Thread Number: 45533
Daily Driver Recommendations?
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Post# 666570   3/17/2013 at 16:58 (4,029 days old) by johndog ()        

Hello, guys...

I am new to the forum, but probably qualify for the club... After all, my daily CARS are 1932, 1988, and 1997!

We are sick of our newer high-end energy-efficient washer and will be happy to revert to an automatic washer that really CLEANS from another (less regulated) era.

The question: What would members of this forum recommend as a "daily driver"? A Maytag A810 comes to mind, but I really have no clue. I would want something that cleans well, was top of the line in its day, and has reasonable availability of spare parts if needed.

Once I have some idea of what I am looking for, I am sure I can eventually find a "low mileage" example in the Houston area...

Thanks, everyone!

John in Houston





Post# 666571 , Reply# 1   3/17/2013 at 17:07 (4,029 days old) by roscoe62 (Canada)        
sick of our newer high-end energy-efficient washer

So what is your issue(s) with the newer machine is it just cleaning.

Post# 666573 , Reply# 2   3/17/2013 at 17:09 (4,029 days old) by lebron (Minnesota)        

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Personally, I would recommend any large capacity belt-drive Kenmore or Whirlpool. You are going to get a lot of different opinions on this, and you have a large choice of machines that would fit your needs.

Post# 666574 , Reply# 3   3/17/2013 at 17:11 (4,029 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

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Maytag's are generally bullet proof. 08, 10, 12 series are dependable, easy to work on, and parts are still plentiful.


Post# 666575 , Reply# 4   3/17/2013 at 17:15 (4,029 days old) by hydralique (Los Angeles)        

Maytag is good, but don't forget the Whirlpool DD (direct drive) machines and their Kenmore clones built in the '80s and '90s. Lots of them around, they wash well and are probably the most reliable washers ever made. I've got an '88 Whirly Design 2000 that has been in daily use since new and has never had a repair. Granted I know the drive coupler is on its way out, but that's a simple item to replace. The third washer to consider is the classic GE Filter-Flo and its' cousin the Hotpoint rim-flow. They use a lot of water but wash well and filter superbly.

 

Probably the best plan is to become somewhat familiar with all three washers and then watch Craigslist for a lightly used matching set; finding individual washers and dryers is much easier than a matching set, especially if you're picky about color and dryer type so if you can be flexible on the brand you'll be more likely to find a good upper-end set.


Post# 666580 , Reply# 5   3/17/2013 at 17:33 (4,029 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

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Welcome to our little slice of appliance heaven!

 

After all, my daily CARS are 1932...

 

We are gonna nee to see pics of that '32,  please :D

 

What would members of this forum recommend as a "daily driver"? A Maytag A810 comes to mind, but I really have no clue. I would want something that cleans well, was top of the line in its day, and has reasonable availability of spare parts if needed.

 

If you want to stick with Maytag (good choice!), spring for an 806. It's the same machine as an 810, but has a 4 minute pre-wash cycle that works fantastic for REALLY dirt clothes, spins out the dirty water, and goes into the main cycle (I work on both vintage and modern cars as well and use this feature). It also has a 2 minute deep rinse instead of 1.5 minutes used from the the 10 series-on. But most of all, it looks cool and has a lighted console!


Post# 666589 , Reply# 6   3/17/2013 at 18:17 (4,029 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)        
Starters

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Washers----If your goal is very clean and well rinsed clothes from a reliable older design, and your intention is not to start a large collection, then belt-drive Whirlpool-Kenmore's or Maytag 08 and 10's are easy to rejuvenate, parts are plentiful and affordable, and the machines are tanks.

 

Dryers----whether gas or electric, the Whirlpool-Kenmore's with the filter in the rear right top of the machine near the console are the best---big drums, long-lasting, simple maintenance, easy parts avaialbility.

