Any Fisher & Paykel fans here?


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Any Fisher & Paykel fans here?

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Post# 751063 4/18/2014 at 21:56 (3,654 days old) by smartdrive701 ()
Checkrate/Likes Hi Everyone. Found this site the other day while researching Fisher & Paykel and just signed up. I'm in Melbourne, Australia. I came across this site while searching for info about Fisher & Paykel's early Smart Drive washing machines, and, I'm pleased to say, I am the lucky and proud new owner of a Fisher & Paykel Smart Drive 701 autowasher. Why a Fisher & Paykel 701 you might ask? Nostalgia and emotional attachment. :D It was the machine we got while I was growing up in the mid 1990s after our Hoover "Heavy Duty" top loader broke down after a number of recent repairs. My mum did all the research and, at the time, it was a toss up between Fisher & Paykel or Kleenmaid, who at the time were rebadging Speed Queen machines (tho now, as I understand it, they were not quite the same spec as Speedqueen). Well, we chose a Fisher & Paykel 701, and, I still recall thinking how cool it was, what with its onboard computer, touch panel, direct drive motor and whisper quiet operation, I specifically remember the tech who came to install it saying how they could diagnose problems with it by plugging a laptop computer.. COOL! Wondering if there's any other vintage Fisher & Paykel fans here? Gentle Annie anyone? :D Anywhoo look forward to chatting with you all about F&P and washing machine tech. in general. Cheers, Nick.

Post# 751094 , Reply# 1 4/19/2014 at 00:39 (3,654 days old) by washer111 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Allow me to Introduce Myself* Lover of F&P products here too. We have a 2011 Dish-Drawer (Double)... Do some searches here and that should become apparent quite quickly LOL I have a relative with a machine of a similar age, that replaced a Hoover Twin-Tub. Still going strong, even after mice decided to have their way several years ago.

Post# 751121 , Reply# 2 4/19/2014 at 06:15 (3,654 days old) by Easyspindry (Winston-Salem, NC)
Checkrate/Likes *I have a F&P . . .* . . . Intuitive Eco washer and top load dryer that I bought new in 2006. They are great machines and I have had 8 years of trouble free service from them. The washer has the agitator instead of the disc. I like the agitator much better. I cleans really well and can handle large loads. Also have the F&P dish drawers and have loved them as well. That led me to get a F&P gas cooktop which has been a pleasure to cook on. I have never understood why F&P appliances have always gotten a bad rap here in the States. I have had very good luck with them. Enjoy yours. Jerry Gay

Post# 751147 , Reply# 3 4/19/2014 at 09:02 (3,653 days old) by DADoES (TX,�U.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes � Your 701 washer is a Phase 2 machine. U.S. models don't have the front pump-access panel. I have a GWL08 which is a Phase 4.� It's 14-1/2 years old and has had one repair thus far, replacement of the pump in Oct 2011.� It went to live with my sister/bro-in-law a a few months ago. Also have an IWL12 (Phase 6) and DEGX1 SmartLoad dryer, both bought in 2004.� No repairs on the washer.� I completely disassembled the dryer earlier this year to deal with lint accumulation impeding airflow in the outlet duct housing, found one of the elements was broken, and replaced the drum bearing at the opportunity although it wasn't significantly worn. SmartLoad Pictorial And a DD603 bought in August 2003, no repairs on it. I also have a GWL11 awaiting refurbishment, given to me by a friend.� It developed a problem with draining and he bought a new machine (typical consumer, replace instead of repair).� The pump runs so the problem probably is a clogged or bad diverter.

