Thread Number: 7935
Well It's Not an Apex
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Post# 152654   9/5/2006 at 20:25 (6,414 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Although it's interesting and creative and it was originally designed in the late 1940's which makes it all the more fun to say the least.

Gee I think this is one of the first times I have ever started a thread in the Deluxe Forum...


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Post# 152659 , Reply# 1   9/5/2006 at 20:28 (6,414 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

Kneading bread dough comes to mind! LOL!

Post# 152669 , Reply# 2   9/5/2006 at 20:43 (6,414 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Cool to see the Neptune TL in action! I can definitely see how tangling could be an issue, though. Thanks for posting it, Robert.

Post# 152671 , Reply# 3   9/5/2006 at 20:48 (6,414 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Wow, that is very neat! Uses more water than I expected, and the "throaty" Norge-like sound it had during wash surprised me. I can definitely see how it would have above-average cleaning ability and capacity.

Post# 152689 , Reply# 4   9/5/2006 at 21:59 (6,414 days old) by arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)        
Shame

What a tops machine. It is so sad that Maytag has discontinued it because I think its the ultimate modern washer for exterior style and washing action.

Bigger shame is that it wasnt it production long enough to see if Maytag would of bought it to Aus. :(


Post# 152703 , Reply# 5   9/5/2006 at 22:59 (6,414 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Maytag

peteski50's profile picture
Hi Robert,
Real nice action. I had thought that this machine did reverse action. Oh well it is sad it has been discontinued. I think they should have made it with a window.
Thanks for taping. I always wondered how it worked.
Peter



Post# 152723 , Reply# 6   9/6/2006 at 02:14 (6,414 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

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Oh dear, I guess this one could beat the 1947 Frigidaire for tangling clothes. I never understood why they didn't give this machine reverse action.

I hardly dare to ask, but is this machine by coincidence in your house?


Post# 152736 , Reply# 7   9/6/2006 at 05:06 (6,414 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Neptune TL

Hey Robert! Thanks for the video. Never have saw one in action before. Could you imagine what this machine could do on a set of bed sheets? They would probaly come out like the old cartoons where they tied sheets together to escape a burning bldg. except from the Neptune it would be one long tangeld mess. Maytag had a good concept but sad to see it go down the tubes to Whirlpool.

Post# 152742 , Reply# 8   9/6/2006 at 05:53 (6,413 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Welcome!!!

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Robert to the Modern Washer forum...lol, now go and take a lie down!!

Very interesting concept, would have benefited from a reverse action me thinks...Maytag sure had some interesting and innovative designs/designers...

Mike


Post# 152743 , Reply# 9   9/6/2006 at 06:00 (6,413 days old) by tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

It's also a shame that the quality control was so lax that, in some machines, there were sharp places at the bottom of the tub by the impellers that gave items a "vintage" look, sometimes after only one washing.

Post# 152763 , Reply# 10   9/6/2006 at 08:24 (6,413 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        
Whoa guys, hold off with the tangling finger pointing just y

unimatic1140's profile picture
I hardly dare to ask, but is this machine by coincidence in your house?
Louis after the run in with the Apex , I put my entire collection out for trash collection, so I needed something to wash in so I went to Sears and bought this beauty.

Robert to the Modern Washer forum...lol, now go and take a lie down!!
Thanks Mike, I might need something stronger than a "lie down".

Just kidding

Anyway you guys I have washed three loads the Maytag Top Loader and not one has come out tangled. Granted the loads I washed #1 all towles, #2 four pair of jeans, #3 mixed colors would not have tangled even in the 1947 Frigidaire. The real test would be a wash load of all long sleeve shirts, but it's going to be another month before its cool enough to be wearing long sleeve shirts so I wont know for a while.

Actually to be honest my first impression of this washer is a good one, I think I like it action better than the Harmony, but its too soon to tell yet.

This is the washer that Greg found and is now making the "Rounds" as so many do. He found it and played with it and gave it to Don (Jetaction) to play with for a while. On Monday I dropped the green Wards washer off at Don's house and brought the Maytag TL back to play with for a little while.