 

Any of the designs mentioned are still plentiful on the used market, search some thru this website to know what to spot, then spend a bit of time daily on your local Craigslist, something will show up. Also, all of these designs came with few options/low budget up to fully ritzy with lots of bells and whistles, but the internal mechanics are the same and dependable.


Post# 666590 , Reply# 7   3/17/2013 at 18:18 (4,029 days old) by johndog ()        
Thanks! (Keep those cards and letters coming!)

Thanks for the answers so far...

Roscoe, our current machine is an almost-new Kenmore HE front loader... The issues are that each load takes twice as long and clothes must be washed in one-third size loads to get clean. So compared to our memory of 3 washers ago, each clean "load" takes SIX times the time and THREE times the effort. There is no efficiency in that! This Kenmore, by the way, replaced a Maytag washer that had the same problems. We thought we just got a lemon in the Maytag, so we carefully researched Consumer Reports before replacing it with the Kenmore... only to realize that ALL 21st century washers appear to have this "energy efficient" design.

Don't even get me started on low-flow shower heads and corn-diluted gasoline!

Dan, here is a picture of the '32... It is a Cadillac V12 Seven passenger sedan!

Thanks!


Post# 666591 , Reply# 8   3/17/2013 at 18:35 (4,029 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
well, for starters this would be a set in your area, these are Kenmores, the washer more along the lines of TOL for electro-mechanical...rare but possible of finding a Digital set from the late 80's early 90's would be sweet, they even have fully automatic dispensers and lights...

it also depends if you want from a used dealer with a warranty, or something from a regular person, and may have to do a little cleanup...


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK on Houston Craigslist


Post# 666592 , Reply# 9   3/17/2013 at 18:37 (4,029 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
I'm Not Sure....

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....I can advise you.

Judging from the picture, your idea of a daily driver and my idea of a daily driver may be two different things! Laughing


Post# 666593 , Reply# 10   3/17/2013 at 18:39 (4,029 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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this would be the KitchenAid version of the direct drives, some have more features than others, but still reliable and parts interchange and are available

Post# 666594 , Reply# 11   3/17/2013 at 18:39 (4,029 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        
'32 cadi

sure is a beauty!MY DD cars are '71,'81'82 and '89 LOL.My DD washers are '81 filter flo,'98 neptune 3000.'02 splendide mini combo.

Post# 666595 , Reply# 12   3/17/2013 at 18:41 (4,029 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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a GE FilterFlo from 1985....note the shape of the lid for either the filterflo or rimflo design

Post# 666596 , Reply# 13   3/17/2013 at 18:44 (4,029 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
many versions available, but to give you an idea of a Maytag center dial....

Post# 666597 , Reply# 14   3/17/2013 at 18:45 (4,029 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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a Kenmore Electronic from 1979...belt drive

Post# 666598 , Reply# 15   3/17/2013 at 18:48 (4,029 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        
hope this gives you a head start......

yogitunes's profile picture
same insides as the Kenmore above minus the auto-dispensers, belt drive, this is a Whirlpool from 1983

Post# 666599 , Reply# 16   3/17/2013 at 18:48 (4,029 days old) by lebron (Minnesota)        
a Kenmore Electronic from 1979...belt drive

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Beautiful machine

Post# 666600 , Reply# 17   3/17/2013 at 18:56 (4,029 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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the 1979 Kenmore Electronic.....I have the matching Dryer comming as well.....

wonderful shape, and super bright white, but I rather have the control panel from the direct drive years, more flexible controls, and full flourescent console light...


Post# 666609 , Reply# 18   3/17/2013 at 19:23 (4,029 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
I also say

Kenmore and whirlpool, I use a 83 Kenmore washer and a 73 Lady Kenmore dryer, at least one to two loads a day, more on weekends for about five years and not one repair!

Post# 666610 , Reply# 19   3/17/2013 at 19:28 (4,029 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        
Maytag 606

My daily driver is a 70's Maytag 606 washer and dryer. Cars, 2007 Lincoln town Car and a 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark 4. Happy washing, Gary


Post# 666622 , Reply# 20   3/17/2013 at 20:08 (4,029 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
I Can Think....