Post# 751403 , Reply# 4 4/20/2014 at 08:30 (3,652 days old) by smartdrive701 ()
Checkrate/Likes Hey, great to see some fellow Fisher & Paykel fans here, tips hat to Jerry, washer111 and DADoES >Lover of F&P products here too. We have a 2011 Dish-Drawer (Double) DishDrawers are awesome, typical of Fisher & Paykels' long standing innovative design philosophy. >I have a relative with a machine of a similar age, that replaced a Hoover Twin-Tub. Still going strong Yep, my mum still has her Smart Drive 701, circa 1994, and 20 years on and still going strong - one, possibly two, repairs in that time. >I have had 8 years of trouble free service from them. Yes, one of the great things about Fisher & Paykel machines is their simplistic and minimalist design, there's literally only about 4 components that can potentially fail -- the motor controller, the display board, the pump and the inlet valves. As the Fisher & Paykel promo material says, "a part that's not there, cannot fail". >U.S. models don't have the front pump-access panel. Our don't have the service port either, from what I can tell they discontinued it after the GW703. I like it tho, it has a cool "Smart Drive" logo engraved into it. I remember when I was a kid I always wondered what was behind it. I remember my mum forbidding me to try opening it! >I have a GWL08 which is a Phase 4 Your GWL08 looks like our GW709, which, from what I can tell, was the last model they released here before they changed the long standing control panel, lid and hob design. >Also have an IWL12 (Phase 6) I like the recirculating feature of this machine, forget what they call it, Eco Active I think. I don't like the flimsy lid tho. :( A lot of the ones I see on eBay have broken lids, wish they had kept the lid from the previous design. I found a service bulletin a while ago that said the lids were originally fitted with torsion springs, which they found was contributing to them breaking, LOL, so now they ship them WITHOUT these. >I also have a GWL11 awaiting refurbishment Looks like our GW712. Your SmartLoad dryer is interesting, I've never seen Fisher & Paykel top loading dryers here, yet yours seems to be made in New Zealand, I wonder if they had them there locally or if they were made specifically for the US market.

Post# 751548 , Reply# 5 4/20/2014 at 23:07 (3,652 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes Have an F&P dishdrawer set bought in 2003 and am still loving it.

Post# 751586 , Reply# 6 4/21/2014 at 05:19 (3,652 days old) by hooverzodiac12 (Melbourne, Australia)
Checkrate/Likes *Hey Nick:)* Nice to meet you, i have quite a few vids of my old fisher and paykels i will have to find them first, im also in melbourne, shoot me an email so i know where to send vids to and chat:) the video attached isnt mine but same machine Josh CLICK HERE TO GO TO hooverzodiac12's LINK

Post# 751609 , Reply# 7 4/21/2014 at 08:43 (3,651 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)
Checkrate/Likes *old F&P* My parents have a Gentle Annie. I got it from the recycle centre years and years ago for about $15. All it needed was a drain hose - tub to pump. I fitted the hose, bought a second hose as a spare, as I was told they were the last 2 in captivity. They must have had it for about 10 years by now??? The machine washes every day, it soldiers on still working perfectly. I still have the spare hose. Mum now has alzheimers disease, I doubt she could ever learn to use another machine.

Post# 751786 , Reply# 8 4/21/2014 at 23:40 (3,651 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)
Checkrate/Likes *F&P top load dryers* I've only seen one and was fastenated by the top loading system and how they made the drum 'close up' when tumbling. Of course, I had to tear it apart to watch it. Pretty neat system. Was surprised by what seemed a small lint catching system (a cup?) you'll never see WhirlTag come up with something that spiffy... Had to shoot video. RCD CLICK HERE TO GO TO redcarpetdrew's LINK

Post# 751812 , Reply# 9 4/22/2014 at 02:43 (3,651 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes I've always liked the top loading dryer. That would have been my second choice if I hadn't opted for Speed Queen. They were available here for a little while, but F&P never marketed them and most people's laundries aren't designed to accomodate two full-size appliances. So the top loading dryers went quietly into the night, as do so many wonderful things. Now, I get the impression that they are also being discontinued in the US? Is there some kind of problem? Is there still an American f&P website? I've looked and it would appear that there isn't.

Post# 751827 , Reply# 10 4/22/2014 at 04:03 (3,651 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)
Checkrate/Likes Ask... www.fisherpaykel.com/us/... It might turn up as the page of your country, but at the bottom of the page you can choose that part of thw world you wish.

Post# 751828 , Reply# 11 4/22/2014 at 04:20 (3,651 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)
Checkrate/Likes Sometimes a Fisher & Paykel even turns up in the Netherlands: link.marktplaats.nl/m798057298...

