Thread Number: 51120
Speed Queen dryer arrived
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Post# 734707   2/12/2014 at 09:53 (3,697 days old) by washman (o)        

Installed shot.




Post# 734708 , Reply# 1   2/12/2014 at 09:54 (3,697 days old) by washman (o)        
Drum shot

Quite large!

Post# 734709 , Reply# 2   2/12/2014 at 09:55 (3,697 days old) by washman (o)        
Door shot

The gray material is plastic on the door.

Post# 734715 , Reply# 3   2/12/2014 at 10:04 (3,697 days old) by washman (o)        
Finally the lint filter shot

The installers got is mostly level. Due to my basement having a slight slope towards the drain, I had to fine tune the left side pegs to keep the door from wanting to close. It takes a rather determined pull and push to open/close the door.

I used a damp rag to wipe out the drum, not much dust came out. I turned it on to high and let it run for about 15 or so minutes. One thing I noticed right away is the noisy timer. It clicks and makes the advance of cycle time known. Guess that is a nuance of the Speed Queen.

It is fairly quiet I might add with regard to drum rotation and air flow. About the same as the GE when it was behaving. The installers said they junk trade ins. I offered it to them for hunting camp or something like that but both declined.

This is the first non moisture sensor dryer I have used since the mid 90's when I used mom's GE dryer. Whether or not the lack of moisture sensor affects drying performance, well I shall find out here soon because I have a load of wash to do.

SQ included a card for a "free" drying rack.Postage was paid so I dutifully filled it out and put it in the post.

There was a slight tinge of sadness as I watched the GE get hauled away. I cannot really complain about it however. I got my money's worth and like the washer, this was the first time I had any trouble. True, it could have been repaired but I weighed the pros and cons and decided while I have the funds, might as well go new on the dryer.

One thing I can say is when I tried to lift and hold to adjust the pegs, well that was a no go. Way too heavy unlike the GE. I used an oil filter cap wrench to prop things up while I adjusted the leveling pegs.

Let's hope the dryer holds up for a very long time. I mean really long!


Post# 734720 , Reply# 4   2/12/2014 at 10:13 (3,697 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Setting the Timer

mrb627's profile picture
You will become accustomed to the clicks of the timer as you turn it to the right for setting. There is a distinct click into the 'MORE DRY' position of both cycles. Afterwards, you can count clicks to your ideal setting. On mine, three additional clicks put it right over the 'LESS DRY' position. Start with that for normal loads. I use two additional clicks for heavier items like jeans and towels.

You'll get used to it. I actually prefer it to those two dinky sensor bars most other dryers have that are useless with smaller loads.

Malcolm


Post# 734729 , Reply# 5   2/12/2014 at 10:47 (3,697 days old) by washman (o)        
I agree Malcolm and I will go with what you said 1st dry

In fact, I am STILL learning the water level settings for the washer. What SQ defines as "medium" is well over 3/4 full. It was that way even before I opened up the panel and adjusted the damn fill level to a proper "max" fill. I guess their calibration differs from mine! :)

Post# 734735 , Reply# 6   2/12/2014 at 11:08 (3,697 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Water Level

mrb627's profile picture


I have always appreciated the continuously variable water level control that Speed Queen used across all models of their TL line up.

I prefer to dry load the machine in attempt to keep the load as balanced as possible without wrapping anything around the agitator. Then, set the water level to the highest position. Next, make a mental note of the row of holes that the dry load comes up to. Your preference might be to go one row of holes higher than the dry load. ( Interesting that the rows of holes are almost the height of the depth of the fins on the base of the agitator ) Select your cycle and temp then start the machine filling. Once the water level reaches the target row of holes, stop the fill. Slowly rotate the water level selector counter clockwise till you hear it click closed. Then, add your detergent next to the agitator and start the machine.

Once you have done this a few times, you'll know exactly where the water level will be at each setting.

Malcolm


Post# 734893 , Reply# 7   2/13/2014 at 00:40 (3,697 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        
SQ not perfect,but close

Interesting how your dryer has gray plastic and my 2012 SQ has white. The gray looks more ''business-like'',but I like the white just fine.

I don't like the noisey/clicky timer or the fact you have spin it all the way around to add time once you've 'set' the time.

The cool thing about the timer is how it sounds like an idling cartoon car when it's set but you haven't yet pushed it 'ON'. :)


Post# 734898 , Reply# 8   2/13/2014 at 01:09 (3,697 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Washman, Thanks for posting the photos. I like that you can opt in or out of extended tumbling. I would guess with any drying cycle?
alr


Post# 734903 , Reply# 9   2/13/2014 at 03:48 (3,697 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

arbilab's profile picture
What is it with designers today obligated to put some kind of 'swoop' on the panel like it was a can of Coke?