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....Of two sets of vintage machines that are on a level with your car collection:

One would be a pair of Maytag 906's, a top-of-the-line, all-pushbutton pair made from 1966 to, I believe, 1972. They were extremely well-made, but as daily drivers, may leave something to be desired for some people - all the cycles were controlled strictly by pre-programmed pushbutton, with no options. You either wanted to wash, say, your woolens in the way Maytag provided, or you did not - there was no way to change any of the wash, motor speed, rinse or soak options for any given cycle. They were, however, luxury machines, for people who wanted to feel their clothes were getting the best possible care while making the fewest possible decisions.

Look up "Maytag 906" using the Super Searchalator; you'll see a photo of Fred Nelson's beautimous 906 pair. Fred uses them as drivers.

The other pair you might really enjoy would be a pair of 1966 Lady Kenmores, which have more to recommend them to the person who likes to play with options. They're controlled by both pushbuttons and a cycle dial, with the dial capable of modifying the cycles. There are tons of possible combinations. They are extremely luxurious machines, surprisingly often seen in wealthy homes where no other Sears merchandise was to be found - they had a reputation second to none.

You should know that Maytags are simply and robustly engineered; you can rebuild one with relative ease and have it last for decades. Parts are reasonably available.

The Lady Kenmores are more of a connoisseur's machine, in that they're much more complex than Maytags, with many parts no longer easy to find. It's not that they can't be restored, nor that they can't be used as drivers - people do restore them and use them. But they are often more demanding than Maytags, especially when their detergent/additive dispensers go wonky and need repair (Maytags have much simpler systems for that purpose, and they have almost zero tendency to go out of whack). Super Searchalating on "Lady Kenmore" will turn up some photos.

Maytag 806's are a good balance between these two extremes - you get Maytag reliability, and flexibility approaching that of the Lady Kenmores, without the Kenmores' complexity. Again, search and ye shall find pics.


Post# 666632 , Reply# 21   3/17/2013 at 20:30 (4,029 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

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I'm a big fan of Maytags from the periods mentioned above because they are built like tanks and have tried and true simple mechanics, but based on your original post I think it needs to be stated that Maytags of that vintage don't have the capacity of their Whirlpool and Kenmore contemporaries.  If part of your reason for dumping the front-loader is the fact that you can't wash large loads, Kenmore or Whirlpool machines will offer larger tubs than Maytags. 

 

As was also stated, if you go for a top of the line belt-driven Lady Kenmore, there's more to go wrong and probably less likelihood of finding specialty parts.  On the other hand, certain parts are still readily available for Kenmore and Whirlpool machines dating back to the early 50's, so if you pursue a model of either make with a few less frills, it will serve you well and if necessary you'll likely be able to find the parts required to keep it going.


Post# 666636 , Reply# 22   3/17/2013 at 20:44 (4,029 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
Whirlpool or Kenmore Direct Drive

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Probably the most reliable design ever and good washing results. Another good option is Speed Queen the new ones are the best they've ever been.
Wk78


Post# 666638 , Reply# 23   3/17/2013 at 21:00 (4,029 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
another good model if you have pets or stuff that makes lots

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do not forget if you went a good daily driver there also the famous ge filter flow

Post# 666667 , Reply# 24   3/17/2013 at 23:22 (4,028 days old) by johndog ()        
More thanks!

Folks,

Thanks for the continued input... This is very helpful!

We actually have a rescue dog (half Dachshund, half German Shepherd, below) that figures into this equation. Given the posts from Yogi and Pierre, I now see that there actually is a washer that can handle the dog blankets when needed... That there EVER was a washer that handles this job well is totally news to me!

I am leaning, therefore, to the GE Filter-Flo Heavy Duty Extra Large Capacity. (I worked for GE in an earlier lifetime, too, so that's nice. I can still sing the "bring good things to life" song!)

