a simple hand test as the machine fills with hot water for the wash cycle the temp is nowhere near as high as what comes out of our taps at home. Supposedly the Laundromat as a recirculating system to keep the hot water lines full, but have my doubts.

Also all pre-washes are done in tap cold water and these machines (same SQ as shown above) do not spin between that cycle and the main wash. So whatever hot water does enter will hit cold laundry and certainly not remain very high temp for long. Since the laundry is already wet from the prewash less water is needed to fill which also means not that much hot water is going into the tub.

Since most persons washing whites in Laundromats will be using LCB this difference in hot water temps probably won't be noticed. OTOH I don't bother using detergents like Persil or even Tide With Bleach under these circumstances. Main wash water just isn't hot enough nor the wash cycle long enough to make a go of things.


Post# 688859 , Reply# 44   7/11/2013 at 23:05 (3,913 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Just LOVE how it operates the spin...no (seemingly) endless

launderess's profile picture
Unlike our domestic front loaders with series of springs and shock absorbers these Laundromat hard mount machines don't have a suspension system to speak of; being bolted into several feet of concrete makes the building a suspension system of a sort.

Post# 688869 , Reply# 45   7/12/2013 at 00:06 (3,913 days old) by A440 ()        
Awesome!

This is so cool!
I know you are just having a blast with this machine!
You must have the matching Dryer soon!
Thanks so much for the video!
Keeping an eye out in the Atlanta area for a low use machine. You were so lucky to find this Gem! And the Price!!! Get outta here!
Happy for you.
Brent


Post# 690035 , Reply# 46   7/17/2013 at 12:40 (3,907 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )        
That sound

ovrphil's profile picture
You said 500lbs...right there I thought of the many heavy things we "humped" down/up stairs in the moving business. You have to be mighty might to move that much weight - and I know what it takes to move heavy furniture and appliances. Good job, glad no one was squashed! Did you eat a few pizzas after the move or a few dinners? :-) LOL !

Just curious -(anyone) as I watched the whole video...1) what is the purpose of the reverse spin to final stop? ... and..why is this Speed Queen unable to balance itself enough without needing substantial anchoring? How do these SQ's rock and roll all over the floor(or anchored) and still last so long.

A labor of love and grand applause here, too - never cared for any Speed Queen, even it they're tanks - too staid/spartan-looking to me, but I love yours. I would tend to have one if I had room and a floor with earth core supports. :-)


Post# 691009 , Reply# 47   7/21/2013 at 18:53 (3,903 days old) by MicahMcDowell (Missouri)        
Update!

I've been using the washer now for several loads... it will hold all the clothes that we ever need to wash at once. A couple days ago, we washed a huge rug in it. It handled it without complaint, and I'm sure that it wouldn't even fit in our previous Estate or Whirlpool. It takes less soap than I'm used to, and it washes great.

The spare timer finally arrived, but I think it will be unnecessary. The original is working perfectly, despite what the previous owner said.

I don't have all the answers for those with technical questions about the washer, but I can make educated guesses. I believe the motor (and everything else) is controlled by some electromechanical relays, hence the clicking and clacking when it changes direction. I don't think it has a three-phase inverter inside, but I couldn't say for sure... there's some giant mean-looking capacitors in the circuit for sure.

At the end of the cycle, the last couple slow revolutions after the final spin seem to fluff out the clothes after extraction, so they're not all stuck to the outside I guess.

After inspection on the inside, I see that the machine has no internal suspension whatsoever. It does have a large, extremely heavy duty iron frame that holds the tub supports and connects to the floor, hence the 500 lb. weight. Once bolted down, the machine behaves the same no matter how gigantic the load... the frame takes all the stress in stride.


Post# 691024 , Reply# 48   7/21/2013 at 20:34 (3,903 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Thanks for the update, Micah. Glad the machine is working out well for you. I still maintain the timer was fixed by the jump-around of your first test load, LOL.

Post# 691066 , Reply# 49   7/21/2013 at 23:04 (3,903 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Anyone know why it spins counterclockwise? What is the advantage of this?

Post# 691384 , Reply# 50   7/23/2013 at 11:57 (3,901 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
Anyone know why it spins counterclockwise?

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

Jerrod,

 

Clockwise or counterclockwise... there is no advantage, disadvantage or benifit to either direction.  

 

Some washers I have spin clockwise and others spin counterclockwise, it's only a function of extracting water from the clothes and makes no difference which direction it spins.

 

=  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =

Micah, 

 

AWESOME JOB with this Speed Queen and standing ovation applause!   CONGRATS!!!    I love that it's NOT a coin-op machine.   I would LOVE to have one of these in my laundry room too!    

 

Kevin 




This post was last edited 07/23/2013 at 15:44
Post# 691395 , Reply# 51   7/23/2013 at 13:18 (3,901 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

I think Sometimes, the direction is important. As long as you have a non-vented drain-pump on a frontloader, the pump can get air-clocked. But don't know exactly, just heard about it...

Post# 691400 , Reply# 52   7/23/2013 at 14:01 (3,901 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )        
rotation

ovrphil's profile picture
I wasn't questioning the spin direction, and knew it wasn't significant - but... didn't you all notice that the rotation changed to the opposite direction at the end of the spin cycle? It's not like this drum is under a spring-load that caused it to rotate backwards...that much. It's not possible for the clothes to induce backward rotation...anyways, it's just interesting. and ... one of the best-looking units - even if the commercial home product(panel shown) is nice, this one gets my vote.