Post# 734908 , Reply# 10   2/13/2014 at 04:56 (3,697 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Mechanicals

mrb627's profile picture
At some point, the mechanical timers will be phased out. I'm actually surprised it hasn't happened across the board already. The Quantum control systems have been proven in the commercial marketplace and it would be cost effective to roll them into the domestic line.

It would also give more programming flexibility on the back end. Cycles could be made more adjustable for specific conditions or to appease the housewife that believes the final spin should be two minutes longer. Or the laundry geek, that likes to have more control over washing.

Malcolm


Post# 734974 , Reply# 11   2/13/2014 at 13:05 (3,696 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        

alr2903,I believe the extended tumble works only on 'Auto' dry. :(

Post# 734976 , Reply# 12   2/13/2014 at 13:12 (3,696 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Looks like a solid dryer, Ben, and now you have an aesthetically pleasing matched set of Speed Queens. You certainly don't see a mechanical timer on a dryer too often. I believe the 1959 Lady Kenmore dryer might have had one, as it, like the washer, has a clickety-clacking rapid-advance timer to set up the cycle.

Congrats, and may you have many years of trouble-free loads! I think it's a safe bet your SQ will outlive my 2010 Frigidaire, LOL.


Post# 734990 , Reply# 13   2/13/2014 at 13:51 (3,696 days old) by washman (o)        
Ext tumble

is in the perm press/knits and the regular/delicate cycles.

Attached is the heater assembly that goes in this model. I looked at it when I was checking out the dryer at the local appliance store. It is made in USA. and seemed quite robust


Post# 734994 , Reply# 14   2/13/2014 at 15:04 (3,696 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Congratulations on the new dryer

combo52's profile picture
This dryer is a heavily built and easy to repair machine that CAN last a long time if you are willing to repair it when it needs attention.

Dryers in general need more repair attention than washers, they CAN last MUCH longer than washers if users chose to make repairs. And while the potential maximum life of this machine will likely be much longer than the GE it replaced, it is also unlikely that this new SQ dryer will even go 15 years without any type of repair attention.

Mechanical Timers are probably still on 75% of all dryers in use in the United States today and probably around 50% of all new dryers sold today in the US still have mechanical timers. So I don't find it odd that SQ is sticking with MTs, I would expect them to change to an electronic control with the next generation of TL washers however.

John L.


Post# 735018 , Reply# 15   2/13/2014 at 16:38 (3,696 days old) by washman (o)        
I'm looking forward

to many years of service from both machines. They will see no more or less use than the GE did.

Post# 735051 , Reply# 16   2/13/2014 at 19:20 (3,696 days old) by DigAPony ()        
What is it designers today obligated to put some kind swoop

Ugh, I hate that trend these days, hate it..

You see on commercial aircraft, RV's, boats and now washing machines.

There is no symmetry or style, just squiggly lines splashed around. Is that the best they can come up with?


Post# 735075 , Reply# 17   2/13/2014 at 20:17 (3,696 days old) by washman (o)        
I'd have to agree on the styling

Pretty bland and the swoosh looks like an afterthought. The control hood on the washer is identical as are the sides of the body.

At least they went with large knobs and while they may look beefy, they don't feel all that beefy.

IIRC someone here or on another forum said SQ is very stodgy and conservative in design features.

In a roundabout way, both remind me of Russian shotguns. Not very pretty but pretty darn functional.


Post# 735090 , Reply# 18   2/13/2014 at 22:07 (3,696 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        

I somewhat like the swish on our tol SQs. I don't like/trust the excessively clicky timers on both. Feels cheap to me and I've experienced many washers/dryers.

As far as styling/design 'conservatism',I think SQ is just saving money not redesigning the Amana panel/basically whole machine.

Not complaining,18 months in they're working fine and are pleasant to behold.

Still wish washer had a small,chromed,ribbed cap on the agitator. We add our softener manually and while the Amana dispenser/cap looks ok,I would dig a version of the classic SQ style topper.


Post# 735103 , Reply# 19   2/13/2014 at 23:28 (3,696 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Thank You ! Both Spinmon and Washman for the info. I can see the "extended tumble" areas on the timer tonight. I must of had "tired eyes" last night. That is a very nice feature. I would use the extended for my partners uniforms. Our dryer is in a downstairs area where I cannot hear the buzzer, so i set the timer on the stove. Our old comfy clothes we wear on the weekend Nah. Thanks! alr

Post# 735159 , Reply# 20   2/14/2014 at 07:12 (3,696 days old) by repair-man (Pittsburgh PA)        
Mechanical Timer ?

John / Combo52, I think why the Speed Queen timer is being referred to as "mechanical" is because they are the only company to use the ratcheting (one direction) more washer like type of timer. While every other manufacturer has used the smoother (turns clockwise and counterclockwise) type for as long as I can remember. I have wondered about this myself. Any insight as to why? Ed


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