Post# 152773 , Reply# 11   9/6/2006 at 09:15 (6,413 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        
Oversudsmaster!

gansky1's profile picture
If you're going to start lurking around this forum, you're going to have go out and buy a BOTTLE of Tide HE!

Good video - I love how it rolls the clothes up into a ball but with those discs running sort of opposite each other, things tend to move in and out of the ball so everything gets rubbed by the "revolving washboards." Have you tried spinning the tub with your hand while it's washing? Just a little hands-on fun since there's no timer dial to fiddle with...


Post# 152805 , Reply# 12   9/6/2006 at 13:38 (6,413 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
Robert

foraloysius's profile picture
-

Post# 152809 , Reply# 13   9/6/2006 at 13:56 (6,413 days old) by brastemp (Brazil)        

Oh my god... It's so surreal... I world like to se the spin cicle!!

Post# 152822 , Reply# 14   9/6/2006 at 15:17 (6,413 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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Consumer Reports ranked it as the best-cleaning washer they'd tested. It was the only machine to receive an Excellent rating. In fact, they down-rated several other machines (mostly front-loaders) to Very Good from Excellent after the Maytag TL Neptune set a new standard for clean.

Again, I would miss being able to watch everything in action. I suppose due to the rinsing mechanism attached to the inside of the lid, they couldn't have a glass lid, like the Oasis.

I spoke to my local indie Maytag dealer and he said he sold three of them. Two were returned because the owners complained of excessive tangling problems. I also noticed the owner's manual suggested using the shortest wash time possible to prevent tangling.

It's definitely going to be a major collector's item, Robert. I doubt there are many out there even now. Think of what a gem that will be in 20-40 years!


Post# 152898 , Reply# 15   9/6/2006 at 22:45 (6,413 days old) by pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)        

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Oooooo!! I like it... Sounds a lot more solid than I expected... But, can it handle a comforter?

Post# 152948 , Reply# 16   9/7/2006 at 07:53 (6,412 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Maytag TL

Robert,

At some point in time could you post pictures of the interior of the washer cabinet showing the washing components of the washer?


Post# 152974 , Reply# 17   9/7/2006 at 09:44 (6,412 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Again, I would miss being able to watch everything in action.
Nonsense, one magnet placed properly lets you see everything. If you take a piece of rubber and place it behind the lid, it deflects the water stream downward into a nice fan spray over the entire wash load without getting water all over the place.

But, can it handle a comforter?
I don't know Jamie but I will try and let everyone know.

So far I am every impressed with this machine, I think I like its wash action better than the Harmony. I have yet to have a tangled wash load, but that could be from the fact for years I've been sorting for Frigidaires so I instinctively know how to prevent tangling. BUT I can tell you this much, these modern machines do not rinse as well as the vintage machines. Normally there is no reason for me to ever wash towels in anything but a Frigidaire. But I decided to try it in the Neptune, while the towels came out clean they still smelled of detergent after they were dry. This is something that I never smell out of a Unimatic which tells me that there is residual detergent left in those towels. Not a huge deal, but I'm spoiled with these vintage machines that rinse things really well.

At some point in time could you post pictures of the interior of the washer cabinet showing the washing components of the washer?
Will do David.


Post# 153039 , Reply# 18   9/7/2006 at 15:08 (6,412 days old) by hooverac216 ()        

well any videos of the drain and spin

Post# 153068 , Reply# 19   9/7/2006 at 17:33 (6,412 days old) by compwhiz128 ()        

So thats why it tangles the clothes badly...

It should reverse so the clothes stay untainted :s!


Post# 153147 , Reply# 20   9/7/2006 at 22:32 (6,412 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Here is the beast...

Post# 153149 , Reply# 21   9/7/2006 at 22:34 (6,412 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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If you look at the shape of the agitator rotors you can see why this machine really can't reverse the direction of the rotors, they are shaped to to move the clothes only in one direction.

Post# 153150 , Reply# 22   9/7/2006 at 22:35 (6,412 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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Here is what he looks like undressed...

Post# 153151 , Reply# 23   9/7/2006 at 22:35 (6,412 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

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And it's belt driven! I was surprised to see that...