Post# 751943 , Reply# 12 4/22/2014 at 14:29 (3,650 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)
Checkrate/Likes I bought this 2004 F&P "Intuitive eco" washer (model 1WL12) and "Smartload" gas dryer (model DGGX1) July of last year. I ran probably 8-10 loads through the washer with no issues, but the dryer managed only 2 loads before it stopped heating. I'd like to get the problem figured out and start using it again! I sold the washer to a co-workers ex (she needed it more than I did) and it's been working well for her since. Kevin

Post# 751959 , Reply# 13 4/22/2014 at 16:47 (3,650 days old) by brisnat81 (Brisbane Australia)
Checkrate/Likes Hi Rapunzel, The other reason that the dryers tanked in AU, was the requirement for a 32amp circuit. I looked at one and the price of running a 32amp circuit vs a 20amp (IE Speed Queen) circuit was astronomical. It jumped from $200 to nearly $500. The cost was mainly to do with the heavier gauge of the wire and the difficulty in working with the stiffer cable in an existing construction. I decided that I didn't need one that much. Cheers Nathan

Post# 751999 , Reply# 14 4/22/2014 at 19:57 (3,650 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes Thanks for the link Louis. It takes me directly to the US site. Now go and get that top loader - it's only a hundred bucks. So, what happened to the top loading dryers? They are nowhere to be seen. Is anyone aware why they've been discontinued?

Post# 752000 , Reply# 15 4/22/2014 at 20:02 (3,650 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Hi Nathan, I do recall that issue about the 30 amp requirement as well. Why would they do something like that? Surely a 20 amp circuit would have been okay. I still think it's a really cool design. I wish Aussie architects and builders weren't so disinterested in designing proper, functional laundry spaces.

Post# 752025 , Reply# 16 4/22/2014 at 20:59 (3,650 days old) by DADoES (TX,�U.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes � I read somewhere in passing that the topload platform was discontinued because they couldn't be easily modified to meet the latest, more stringent revision on dryer safety/fire requirements.� Possibly there are more considerations involved than just that, don't know. The elements are rated 15 amps and 5.8 amps, the motor is 1.6 amps ... which totals 22.4 amps.� My DEGX1 is labeled 24 amps, which calls for a 30 amp circuit.

Post# 752074 , Reply# 17 4/23/2014 at 03:44 (3,650 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)
Checkrate/Likes I mailed the seller with some questions about transportation. Never heard from him.

Post# 752079 , Reply# 18 4/23/2014 at 05:09 (3,650 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))
Checkrate/Likes *Hold on...* ... couldn't it be just trasformed to run at 20A by "cutting of" the smaller heater?

Post# 752080 , Reply# 19 4/23/2014 at 05:10 (3,650 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes *Never heard from him.* That's a shame.

Post# 752083 , Reply# 20 4/23/2014 at 05:45 (3,650 days old) by Easyspindry (Winston-Salem, NC)
Checkrate/Likes *I have had one problem . . .* . . . with my gas fired F&P top load dryer when it quit heating. I found a repairman locally who knew his stuff about F&P, and he found a part on the heater unit that had quit working. As far as I know, it was one of the electronic pieces. He ordered a new part, put it in, and it's been working fine ever since. I think the part was about $60 and his charge for installing it was $75. It's working fine now. It's been a good dryer. And I like the reversing tumble which prevents large items like sheets from balling up and not getting dry like they did in my Duet. Jerry Gay

Post# 752103 , Reply# 21 4/23/2014 at 09:00 (3,649 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *So Glen* Did you have to install a thirty amp circuit and would that have been a disincentive for many American consumers to purchase one of these dryers? Nathan already pointed out the rather costly installation was a disincentive for him, but here in Oz trades people charge handsomely even if they aren't.