Y'all are great!

John in Houston (with "Dora the Explora")



Post# 666672 , Reply# 25   3/17/2013 at 23:49 (4,028 days old) by DigAPony ()        

Probably one of the last GE Filter-Flo models, although a little pricey in my opinion.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO DigAPony's LINK on Houston Craigslist


Post# 666674 , Reply# 26   3/18/2013 at 00:20 (4,028 days old) by rinso (Meridian Idaho)        

IMHO you can't miss with a Maytag 806-ish or a Whirlpool/Kenmore BD in good condition. Neither have the super-speed extraction of today's HE machines, but if that is an issue you can always get a seperate spinner for towels, jeans, and heavy bedding.

Post# 666675 , Reply# 27   3/18/2013 at 00:26 (4,028 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

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For sure if you have pets around the house, a Filter Flo is the best option for capturing lint and pet hair.


Post# 666717 , Reply# 28   3/18/2013 at 07:30 (4,028 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
here is the same filter flow set i posted but with a view of

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same set but more view incluiding a money shot more pic to come

Post# 666718 , Reply# 29   3/18/2013 at 07:31 (4,028 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

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next pic

Post# 666719 , Reply# 30   3/18/2013 at 07:32 (4,028 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
dryer and washer control closeup

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control closeup of the dryer then the washer

Post# 666720 , Reply# 31   3/18/2013 at 07:33 (4,028 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

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washer

Post# 666724 , Reply# 32   3/18/2013 at 07:52 (4,028 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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Your best bet is a filter-flo.......and will there be a youtube video of you singing this little tune?....lol.....what a great name for a pet......she is just adorable....

I have a siberian as well, the fur is one thing, that undercoat seasonal shedding is something else....

also, the true filter-flo, with the pan on the agitator seems to capture lint/fur better than the rimflo design....


Post# 666730 , Reply# 33   3/18/2013 at 08:18 (4,028 days old) by TwinTubber (Toronto)        
Sonds Like The GE Filter-Flo is the WINNER!!!

You definitely will not go wrong with one of these machines.
Great agitation-very powerful. Strong spin, very good rinsing compared to many others, (especially Maytags).
And as others have mentioned, probably the BEST filtering washer out there. A definite must for pet owners.
Good luck in your search!


Sheesh, now that song is going through my head, darnit.......................!


Post# 666732 , Reply# 34   3/18/2013 at 08:21 (4,028 days old) by TwinTubber (Toronto)        
@pierreandreply4:

I have never seen that style of wash tub in a GE before.
Most of the basket holes near the top with only a few around the rest of it.
Very interesting design.
Is that an American made machine or is it Canadian?
It looks American made to me.


Post# 666733 , Reply# 35   3/18/2013 at 08:23 (4,028 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
on this i do not know filter flow expert might know has this might be an earlier model the filter flow that one of my family relitive own had the spiral activator not the straigh model

Post# 666734 , Reply# 36   3/18/2013 at 08:25 (4,028 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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well, not TOL, more of a basic model, but in good condition, and a matched set....
this may be a rimflo design, but we can change that for you....


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK on Houston Craigslist


Post# 666735 , Reply# 37   3/18/2013 at 08:29 (4,028 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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this one is gonna need some cleanup, but for 90.00 or less, and a little work, could be a really nice machine.....

shop around, and if possible, get one with the most cycles and options, and the minibasket.....the variations of cycles and speeds is endless!....plus a few simple Yogi modifications never hurts....


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK on Houston Craigslist


Post# 666736 , Reply# 38   3/18/2013 at 08:38 (4,028 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
and one thing to consider if you can afford it is to have a warm rinse in case you need to have a warm rinse done to save on drying time and second plan an extra rinse option and you will also fine the mini basket useful if you have only a small load to wash

Post# 666737 , Reply# 39   3/18/2013 at 08:39 (4,028 days old) by TwinTubber (Toronto)        
Ugly But Practical.....