Post# 153188 , Reply# 24   9/8/2006 at 07:55 (6,411 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Maytag TL

Hey Robert thanks for pictures! What drives the augers/agitators? I agree what a suprise to see this "beast" is actually belt driven. Where is the water pump located? Also noticed what looks like water stains below the motor.

Once again thanks for the pics! Great job!


Post# 153198 , Reply# 25   9/8/2006 at 08:46 (6,411 days old) by newwave1 (Lincoln, United Kingdom)        

newwave1's profile picture
i love this machine! i'm really intregued! i always wanted a neptune frontloader but the lack of window ditered my decision, i think the neptune toploaders a really really clever piece of machinery! you can create that sort of action when hand washing:p not that i've tried:p hehehe.

i'd love to see some more of the rinse cycle, maybe a spin if you can!

Darren


Post# 153216 , Reply# 26   9/8/2006 at 11:36 (6,411 days old) by hoover1060 ()        
very cool

Neat machine Robert, I can kinda see how it could tangle clothes, but it is fun to watch.
I'm with the others, I'd love to see the rinse and spin cycles too!
More please!


Post# 153217 , Reply# 27   9/8/2006 at 11:49 (6,411 days old) by brettsomers ()        
as long as everyone is putting in requests...

i want to see it handle a Bobload!

Post# 153233 , Reply# 28   9/8/2006 at 13:47 (6,411 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
I'm surprised no one has asked to see a video of it washing dishes yet! LOL

Post# 153236 , Reply# 29   9/8/2006 at 14:35 (6,411 days old) by seeitrun2006 (Commerce, GA)        
Maytag TL

It does dishes also! Oops! Just kidding!

Post# 153237 , Reply# 30   9/8/2006 at 14:45 (6,411 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Oh my GOD, Robert. If you made a video of a load of dishes smashing around in the Neptune TL it would be a MAJOR, MAJOR hit on YouTube! We'll distract Greg for a awhile with some colorful objects and you go to it!

Signed,
Evil Eugene


Post# 153262 , Reply# 31   9/8/2006 at 18:03 (6,411 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Ok Evil Eugene, you distract Greg while Evil Uni get's the Blue Heaven Dishes, mwahahahahahahahahahahaha. QUIET ON THE SET!

Post# 153280 , Reply# 32   9/8/2006 at 21:06 (6,411 days old) by brent-aucoin ()        

Dishes! Too Funny! Go for it!
I have never seen one of the Neptune's work in person, but it is very interesting. I could see that it would be an effective washer. It is truly doing the same wash action as a front loader. Lot's of slapping going on.
Did any of the Neptune's have a heater? And also what was the high spin speed?
I think it is such a cool machine. And I can assure you that one day, when we are all gone to Appliance Heaven, there will be many people trying to collect this machine. This will then, be the Apex of the future.
Thanks for the video Robert!
Brent


Post# 153568 , Reply# 33   9/10/2006 at 14:55 (6,409 days old) by lightedcontrols ()        
I USED MINE FOR TWO MONTHS....

......and then hooked the burpilator back up. Was an ok machine but I NEVER was able to find an HE detergent that didn't oversuds. I guess our mountain water loves to make suds. Never had a tangling problem but it did pill socks and cottons. Dirty clothes NEVER came clean and of course it took
F O R E V E R to wash a load of clothes. Mark


Post# 153571 , Reply# 34   9/10/2006 at 15:09 (6,409 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
My real media player doesn't work :-( At least I know now what I was missing.

Post# 153662 , Reply# 35   9/11/2006 at 08:37 (6,408 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
My real media player doesn't work

Bob the video if is a MPEG, its not meant to be played on the Real Media player, you need to play it on the Windows Media Player.

Yes the only problem I found with the machine is that when you wash in hot water, the water cools down very rapidly, these modern machines that use so little water really need a heater to keep the hot water hot. I found it does not do a very good job on whites, even with Tide HE. For other things is really is a good washer.

