60's era Coronado Washers

[frigilux]

Who made Coronado washers in the '60's? I had access to two different machines (purchased at Gamble's Hardware in the midwest) while growing up. As I recall, the motor/pump ran during fill (ala Speed Queen) and both had a 'partial fill' button to press to stop fill for small loads. They were loud, raucous machines. Are they related to the Wizard machines? Many thanks to whoever takes the time to answer!

 

[lesto]

I'm not sure of the manufacturer but Robert has a beautiful red Coronado agitator that fits nicely in his 58 Speed Queen.

Les

 

[Unimatic1140]

As far as I know, Coronado machines were made by Beam in the 1940's and 1950's (who made the Speed Queen design) with the pump running during fill. But in the late 50's or early 60's they switched over to the Franklin design and became Wizard "pig" like. Actually the story is the same for Wizard as in the 50's they were also made by Beam. The "Big Red" agitator I have is from a 1956 Coronado-Beam design washer.

 

[frigilux]

Thanks, guys! I could be wrong about the motor running during the fill. I just remember they made some wonderfully strange sucking/heavy-breathing noises during agitation and spin. And they were loud.

 

[kreftgr]

Fluid Drive

The design for fluid drive that was used on the early SQ & Coronado machines was own by Gambles at one time but I can't say exactly what years. Glen.