I absolutely HATE that style of control panel in that matched set yogi posted in reply #36.
It is just so ugly I could never stand to have that in my home.
Also, what was the point of such an overangled, sloped panel?
That was not one of their better looking designs that's for sure.
Maybe though, the seller will throw in the dishwasher in the background as well?!


Post# 666740 , Reply# 40   3/18/2013 at 09:52 (4,028 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

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the slant was just a new design, something to update the look into the 90's, for the most part, GE kept the same panel design for almost 20 something years....and it was along the lines of the "clean touch" design...granted not one of my favorites either, but this set is in nice shape just the same....I prefer the models I have with the black and chrome, having lighted controls would be the ultimate....but something that can be added if I ever come across a parts donor

one of mine has the warm rinse option that was "blacked out" as an attempt by GE to be Energy Saving quick fix rather than produce a new contol panel and buttons, simple paint remover exposed the option that was always there....like many machines that have hidden cycles, just no graphics to alert you to cycles that are there....not hard to figure out...

you can never have too many filter-flo's.....


Post# 666744 , Reply# 41   3/18/2013 at 10:35 (4,028 days old) by TwinTubber (Toronto)        
I agree.....

The models you have there yogitunes was the nicest looking design they had over the years.
I also didn't mind the rather sterile all black with the red line in the middle running the entire length of the control panel. Had that model in a new house I lived in in Burnaby, B.C. back in the early 90's. Dryer and dishwasher also had the same black with the red line.
Simple, but nice.


Post# 666917 , Reply# 42   3/18/2013 at 21:40 (4,027 days old) by xraytech (Rural southwest Pennsylvania )        

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I too would recommend a GE Filter-Flo, I was very attached to my grandmas, it was in heavy daily use for 36 years. It could filter far better than anything else and the ramp activator could move the clothes.

Post# 666924 , Reply# 43   3/18/2013 at 22:09 (4,027 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

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I fooled around with a Filter flow that my buddy had in a house he was renting a few years back. It was from around the early to mid 80's. With much excitement, I brought my dog beds to his house and some laundry soap, along with some STPP. Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed at all with its filtering ability as it was a big let down. Maybe my dogs have finer than normal hair......or something, but there wasn't much hair in the filter by the time the wash cycle ended. Of course, I bypassed the lid switch and watched the entire time. LOTS of hair ended up in the dryer filter, though. It was quite a bit of a let down, but it made me more content that my Maytags did a better job with dog and cat hair from my animals than my friends filter flow.

 

I do remember peaking underneath the skirt of the washer sometime later trying to help diagnose a problem for him and it appears (going from a fuzzy memory here) that the pump  drew water from the bottom of the tub for filtering. Well, hair usually floats to the top, so that could have been the problem right there. Maybe that's why they work better with lint since it's heavier than hair. My personal experiences.


Post# 666936 , Reply# 44   3/18/2013 at 23:28 (4,027 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        
Another Thing to Consider:

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The location of your laundry pair.

 

If noise is a factor, a GE Filter Flo will make more of it than a Whirlpool, and a lot more of it than a Maytag or Kenmore. 

 

On the flip side, the whacka-whacka-whacka when the GE stops spinning makes a good end-of-cycle signal that can be heard all over the house.

 

I think the animal hair is a your-mileage-may-vary situation.  A friend of mine has two black Labs and I've seen wads of black fur collect in his GE Filter Flo's lint pan within a couple of minutes after starting the machine.


Post# 667099 , Reply# 45   3/19/2013 at 18:37 (4,027 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
one of the factors for a filterflo is it being able to handle pet fur, meaning plenty of water for spin rinsing, deep rinse, and most important, that the pump can handle pet fur without clogging....

