Thread Number: 18457
Beyond the Centre Dial....
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Post# 299404   8/26/2008 at 16:54 (5,692 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        

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I have some questions for all our ever-dependable Maytag Mayvens....

A friend needs a reasonably-priced washer and dryer, and she loves my centre-dial pair. But - she's not much inclined to take care of things, and I would like to try steering her towards the next generation of TL 'Tags, which aren't (yet) so collectible. I'm talking about the ones that came after the centre-dial machines - the ones with the black "modern" console. What I'd like to know is:

1) What years are covered by this generation of machines?

2) Is there an equivalent to the A108 in this generation? (One-speed Fabric-Matic, bleach and softener dispenser, four temp selections, three load-size selections, Regular, Permanent Press, and Delicate cycles) I'm looking for a model number here.

3) Am I correct that these are essentially the same mechanically as the centre-dial machines?

Thanks for any light you could shed. A pic of a washer from the generation I'm talking about is below:





Post# 299422 , Reply# 1   8/26/2008 at 18:08 (5,692 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

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"1) What years are covered by this generation of machines?"

As far as using the older (and more reliable) 180 degree arc Helical transmission, 1980 to June of 1986 are the years you want. These are identical in every way to the center dial machines with exception of the console. July of 86 and on is different story.

"2) Is there an equivalent to the A108 in this generation? (One-speed Fabric-Matic, bleach and softener dispenser, four temp selections, three load-size selections, Regular, Permanent Press, and Delicate cycles) I'm looking for a model number here."

Yes, but I would definitely opt for a 2 speed machine. My one speed A-490 beats the living shit out of my bathroom rugs and other "odd" materials. The slower speed would definitely be nice if not mandatory in these situations, especially with delicate items. I'm looking into converting my machine to a 2 speed by using a different console, motor, and wiring harness that comes with the console.

"3) Am I correct that these are essentially the same mechanically as the centre-dial machines?"

YES, they're EXACTLY the same! I don't mean to be harsh with my statement, but far too many people here think the 1980+ machines are crap. THEY'RE EXACTLY THE SAME!!!!


Post# 299424 , Reply# 2   8/26/2008 at 18:55 (5,692 days old) by queeny77 (BERWYN, ILLINOIS)        

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this model shown in the picture could have been orbital drive or helical,one way to tell is to look inside, if it has a big agitator,its the old style trans,and if it has a smaller agitator its the new style.the models before this had ivory colored bottons and the model after was black faced with black bottons instead of brown.

Post# 299445 , Reply# 3   8/26/2008 at 21:14 (5,692 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)        
Yup

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Exactly the same.

Here is my A 712....TOL Maytag with matching dryer


Post# 299446 , Reply# 4   8/26/2008 at 21:16 (5,692 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)        
Here is my daily driver that I call the Mutt

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Just like the one I have from the mid 70's

Post# 299447 , Reply# 5   8/26/2008 at 21:18 (5,692 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)        
The Goldie

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Center Dial


A 108


Post# 299448 , Reply# 6   8/26/2008 at 21:29 (5,692 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
qsd-dan:

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I have a one-speed machine; it's the same A108 that GadgetGary shows in his last pic, just in the dread Almond instead of white.

On mine, the Fabric-Matic Delicate cycle doesn't beat up on anything; it agitates a bit, then stops a bit, agitates a bit more, stops a bit more, etc. Works very well, without the greater complexity of a two-speed motor.

Does your one-speed machine have the Delicate cycle?


Post# 299450 , Reply# 7   8/26/2008 at 21:37 (5,692 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
The scoop...

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If it has the turquoise Power Fin agitator, it has the older helical transmission and a lint filter. If it has a white agitator, it has the short stroke orbital transmission and no lint filter.

Since you don't want vintage, look around and see what's available. Any Maytag Dependable Care or its predecessors should fit your needs nicely. Just remember, if you see a stainless steel wash tub, IT IS NOT A REAL MAYTAG!!

Good luck,
Dave


Post# 299456 , Reply# 8   8/26/2008 at 22:45 (5,692 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
GadgetGary:

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Are you saying that the Mutt has exactly the same cycles and features as the A108?

If so, what's the Mutt's model number?

Thanks!


Post# 299461 , Reply# 9   8/26/2008 at 23:15 (5,692 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)        
Are you saying that the Mutt has exactly the same cycles and

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Mutt model# A710

Regular, Perm Press and Delicate
Fabric Matic

I think the'Mutt' was a rebuilt machine.

Works perfectly


Post# 299462 , Reply# 10   8/26/2008 at 23:20 (5,692 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

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"Does your one-speed machine have the Delicate cycle?"

