Thread Number: 47404
Looking for a good used top load machine, advice? |
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Post# 688428 , Reply# 1   7/10/2013 at 10:04 (3,914 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Speed Queen is very much still in business.....they are owned by Alliance, and thats what you want to see on the model number plate......
the models in your link from CL, these you want to tend to avoid, they are made by Raytheon, and are prone to seal failures, and belt chewing....not all are like that, but its the reputation that they have.... keep your eyes open, and you will be suprised, they do turn up from time to time, even on ebay..... there could be a number of machines, vintage so to speak, that will outlast most anything made today....it's a matter of personal preference....Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire 1-18's...... a personal preference of a TLer for me would be a GeneralElectric FilterFlo with minibasket....prefer one close to top of the line.....if your gonna have one daily driver this would be my choice, with all the available cycles and options, the variations for any load is endless.......some consider them waterhogs, but it has great capacity and the rinsing is always clear......then again, everyone has an opinion of what they think is the best one to get.....weigh the results for yourself.... |
Post# 688467 , Reply# 3   7/10/2013 at 13:48 (3,914 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Post# 688469 , Reply# 4   7/10/2013 at 14:08 (3,914 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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I was going to recommend a DD washer myself. Brands include Whirlpool, Kenmore, Estate, Roper, and some Maytag, Admiral, and Crosley. Maybe a few others too including Kirkland.
I suspect the DD machines are among if not THE most widely produced washer ever, anywhere. They are known for their ease of service and overall reliability. Yes, parts are still available, in fact some models are still in limited production, so there won't be mass parts shortages for many years to come. Plus, since there is such a wide distribution network and consumption for these parts, there are a number of aftermarket companies making parts for these machines, so even if Whirlpool were to decide to stop making parts, ERP and Supco, others too probably, have many commonly used parts that could be used (I dont like aftermarket parts as a rule, but they're better than nothing). For someone who isn't a washer enthusiast, just wants to reliably wash laundry, this is what I would suggest. Service for a DD should be available anywhere, and much more readily than service for a vintage unit that may require older, specialized knowledge. Gordon |
Post# 688484 , Reply# 5   7/10/2013 at 15:38 (3,914 days old) by leica ()   |   | |
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How do I know which machines are direct drive? Problem with CL is 80% of the listings don't include a model# or even a picture so it's kinda hard to tell what is what. |
Post# 688487 , Reply# 6   7/10/2013 at 16:02 (3,914 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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Almost everything on Craigslist is direct drive right now. The first generation belt-drives ended production in 1987. You would know by the 1980s or older look of the machine that it was older. You might skip some early direct drives this way, but there are plenty of newer ones. Maybe start by looking only at color-matched console models, this will exclude machines from the mid 1990s and older.
There have been some of the newer belt-drive Whirlpool machines on C/L also, but not many. Here in Charlotte anyway, so many machines are available, with pictures, that we can easily tell you if a washer is a direct drive or not. Just link us the ad and someone will undoubtedly let you know. One thing on your side if you make your selection properly --- the area where you live has so many retirees and snow birds that the likelihood of finding a low mileage machine is probably much better than in areas where there are mostly families with kids, etc. Gordon |
Post# 688509 , Reply# 7   7/10/2013 at 17:29 (3,914 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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Post# 688550 , Reply# 9   7/10/2013 at 20:33 (3,913 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 688561 , Reply# 10   7/10/2013 at 20:53 (3,913 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Those Amana machines you linked to above are also Raytheon made and should be avoided. I had a similar pair and they were junk. The washer was on its third belt (not exactly a cinch to replace) when I got rid of both machines after nine years, and was absolutely horrible at rinsing. The dryer was a rattle trap from day one and it had thermostatic issues that no technician could verify. The exhaust would smell like the clothes were being ironed, and it cooked the dryer balls I'd throw in with towels to the point that they were hard as a rock.
I don't care what anyone says. Raytheon-made SQ and Amana machines have a reputation for aggravation. Steer clear of them.
Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAid machines are your best bet. Certain parts can still be found for Whirlpool and Kenmore machines that were made in the 50's. You can still consider GE, but they'd have to be fairly old or they won't be very reliable. |
Post# 688702 , Reply# 12   7/11/2013 at 09:42 (3,913 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Kenmore Direct Drives can be identified by their side opening lids:Not necessarily. Belt-drive Kenmores of years past also had side-opening lids, and some later direct-drive models went to a back-opening lid. The Kenmore 90 in the link above likely has a 3-speed motor with these agitation/spin choices. I refurbished a similar model (pictured below) last year that has 4 water levels instead of variable as on the machine in the link. Heavy Duty = fast/fast Regular = slow/fast Delicate = slow/slow Handwash / Casual = ex-slow/slow Handwash Plus / Fine Delicates = intermittent ex-slow/slow |
Post# 688726 , Reply# 14   7/11/2013 at 11:42 (3,913 days old) by Aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)   |   | |
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Post# 688732 , Reply# 16   7/11/2013 at 12:00 (3,913 days old) by Aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)   |   | |
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Post# 688733 , Reply# 17   7/11/2013 at 12:03 (3,913 days old) by Aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)   |   | |
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Post# 688734 , Reply# 18   7/11/2013 at 12:05 (3,913 days old) by Aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)   |   | |
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Post# 688756 , Reply# 19   7/11/2013 at 14:16 (3,913 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 688766 , Reply# 20   7/11/2013 at 15:21 (3,913 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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Leica -
That ad sorta takes me on vacation just by reading it --- my grandparents lived on Honeymoon Island in Pinellas County for 15 years, I LOVED it there, loved it. Anyway, on topic, I hate to be a nay-sayer, but I would use a bit of caution on that particular Roper. That is not a Super capacity machine, its a 2.5 cu ft. "extra large" and its basket is far more tall than it is wide, and there have been turnover issues with this capacity size vs. the similar height but MUCH wider 3.2 cu ft. Super capacity models. You can tell a 2.5 cu. ft. machine by looking at the agitator base when it has a corkscrew agitator -- it has an "up flip" wing at the edge of the skirt that the Super machines don't. This is necessary to help boost roll-over or try to prevent it from stalling due to the dimensions of that particular wash basket design. I also somewhat suspect that the Gentle cycle is going to agitate at full speed and have pauses in the cycle to make up for not using the slow speed, since this machine has only two speed combos. If it had a slow wash and slow rinse, the panel would show at least three speed combinations. Also I think the lid may have been partially painted due to surface rust from the Floridian environment. The lid hinges are usually unpainted stainless steel, but these are white like they got over-sprayed from a spray paint can. On a good note, that sounds like a decent seller, so I bet they have some larger capacity models, OR you can go to their store and at least see the differences in person. Gordon |
Post# 688769 , Reply# 21   7/11/2013 at 15:33 (3,913 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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I was hoping someone with more expertise would comment on the Roper -- and I hit the jackpot! Gordon is the authority on Kenmore (and other Whirlpool derivatives like Roper).
I was questioning the capacity of the Roper as well, but am not good at translating the "extra large, super, super duper, stupendous" and other such capacity claims on machines from roughly 2000 on up.
Gordon's suggestion to contact the seller about other machines he may have is a good one. You might even get a limited warranty by purchasing from him as opposed to a private party. |
Post# 688824 , Reply# 22   7/11/2013 at 20:51 (3,912 days old) by spookiness (Alexandria VA)   |   | |
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If you think you might want to do your own repairs, there are a lot of videos on youtube. That would also be a good resource to check out "fan" videos to help you ID DD machines. I have an "Admirpool" DD machine from Home Depot circa two or 3 years ago. |
Post# 688836 , Reply# 23   7/11/2013 at 21:14 (3,912 days old) by neptunebob (Pittsburgh, PA)   |   | |
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Post# 688846 , Reply# 24   7/11/2013 at 21:30 (3,912 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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Were actually models from Roper, Admiral, Estate, Amana, and probably others. These were made in 2011 and 2012 only.
BUT, they can be easily spotted vs. others as they have a huge pictoral "how to use" sticker under the lid which discusses how to dilute fabric softener, how to load etc. using that incidious rinse (or lack thereof). Even if you end up with one of these, all is not lost because they do have an internal rinse level switch which can be re-set to provide a high rinse water level. Gordon |
Post# 688865 , Reply# 28   7/11/2013 at 23:38 (3,912 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Just be warned -- a "very warm" 115F "Hot" is what you'll get regardless of how hot your water heater is set. That's probably about the same as what you use when showering. The 85F "Warm" is tepid at best.
One of the things I don't like about my 2008 Frigidaire is that it determines the "Hot" temperature and will at some point start adding warm or cold water to lower it. I prefer a good old fashioned washer that fills with water as hot as I have my water heater set for and doesn't interfere to cool it down. This is one of the many reasons I'm seriously considering going back to an old-school top loader when my Frigidaire goes to pieces. |
Post# 689576 , Reply# 29   7/15/2013 at 16:41 (3,909 days old) by leica ()   |   | |
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Whirlpool is gone, back to the drawing board. |
Post# 689614 , Reply# 31   7/15/2013 at 19:34 (3,909 days old) by Westie2 ()   |   | |
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Here is the panel |
Post# 689618 , Reply# 32   7/15/2013 at 19:52 (3,909 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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have you tryed looking in your local store if they have over stock direct drive washers and if you look at this link here is a direct drive inglis whirlpool washer idk if they are still made must be since its still listed on the inglis appliance website but must be on special order only but it would be worth asking if your local store could get one for you
CLICK HERE TO GO TO pierreandreply4's LINK |
Post# 690361 , Reply# 34   7/18/2013 at 23:58 (3,905 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 692079 , Reply# 40   7/26/2013 at 12:35 (3,898 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 692086 , Reply# 41   7/26/2013 at 13:14 (3,898 days old) by leica ()   |   | |
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Anyone know anything about that dryer? I don't really need one, but if I can get both at a good price I'll take it as long as it's not a model that has issues. |
Post# 693586 , Reply# 43   8/1/2013 at 04:53 (3,892 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 693608 , Reply# 44   8/1/2013 at 10:34 (3,892 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)   |   | |
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In addition to what Glenn said, I think the Kenmores are a better bet than the Whirlpools unless the WPs have some sort of warranty from the re-seller.