I have seen guys with german sheppards, constantly needed help with Kenmore/Whirlpools pumps and self clean filters getting clogged from the fur...your mileage may vary.....but they were more than happy once I got them set up with a filter flo.....not that this machine is the answer to everyones needs, but fewer issues should you have a pet


Post# 667135 , Reply# 46   3/19/2013 at 20:47 (4,027 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
Also consider.

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Serviceability. The WP/KM Direct drive machines on top of being top performers in washing results are easy to fix and you can get parts anywhere. Thats on the rare occasion they need service. While I agree that the GE Filter-Flo filters the best and A-series Maytags are built like tanks. The greater capacity and superior reliability of the DD WP/KM would make them the top pick.
WK78


Post# 667419 , Reply# 47   3/21/2013 at 09:15 (4,025 days old) by everythingold (Grand Rapids, Michigan)        

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There is a big difference between collecting and daily use. Get a Speed Queen. If you want cheap, an older whirlpool direct drive is a good choice. Economical easy to work on plentiful parts they are virtually bulletproof. Stay away from anything that has been built in the last 10 to 15 years. The older the better. Whirlpool Belt drive is a great choice, but fewer people know how to work on them and parts are not as plentiful. I was never a big fan of Maytag, I just don't think they wash as well. I know that is a controversial opinion.

Post# 667420 , Reply# 48   3/21/2013 at 09:47 (4,025 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

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A speed Queen? Actually Amana (the times Amanas where made by SQ)?
These are strong, reliable machines!
But dryer is a whirlpool, not a matched set, but you need just the washer right?
$ 100 for both...near Houston.

houston.craigslist.org/app/369164... post was last edited: 3/21/2013-10:13]


CLICK HERE TO GO TO kenmoreguy89's LINK on Houston Craigslist


Post# 667422 , Reply# 49   3/21/2013 at 09:57 (4,025 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

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This Maytag set would suit you also, located in central Houston.
$ 170.
houston.craigslist.org/app/368342...


Post# 667424 , Reply# 50   3/21/2013 at 10:00 (4,025 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

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What about a 90s filter-flo?
Pricey but looks well taken.
houston.craigslist.org/app/363674...


Post# 667428 , Reply# 51   3/21/2013 at 11:06 (4,025 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
GE Filter-Flow Washer

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The unusual hole pattern on the wash basket of GE FF washers was a attempt to lesson the problem of redeposited lint and scum on clan clothing that GE washers users could experience under certain conditions. To some extent all spin drain TL washers can have this problem and it is a very hard problem to explain to the washers owner that it is not totally a fault of the washer. When GE first introduced the perforated basket FF washers the hole pattern was fairly even on the basket sides and in response to complaints they eliminated most holes on the basket sides and then they tried having more holes near the top as the one that was pictured in this thread, this was probably the rarest basket design.

 

As far as automatic washers that do the best job of removing lint and pet hair, the best would have to be, older FL washers and combos, these washers with all the holes in the baskets and the fact they still used plenty of water to flush loose lint and fur away, plus the tumbling action produces far less lint from the clothing in the first place.

 

Best TL washers would easily be older WP built Belt Drive machines with the back flush lint filter systems. I am in agreement with Dan in that I was never impressed with the lint removal and capturing capabilities of GE FF washers, the tiny bit of lint captured in the filter pan is a fraction of what is left spun into the finished load of laundry. 1-18s, Norges, Westinghouse, Maytag and even WP built TL washers all did only a fair job of removing lint and pet hair from clothing loads IMEO.  John


Post# 667610 , Reply# 52   3/22/2013 at 09:59 (4,024 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

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Look no further than your used appliance depot! Plenty of direct-drive Whirlpool & Kenmores available (I have a still-working sterling combo)...!


-- Dave


Post# 667753 , Reply# 53   3/22/2013 at 22:05 (4,023 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        
Picture of how a direct drive washer looks like

pierreandreply4's profile picture
here is a pic of a direct drive washer but if you went a warm rinse you will need to chose as most direct drive washer are 3 temp all cold water rinse but if your lucky you might have a model with a warm rinse

Post# 668623 , Reply# 54   3/26/2013 at 23:04 (4,019 days old) by johndog ()        
Light Bulb over my head...