Yeah, but I cringe every time the motor cycles on and off. Can't be good for the motor and certainly not good at all for the motor start switch. I'm weird that way :)

Get a shield for that motor, GadgetGary. You never know when that bleach hose will spring a leak.


Post# 299466 , Reply# 11   8/26/2008 at 23:24 (5,692 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)        
Thanks

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Shield is in place. An old pic from this past Spring


Post# 299475 , Reply# 12   8/27/2008 at 01:11 (5,692 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
GadgetGary:

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Momentito!

I've done some scouting around, and found several references on the Net to the A710 being a two-speed machine. In fact, our own Greg (gansky1) bought one recently, and posted some beautemous pics in the thread linked below.

You say your machine was possibly rebuilt- could it be one put together from more than one 'Tag? I've known rebuilders to do that. In fact, I've done it with GE dishwashers myself.

The thread on Greg's A710 has a post from repair-man (Edward) where he says he thinks the Fabric-Matic machine from this generation might have been the A610, with the A510 being the BOL.

Anyone know? P.S.: While I like the console styling of this generation, I must say that I like the later black buttons over the earlier white buttons on this particular panel.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO danemodsandy's LINK


Post# 299485 , Reply# 13   8/27/2008 at 06:49 (5,692 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)        
Sandy

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You are correct. Even though the nameplate states A710, I believe it is rebuilt from several machines.

This machine is one speed. Regular, Perm Press and Delicate cycles. 4 pushbutton water levels. H/C, W/C, and C/C selections. X large capactiy. In fact, this machine sits next to my Neptune pair from 1997.


Post# 299635 , Reply# 14   8/27/2008 at 16:52 (5,691 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Any Literature?

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Does anyone have the brochures from this generation of 'Tags? Ben? Anyone?

Post# 299655 , Reply# 15   8/27/2008 at 19:08 (5,691 days old) by mihi ()        
excellent info.....

this thread has some excellent info. on the Maytags right after the center-dial units.
Thanks everyone for this!!!


Post# 299659 , Reply# 16   8/27/2008 at 19:20 (5,691 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

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I have the 10 and 12 brochures, plus the service and parts info for all this era....


What would you like to wish for? ;-)



Post# 299694 , Reply# 17   8/27/2008 at 21:10 (5,691 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

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Me, me - I want brochures! ;-)



Post# 299796 , Reply# 18   8/28/2008 at 11:50 (5,691 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
Greg:

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Wow!

Is there any chance the 10 brochure could be posted here?

Thanks. P.S.- The magazine you helped us with should be arriving in about two weeks. You won't believe how great the article looks, thanks to your help.


Post# 299974 , Reply# 19   8/29/2008 at 04:10 (5,690 days old) by irishwashguy (Salem,Oregon.............A Capital City)        
I think that my mother's machine would be the equivalent

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It is an A 412. Bought in 1987 from Brockmans Maytag in Vancouver, Washington, I suspect that it was left over from the year before if indeed they stopped building them. It has four water levels, three temps, a regular program and a permanent press program. My mother, in her own works said that she just uses "wash". One speed fabric matic never had a day of trouble with it. There was one that was a step bellow, although I do not think that they had them when my mom and I went washer/dryer shopping. It had a silver console and a smaller tub. Very plain Jane , with a black agitator, don't quote me,as I remember. My rule of thumb is three water levels, standard capacity, four water levels, Large or on my mom's washer, extra large, why I have never been able to figure.

Post# 299990 , Reply# 20   8/29/2008 at 06:44 (5,690 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
1980 A810 TOL

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This was the TOL machine right after the center dial retired.

This pair is wonderful, and perfect in every way. I'd sell them, but only for what they cost new.

Steve


Post# 299991 , Reply# 21   8/29/2008 at 06:45 (5,690 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
Money shot

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Look how nice! When I found them, she said "Oh, just give me $20.00 and I'll be happy". Choke!




Post# 300045 , Reply# 22   8/29/2008 at 13:27 (5,689 days old) by charbee ()        

Stunning! Our 510 is the same color, and about the same vintage, with the cream-colored pushbuttons. The 510 looks to be about the same (features-wise) as our A407. It's got a blue-speckled tub, instead of white. We're still using the 407 as our daily driver, and keeping the 510 to use when the laundy room is finally finished.

Post# 300055 , Reply# 23   8/29/2008 at 14:18 (5,689 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
Simply stunning!

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But I still like the Center-Dials better.

It's still very nice though and I'll bet it cleans as good as it looks,
Dave



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