The Kenmores are possibly as much as 7-10 years newer than the Whirlpools, as these are mid to later 1990s consoles. I think the Kenmores are from the early to mid 2000s. The Whirlpool dryer is a standard capacity, though the best way to tell on these is to look at the placement of the door. There is a side-swing door big-drum dryer that uses the same bulkhead -- its a 6.5 cu ft. version instead of their biggest one with the non-flat bulkhead, which is approximately 7.0 cu ft. The doors are an easy way to tell as the large drum door is closer to the top of the dryer, and the standard door is more centered. Gordon |
Post# 693615 , Reply# 45   8/1/2013 at 11:27 (3,892 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 693618 , Reply# 46   8/1/2013 at 11:37 (3,892 days old) by leica ()   |   | |
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The great thing about it is it's a front opening instead of left side opening which I cannot have unfortunately. Trying to get ahold of the guy now, hopefully he doesn't sell it to one of the many dealers around here. |
Post# 693845 , Reply# 48   8/2/2013 at 19:56 (3,891 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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i do not know if your willing to pay for shiping from canada but here is a rebadge whirlpool roper brand washer dryer set but the set may need to be cleanup repainted as the pain has kind of yellowed abit and here is a kenmore set for sale as well direct drive kind of look brand new
montreal.kijiji.ca/c-acheter-et-v... CLICK HERE TO GO TO pierreandreply4's LINK |
Post# 693880 , Reply# 51   8/2/2013 at 23:46 (3,890 days old) by dustin92 (Jackson, MI)   |   | |
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Good Luck with the Speed Queen, those are excellent machines, and at a great price! |
Post# 694004 , Reply# 53   8/3/2013 at 14:09 (3,890 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)   |   | |
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Those Roper's look VERY smoked up. How could somebody stand even looking at those like that? |
Post# 694006 , Reply# 54   8/3/2013 at 14:27 (3,890 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 694300 , Reply# 57   8/4/2013 at 19:09 (3,889 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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I'd say hook it up and give it a whirl -- without any clothing in it. If anything looks or sounds strange, report in here (perhaps starting a new thread that addresses any problems) and you'll likely elicit expert advice. This is presuming the seller advised it was in proper working order and didn't have any issues. If you want to take the front panel off and do a visual inspection, the belt would be the first thing to check but even if it shows signs of wear the washer should still be able to run through all of its paces. If there are no signs of leaks, let 'er rip.
He detergent will work, but it will produce less suds than the regular stuff. |
Post# 694304 , Reply# 58   8/4/2013 at 20:12 (3,888 days old) by leica ()   |   | |
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The seller said it hadn't been run for awhile but that it ran fine before that. I'll take the cover off, clean it up good and run it then report back. |
Post# 694446 , Reply# 61   8/5/2013 at 16:41 (3,888 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 694517 , Reply# 62   8/5/2013 at 21:25 (3,887 days old) by DigAPony ()   |   | |
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That Speed Queen looks a lot like the belt eating 1990 Amana washer I gave away. |
Post# 694778 , Reply# 63   8/6/2013 at 20:52 (3,886 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)   |   | |
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so it may look like the belt eating Amana you gave away, but it isn't/ Mike GREAT DEAL ON A GREAT WASHER!!! GOOD LUCK!!! |
Post# 695221 , Reply# 66   8/8/2013 at 19:59 (3,884 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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Post# 695337 , Reply# 67   8/9/2013 at 11:33 (3,884 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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All SQ [ since about 1980 ], Amana and Amana-tag derivatives are hard on main drive belts ,it does not matter if the motor is mounted on the base plate or suspended from the tub assembly like current models, as the idler pulley keeps the belt tension constant as the tub rocks on the machines with the base mounted motor.
This design is hard on belts because there is no clutch and as the machine struggles to spin while it is pumping out the water the belt gets HOT, to make matters worse when compared to MT DC washers that do the same thing, the SQ belt is shorter than MTs, SQs have an idler pulley bending the belt backwards and SQs now use a plastic transmission pulley that does not dissipate heat like the large aluminum pulley MT used. |
Post# 695363 , Reply# 70   8/9/2013 at 13:41 (3,884 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)   |   | |
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