Again, thanks gents!

EverythingGold and WhirlyKenmore78 piqued my interest with the suggestions that a new Speed Queen could fit the bill. Frankly, I was not aware that ANYONE today made a washer of the cleaning power and quality of 30 years ago. Price (within reason) is not a factor, and I probably have enough collectible mechanical things (watches, cars, fountain pens) to keep me busy and my checkbook open.

Am I to understand that a new Speed Queen (not Energy Star) like the AWN542 could be the answer I seek? (Link below)

Thanks!



CLICK HERE TO GO TO johndog's LINK


Post# 668659 , Reply# 55   3/27/2013 at 06:43 (4,019 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
New Speed Queen Washers

combo52's profile picture

Yes any of the three top load washers are an excellent choice, I also highly recommend their Front loading washer as the worlds best built FLW for the home. Not only are all SQs sold the same as their commercial counterparts, but they have the best warranties in the industry. Their laundry appliances will get the job done without wasting time and you will not have to relearn how to do laundry, LOl.


Post# 668675 , Reply# 56   3/27/2013 at 09:39 (4,019 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Nice '32 Caddie!!

jetcone's profile picture
Come to Boston with Dora the Explora- Artey would love her and take us for a spin!!

Did you restore that baby??

I have 3 speed queens, one in my tenants thats 12 years old and still going strong, can't say enough good about them.



Post# 668767 , Reply# 57   3/27/2013 at 19:04 (4,019 days old) by syndets2000 (Nanjemoy, MD)        
mine is a...

....HOTPOINT ULTIMA.....but it flies apart in the fast spin cycle.... /:(

Post# 668786 , Reply# 58   3/27/2013 at 21:36 (4,018 days old) by johndog ()        
Recent Speed Queen

Gents,

Has anyone purchased a Speed Queen since 2009 and compared it to an older one? I downloaded the manual for the new SQ top loaders, and scattered throughout the manual (whenever it refers to water level) is this phrase:

NOTE: Starting January 2009, the Department
of Energy (DOE) mandated new efficiency
standards which resulted in reduced water levels
in the topload washer.

What's up with that?

From the instructions, it appears you can fill it to the water level you need, but you have to stand there and hold some "reset" override knob to add water.

Thanks a bunch, Federal Regulators!


Post# 668796 , Reply# 59   3/27/2013 at 22:09 (4,018 days old) by squeenjj ()        
You can adjust the water level

You can adjust the Water Pressure fill switch and put the water level back up to the top of the wash basket. There is a video on you tube that shows you how to do it. SQ had to lower the water level when they send it out from the factory to be in compliance with Government regulators, but fortunately, they just adjusted the pressure fill switch so the washer won't fill to the top- but you can go back and adjust it back up. You can also hold the know on "reset" and let it fill as high as you want but you'd have to do the same thing for the rinse, so I'd just adjust the pressure switch back up so it would always fill completely up. I bought one last August and a friend of mine bought one last month-- we both had the switch adjusted so the machine fills full. I have since returned my machine as I got a lemon, but I truly think it was a temporary issue with timers on the machine. I may end up getting another one right before they quit making them due to government regulations. I have a 10-yr old kitchenaid I found on Craigslist and I love it.

Post# 668812 , Reply# 60   3/28/2013 at 00:29 (4,018 days old) by StrongEnough78 (California)        

strongenough78's profile picture
As many have said a belt drive Kenmore or Whirlpool will wash the hell out of anything. The ONLY down side I can see to those machines is the spin speed. BUT, they're easy to work on from what I've heard and run damn near forever.

Post# 669313 , Reply# 61   3/30/2013 at 22:54 (4,015 days old) by squeenjj ()        

This post has been removed by the member who posted it.




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