I have done many wash loads in this machine and nothing has come out tangled. Can someone tell me what I am doing "wrong"? Looking out on the internet I see there were lots of complaints of tangling but I have yet to see any evidence of this. What are these people doing to possibly cause all this supposed tangling????


Post# 153721 , Reply# 36   9/11/2006 at 14:13 (6,408 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
Maybe they were trying to wash much larger loads than you are doing ....

RealPlayer may grab other file types when it installs. 3rd-party media players sometimes do that. Try saving the clip local, then start Media Player first (it should be under Start / Programs / Accessories / Entertainment or some such place), and use File/Open to navigate to the clip. File type associations can usually be reset from within the respective programs. My Windows Media Player (not the latest version) has it under Tools / Options / File Types.


Post# 153735 , Reply# 37   9/11/2006 at 14:42 (6,408 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Wow, I'm surprised it's not doing well with whites. It certainly seems to have a nice, vigorous wash action.

And just what ARE you doing wrong that your loads don't come out all tangled, Robert? Get with the program, man! :-)

Seriously (although I'm too giddy about my new Frigidaire TL'er to be very serious this afternoon): Do you do anything special when loading that may help avoid tangling? I'm so used to just indiscriminately stuffing handfuls of clothes into my FL'er that I've forgotten the fine art of filling a TL.


Post# 153740 , Reply# 38   9/11/2006 at 15:17 (6,408 days old) by peterh770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
I'd like to see it handle a really big, modern load like it was designed to do...

When I see the direction the augers turn in relation to how the spirals are impressed in them, I would have thought they turned so that the flatter, "paddle" side would lift and flip the load. Instead, the augers turn so that the load is shifted back and forth, and for the speed the augers turn, the load doesn't seem to roll at the same rate.

Very interesting indeed! Sure beats the impellers-on-steroid machines that are out there now.


Post# 153774 , Reply# 39   9/11/2006 at 17:31 (6,408 days old) by jasonmarc52 ()        
Just Maytags...

Aside from the older, pre-"real-fast-oscillating"-agitator top load washers, the newer, samll-porcelain-tub Maytags are the ABSOLUTE WORST toploaders today. I had bought, in November 1994, a new top-of-the-line Maytag(cost me 800.00 with tax. I was replacing my 1977 Frigidaire 1-18 which was STILL working well. I am SO VERY SORRY I ever bought a Maytag! That machine had NO capacity, tangled almost all my wash, and spun so "slowly" even on "fast", that my fantastic '89 electronic-sensor gas Lady Kenmore(front-door lint-filter) dryer took an extra 10 minutes to dry clothes! Why, that horrid machine could'nt even wash my jeans, sneakers or slippers well, because it couldn't create good "roll-over"! It didn't want to "suck them down" into the washwater. Ever open the lid of a toploader to see what looked to be someone's legs sticking-up from the washwater??? I am sure you get my drift, and NO, I am NOT pulling YOUR leg! I sold the screwy washer two months after I bought it for 225.00 to a local woman, and bought my then-favorite Kenmore 92572 which I own with delight to today. I even FIRST tried contacting both my Maytag's dealer,AND Maytag themselves, to take my machine back, with no luck. OH, another thing-that Maytag couldn't even pump the water out of the 5-foot raised hose(to my drainpipe). Maytag came and replaced the pump's belt, and STILL NO LUCK! I have to this day bad-mouthed ANY and ALL Maytag products. There are far better choices on the market, and sadly they were purchased by Whirlpool. That was another BAD mistake on Whirlpool's part! Jason

Post# 153843 , Reply# 40   9/11/2006 at 22:47 (6,408 days old) by lightedcontrols ()        
Robert,

The model above the one you have, is a touch control with the "stain brain" built in. I bought the "Stain Brain" model since it will not only tell you how to deal with just about every type of stain, but also has a built in heater. Still didn't get very good performance though, and it always bitched about being oversudsed.....which increased the wash time significantly. Mark Lightedcontrols

Post# 153910 , Reply# 41   9/12/2006 at 10:15 (6,407 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Hi Mark, the model I have the "stain brain" but does not have the 1000rpm spin or the heater, that was the higher end model. I suspect the model with the heater will do a much better job on whites.


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