A New Arrival at IDA's Home for Wayward Vintage Appliances

[hoover1060]

Last year

I went to dinner with Fred & Charlie the night before they left for the Omaha Convention. I had just returned from the LA vacuum convention so we gathered to share stories.
Fred was totally excited about Omaha, really looking forward to it. We'd all looked at the pictures by then, and I remember him saying "I can't wait to see those Maytag 906's!"

Aside from where they used to live, those two machines could not possibly have a better home.
I am looking forward to seeing them in operation.

 

[fnelson487]

The 906s Are Waiting For Hookup

Robert-Yes - another vac guy has succumbed to the washer bug. Yikes!! With my big basement - I am scared, really scared . . .

Pete - These machines were sometimes (and sometimes still are) not preferred because of the lack of control over the functions of the machines. The buttons on the washer are as follows:

Delicate
Wool
Wash and Wear
Full White Load (Hot Wash - max fill)
Partial White Load (Hot Wash - medium fill)
Full Colored Load (Warm Wash - max fill)
Partial Colored Load (Warm wash - medium fill)
Bright Colors
Rinse
Spin Dri

Each button kicked off a sequence of events which could not be changed. I am not sure of the sequence of cycles for other than whites and colors, but I will figure it out.

When you think about it, how many changes do you make in a wash load? I only change the temperature and, perhaps, the water level. When I think of my Neptunes - the washer has 14 buttons and three cycles on the dial. Those buttons don't even control the water level, the machine senses the load and fills accordingly. I only change the water temp for whites and others. I hardly use all the variations it offers.

These machines were the TOL at the time but seem to have fallen by the wayside. People liked to control the functions of the machine. I don't care, they are beautiful machines and will be my daily drivers. These were later versions of those seen on the "Beverly Hillbillies." What greater recommendation could there be?

Regarding the altered pulley for faster action - I asked Greg to change it back to make it original. I had an 806 series 2 (gold panel) machine for years and loved it. I am sure I will like these even more. When Jeff and I opened up the boxes, it was like flashing back to 1968 when they were first delivered!

 

[petek]

I see what you mean about the lack of controls then, still I don't think that would dissuade me either. In fact for someone like my other half it would be a blessing since he has never been able to synchronize the temps, cycles and water levels on our old GE. On top of that it's a very clean looking design.

 

[trainguy]

None In The Tri-State Area

I'll bet I've talked to over 50 Maytag dealers and none of them ever remember selling or repairing a set of 906's. I do come across 806's all the time but have never seen a 906 in person. I'm still green with envy, but very happy for you just the same.

Greg, how could you even begin to think about parting with such treasures??!?

 

[brettsomers]

i cant even begin to imagine how those buttons control the various functions. PLEASE, let one of the experts write about the specifics of the cycles and buttons actions! i applaud Mr Nelson for using these as his daily drivers. i hope he will tell us about how the washer compares to a *conventional* Maytag. any Maytag nuts care to expand on these models?, speak up!

 

[hoover1060]

2 ways to think about it

1. Totally automatic machines, put the clothes in, add detergent, and push a button, no muss no fuss.
Same with the dryer, although the 806 and even 606/608 dryers had the same electronic control just with a dial instead of buttons.

2. Maybe the washer is a little too automatic, especially considering the way the 806 model was set up. That model is just about totally opposite from the 906, in you could set wash/rinse temps seperately, agitate/spin speeds, water levels, and wash times. The 906 has all that stuff programmed already. I don't know that I'd like a washer so automatic, for the reason that I don't always have a full load to wash, so I like having the 4 water levels as on my 608. Some might also argue about the lack of flexibility with wash times too, I have never asked experts, but usually always set my machines for the longest time available.

Whatever the case, these machines of Fred's are absolutely stunning, and will look FAB in his laundry room with the '62 Kitchenaid DW and the KDS17 portable.

 

[mixfinder]

Cycle Sequence

From memory, so don't crucify me if I am a spec off or two.

Each button push sends off the water choice, fill level and cycle selection.

Whites: Machine fills with hot water, agitates 12 minutes. Pauses, spins, has a 1 minute spray rinse. Fills with warm water and agitates for 4 minutes. Pauses for 30 seconds and then spins for 7. Stops.

Colored: Machine fills with warm water, agitates for 10 minutes. Pauses for 30 seconds, spins, has a minute spray rinse. Fills with warm water and agitates for 4 minutes. Pauses for 30 seconds and then spins for 7 minutes. Stops.

Wash and Wear: Washer fills with warm water and agitates for 8 minutes. Pauses for 30 seconds, slow spin for 90 seconds. Machine stops and fills with cold water. Agitates for 1 minute. Stops, rests for 90 seconds, spins on slow for 90 seconds. Cool down repeats. Washer spins on slow for 3 minutes and then fills with cold water. Rinse is normal agitation for 4 minutes, followed by slow spin of 7 minutes.