Post# 752117 , Reply# 22 4/23/2014 at 11:05 (3,649 days old) by DADoES (TX,�U.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes � 30 amp electric dryer circuits are a standard thing in U.S. home wiring.� The only reason it wouldn't be present in any given home (that has laundry equipment) is if the dryer is gas instead of electric.� Electric ranges are 50 amp. My house has 200 amp service to the main breaker box. Range is 50 amp.� A/C compressor is 60 amp, back-up heat strips is a bank at 60 amps (incl blower) and a bank at 30 amps.� Water well is 30 amp.� Septic system is 30 amp.� Water heater (tankless) is 120 amp.� There's a 50 amp circuit that was run to the garage to support the equipment in case a pool is added, which I won't ever do so we split it to a 240v 30 amp circuit to run an extra dryer in the garage, and a 20 amp 120v circuit. And all the 120v 20 amp branch circuits for household lights and outlets.

Post# 752187 , Reply# 23 4/23/2014 at 19:00 (3,649 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes Thanks for clarifying. F&P could have modified their tl dryers to run on 20 amps for our markert, but the boardroom chiefs didn't have Australian consumers in mind for that product. New Zealand had these dryers available for some time after they disappeared from the Oz website. Well, it's all over now.

Post# 753072 , Reply# 24 4/27/2014 at 09:51 (3,645 days old) by smartdrive701 ()
Checkrate/Likes I read the other day that Gentle Annie was introduced in 1985, which will make her 30 years old as of next year. Yaars! Annie surely doesn't look that old, she was truly ahead of her time. Hi Josh just sent you an e-mail. RCD thanks for posting that video of the DEIX2. OMG I was genuinely surprised, I was expecting to see a vertical drum similar to what's found in a normal Fisher & Paykel washer. Ha! And it sounds like C3PO! Must have lots of servo motors. Trust Fisher & Paykel to come up with something like this. Kevin, if you get the dryer going again do you think you'll get another Fisher & Paykel washer? They look so good next to each other. I pulled the agitator from my 701 last weekend to clean it, turned out it wasn't the agitator that needed cleaning. Black mould! This weekend I'm going to try and remove the inner bowl and see what lurks beneath.

Post# 753195 , Reply# 25 4/27/2014 at 17:47 (3,645 days old) by washer111 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Mould:* All I can say is looks can be deceiving. Machine looks clean, but underneath, oh boy! ;) Hope you manage to get it off - A bit of heavy-handedness with the bleach should do the trick, IMO.

Post# 753363 , Reply# 26 4/28/2014 at 08:21 (3,644 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)
Checkrate/Likes the evil of cold water washing???

Post# 753445 , Reply# 27 4/28/2014 at 14:15 (3,644 days old) by rinso (Meridian Idaho)
Checkrate/Likes 11 Year old Aqua Smart washer and matching dryer still working perfectly. Only one repair to replace a dryer element. I sold this set to my niece when we bought our Electrolux IQ set.

Post# 753488 , Reply# 28 4/28/2014 at 17:40 (3,644 days old) by washer111 ()
Checkrate/Likes *@gizmo* If that's true, then at least we have some ground on saying that Cold-Water washing increases the instance of this - even in ventilated machines (Not completely sealed) such as TL's. To be honest though, it isn't fair to wish for anything unfair to the OP and his machine. Very hot water isn't very good for most clothes anyway, nor the machine - so preserving a vintage machine may be the intention with the cold washing. Who knows? All I know is unless you heat with anything other than Solar/Geo-Thermal, you're wasting good water on clothes that won't get as clean, when you get boost the temp basically for free :)

Post# 754738 , Reply# 29 5/3/2014 at 15:28 (3,639 days old) by liberator1509 (Ireland)
Checkrate/Likes We have a Fisher and Paykel Aquasmart - currently in storage as we are in a rental house awaiting a purchase. The Aquasmart is fantastic - robust, a great performer and amazingly quiet - we miss it and think it much better than the euro-FL we're using at present. We will be installing F & P cooking appliances etc in our new home based on the experience of the Aquasmart, and expect similar quality and are willing to pay for it. That said, I'm not convinced by the dish-drawer over a conventional model, and wonder what other think? Unfortunately, F&P don't import washer to the EU, but I am seriously considering importing the new Cleansmart washer, and dryer direct from Aus when we move to our new house (if the shipping costs aren't too daft - please note F&P UK/IRL if you read this sort of site)!

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