Post# 691455 , Reply# 53   7/23/2013 at 17:48 (3,901 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
Similar washers here known as Wascomat

ozzie908's profile picture
Electrolux's commercial division.

All the ones I have worked on were 3 phase but only 1 phase worked the motors and timer the other 2 were for heating.

the buttons on the front said the same ie

Hot
Warm
Cold but no matter what temp the incoming water it heated to
Hot 90c
Warm 60c
Cool 40c
Cold was tap cold

They all employed relays that clicked as the timer activated them they in turn engaged the heaters or the motor it was done for the motor as although single phase it could draw some power especially on start of spin and it saved the timers being burnt out from all the sparking caused by the heavy load.

I realise a lot of USA and other countries machines are not heated due to your power being 120 and UK being 240 but to me its odd that the speed queen does not stop to heat its what some cheap skate laundry owners did to save electric they would bypass the heater relay so it never engaged and the machine was fooled into thinking it had reached temp !!

The spin direction is necessary as the soap hopper is on the left side of the machine and if there is a heavy load with absorbent materials in, it would literally throw water out the hopper while it was starting to spin and thats no fun when you are under it !


Post# 691467 , Reply# 54   7/23/2013 at 18:12 (3,901 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL)        
Holy Laundramat, Batman!

pulltostart's profile picture

Excellent!  That machine does a kick-a$$ extraction!

 

lawrence


Post# 692653 , Reply# 55   7/28/2013 at 16:27 (3,896 days old) by Lightedcontrols ()        
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! !

Congratulations on your new machine!

Post# 692675 , Reply# 56   7/28/2013 at 17:04 (3,896 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Heated Washing Machines In USA Laundromats

launderess's profile picture
Have never seen nor do not think such things ever existed. Nothing to do with "cheap" Laundromat owners simply just not what is used to on this side of the pond. Primary reason is the same as for recently domestic washing machines; far less cost to simply heat the hot water at a central supply and send it to the washers. Many Laundromats and commercial laundries have recirculation pumps to keep the hot water in constant circulation which in theory should help things.

Now mind you have seen SQ and other Laundromat machines with notations on their model/ratings plate for steam connections which one assumes is to heat water, but again have never seen units hooked up that way. There could be some sound reasons for this however.

Most all state and local laws here control whom and or the qualifications of steam boiler operations over a certain pressure. This applies to everything from a steam locomotive operator (should that ever come back) to buildings that use steam for heating/hot water. Most small or even medium sized Laundromats have enough regulatory problems without requiring a properly certified steam boiler operator on site.

OTHO going back to the age of "steam laundries" that form of energy was used to heat water (both in washing machines and even some special soaking tubs), provide heat for tumble dryers, steam and or heat for irons, presses and ironers and so forth. Steam would and could also be used to run machinery in the absence of electric power or to provide it as well. More than likely out of safety and sadly because of the probable numbers of accidents laws/rules were put into place as noted above. Some states even specified that any machine that used steam pressure over a certain PSI could only be operated by a man.

Being as all this may steam is be far the best choice for heating when it comes to laundry work. IIRC it provides more heat and does so faster than either electric or having some sort of fire source.

Older washing machines in commercial settings merely had a knob one opened to allow steam in; once the desired temperature was reached you manually closed the knob.

Finally the main reason at least laundromats do not use washing machines that self heat water is the longer cycle times such machines require.

When a properly designed Laundromat is fitted out there is a ratio of washing machines to dryers and they are designed to accommodate a specific flow rate of peak customers. The longer a washing machine takes to complete a cycle translates into needing more of them to handle peak loads. If you've ever been to a small or even mid-sized place during "rush hour" you know things can get pretty tense. For this reason American Laundromat washers are designed with "fast" cycles for quick through put.

Where Europeans use heat and long cycle times Americans historically relied upon chlorine bleach and or strong detergents for stain removal and keeping whites "bright". Many commercial laundries still operate under the same theory. They subject a load of laundry to many cycles but they are often short with very strong detergents and bleaches, done at very high temps.


Post# 692682 , Reply# 57   7/28/2013 at 17:22 (3,896 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

German laundromats do use preheated water too. But here it is not allowed to run a laundromat without heated washers as it is law that the temp needs to be maintained.
Steam is not that popular on heating in laundromats. More likely hospitals or so use steam from district heating which is cheap at all.
And cycle times in German laundromats are around 40-55 minutes, depending on what you set and even a boilwas does not take more than an hour as these machienes have high powerd heaters (5400 wats on a 2.3 cuft machine, 22000 on a 5.5 cuft washer...)


Post# 699335 , Reply# 58   8/27/2013 at 19:50 (3,866 days old) by micahmcdowell (Missouri)        
More updates...

Just a quick update...
The washer has been working well, but the timer has been occasionally sticking, so I've swapped out for the new one I ordered. What an unpleasant job to match up all of those terminals!

In other news, my Estate dryer has developed multiple issues, so I stepped up the search for a replacement. I found something that should match the washer quite well, that I'll be picking up on Friday:



Post# 699343 , Reply# 59   8/27/2013 at 20:52 (3,866 days old) by rinso (Meridian Idaho)        

Looks great, but now everyone will want one. ;o)

Post# 699491 , Reply# 60   8/28/2013 at 12:24 (3,865 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

Gas or Electric?


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