Bright Colors: Washer fills with cold water and washer on normal speed for 6 minutes. Pause for 30 seconds, spins with 1 minute spray rinse. Washer fills with cold water and agitates for 4 minutes. Machine pauses for 30 seconds and then spins on normal speed for 7 minutes.

Wool: Washer fills with warm water and agitates on slow speed for 4 minutes. Washer pauses 30 seconds and then spins on slow speed with 1 minute spray rinse. Washer fills with warm water and agitates on slow speed for 4 minutes. Pauses for 30 seconds and then spins on slow speed for 7 minutes.

Delicate: Washer fills with warm water and agitates for 6 minutes on slow speed. Washer pauses for 30 seconds and then spins on slow speed with 1 minute spray rinse. Washer fills with cold water and agitates on slow speed for 4 minutes. washer pauses 30 seconds and then spins for 7 minutes on slow speed.

Rinse only: Washer fills with warm water and agitates on normal speed for 4 minutes. washer pauses for 30 seconds and then spins on normal speed for 7 minutes.

Spin only: Washer spins on normal speed for 7 minutes.
Kelly

 

[DADoES]

My 906 has White, Colored, Brite, and Wool all washing for the same time, which I believe is 10 minutes. The timer does not change its starting position when switching between those six buttons. Wool (I think) alternates between agitation and soaking, like a FabricMatic. Delicate is less wash time, probably 5 or 6 mins.

I had expected the water level to be a single pressure switch with a mechanical linkage to switch between full and half fill. But, the machine appears to have a dual-diaphram pressure switch, with the pressure hose splitting off to connect to each side. The full- or partial-load buttons electrically select which 'half' of the pressure switch is in control.

 

[gansky1]

Full White: All action- normal speed. Hot wash, 10 min, pause 1 min, spin drain 2 min, warm spray rinse 1 min, spin 1 min. Warm rinse, agitate 2 min, pause 1 min, spin 5 min.

Partial White: Same as above but approx. 1/2 full

Full Colored Load: Same as full white cycle but with warm wash and cold rinse.

Partial Colored: Same as Full Colored but with tub 1/2 full.

Bright Colors: Same as Full Colored but with cold wash, cold rinse.

Rinse: Full fill, cold water, 2 min agitate, 5 min spin. Normal speeds.

Spin Dri: 5 min spin, Normal speed.

Perm Press: Full, warm water, 8 min agitate normal speed, pause 1 min. spin drain normal speed 45 sec., fill cold water, pause 1 min, agitate 1 min normal speed, pause 1 min, spin normal speed 2 min, fill cold water, agitate normal speed 1 min, pause 1 min, spin normal speed 3 min.

Delicate: Fill warm water, wash gentle speed 3 min, pause 1 min, spin gentle speed 2 min, cold spray rinse 1 min, spin gentle speed 1 min, fill cold water, agitate gentle speed 2 min, pause 1 min, spin gentle speed 5 min.

Wool: All gentle speed. Cold water fill, agitate 1 min, soak 4 min, agitate 1 min, soak 3 min, agitate 1 min, pause 1 min, spin 2 min, cold spray rinse 1 min, spin 1 min, fill cold water, agitate 2 min, pause 1 min, spin 5 min.

 

[seeitrun06]

Thanks for the pictures. I have always wondered what the the markings on the buttons said. Man with all the warm and hot water this machine used it sure would not meet up the energy requirements put on these machine today.

Nice set!

 

[brettsomers]

thanks for the explanation, greg. its just what i wanted! its a lot like what i imagined, though i expected a slightly shorter washtime for *bright colors*. and perhaps *12* mins for whites. also, im intrigued by the soak periods for *wool*, i thought i read somewhere that wool *hates* water and should sit in it for the shortest time possible? overall, a very good range for most any load one might have. i imagine if you wanted to add a soak (for example, heavy soil) you could simply raise the lid? someone described these machines as *porcelained jewels*, how appropriate! thanks!

 

[gansky1]

These Pushbutton Maytags are truly a sight to behold, lit up and running are just breathtaking. I have the 160 pushbutton from 1960 and it's cycles are identical to the 906. In fact, the timer, switches and rapid-advance motor/gearbox are all identical parts from 1960 through the end of the their run in the early 70's.

 

[jimmyb]

WOW!

What a great set - I am so jealous. Just getting my Maytag 606 set makes me want to grab as many as I can. Enjoy them!

Jim

 

[fnelson487]

Not Set Up Yet

But here is a picture of them in Greg's basement. It couldn't be a more beautiful setup with the dark wall behind them. I swear that man has a fabulous designer's eye. He would be great at setting up the appliance displays at the Mart there in Omaha. That, of course, is in addition to his incredible mechanical skills. When you see his collection, you would never know all the work and the disassembly and reassembly that go into those machines. He is like me, they must be pristine. . .

 

[foraloysius]

Fred,

You're right, Greg has a real designer's eye. This picture is just breathtaking, I can watch it endlessly. Not only the dark wall but also the way they are perfectly levelled next to eachother makes it a wonderful picture. Ofcourse the nice machines help too...

Louis