In March of this year, the next thing on my collection list was a Maytag Neptune set. Specifically, the 4000 series, MAH and MDE. I like the 4000s as I feel it’s the best iteration of the Neptunes before going fully digital like in the 5, 6, and 7000 machines. I also prefer the styling of these over the newer models. Naturally, the washer I would pick up needed a bearing job in the worst way possible which is included on this thread. So, here is how my time with the Neptunes has been for the last few months as daily drivers.

The washer is just over 3.3 cubic feet in capacity which means its only marginally bigger than its top load cousin. But, this doesn’t have an agitator in it, and although this is small by todays cavernous machines, it still holds its own. Which is a lot. I had a 4.2 cubic foot GE front loader in my previous life when I lived in Calgary, and I find the Neptune holds just as much. Either way, his machine will hold a queen duvet without issue. It will also hold a pile of denim and towels without issue. Its big enough it feels like  a waste when youre only washing one or two items. And, it has a lighted drum. What more do you want?

The programming on these machines is simple. But to assist in the programming is the Automatic Temperature Control feature which adjusts the water temp based off the fabric you select. A warm water wash will be on the warmer side if you select whites, where as itll be on the cooler side if you select colors. The selection of white is the most aggressive wash with a longer tumble pattern and highest spin speed. Colours is a reduced tumble pattern and a slower spin speed. Delicates is even more reduced tumble pattern with more soak periods, and slower spin speed. Hand wash, well, you can guess where that goes.

As for options, max extract is a handy way to ensure a spin speed is always in the 800 rpm range, and will override the fabrics pre programmed spin speed to max. Stain cycle is a nice option, it automatically selects extra rinse, but it will also amp up the tumble pattern and increase soaking time between tumbles. A nice nice, nice feature is the prewash option, which as the manual asks you to do is put 1.5 times the detergent in, and drains the prewash water before adding wash water.

The delay feature is also handy and I like the fact it will go In to a normal wash.

Spinning and balancing is this machines forte. Although slower by todays standards, it will get up to 800 rpm without a fuss. The most challenging load for this machine is towels, which I have experienced it trying at least twice to balance it. But that only takes about an extra minute. Unlike the competition from Frigidaire at the time, this machine wont spin between rinses, but only spins between wash and rinse. The final rinse is a real spin.

The quality of the wash is perfect. Ive put things in here that were very dirty only to have them come out clean. Its also very gentle, and with the addition of a recirculation pump on the MAH4000 models, it only adds to how well this machine will clean. If you use the stain cycle, you will be completely impressed at its abilities. This machine can handle loads as delicate as knit sweaters to tough stains on white chair covers. Results are always the same. Clean.

The styling of these machines is perfect. Theyre handsome with gold trimmed buttons and knobs, the 45 degree snub nose, and the old Maytag crest really adds to the timeless look.

The dryer is the typical stream of heat Maytag set up which I believe is the best design for a dryer as the clothes and the air stream have a perpendicular counter flow set up maximizing heat transfer. There is no chance of the heat steam short circuiting here. The Neptune dryer does have one nice feature known as Ultra Care which enables a second thermostat to allow for ultra low temperature drying. This can come in handy for duvets or shoes. Although not much different than the TOL dryer thats mated with the TL cousin, its still nice none the less. The chime is, strangely, better than the classic bell.

All in all, I have spent a few weeks with these machines since completely restoring them from the ground up. The washer is very efficient, using about half as much water as its top load LAT9806 cousin, yet washing MORE in one load. Stain removal, rinsing, general overall cleanliness is tops. For a high efficiency washer this machine washes as fast as a top load. Its, by some, considered basic as it doesn’t have fancy features like a wash for bulky items, or linens, etc... But ive never believed that to be a necessary option anyway.

I would gladly race this machine against a brand new top of the line front load machine from today, and

I would expect the Neptune to hold its own and win. 

It’s a damn shame these machines started the demise of Maytag, if only they worked out the issues sooner before releasing it to market, they may still be making the best front load machines.

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I have experienced some rope action in this machine as well as a true, non tilted, H axis GE. It was rare on both machines but it happened maybe once a month.