Add water level control to 2020 Speed Queen commercial washing machine

[rmbnct_rckhnd]

Hello everyone.

I recently purchased a 2020 Speed Queen SWNMN2SP115TW01 commercial washer (and matching dryer) to replace the 40 year old Maytag laundry set at my mother's house, which while still soldiering along, were really showing their age mechanically.

I got what I thought was a great deal on the Speed Queens, I bought them refurbished from a local commercial laundry dealer for $1400 for the pair (or $700 each) and was extremely pleased with my purchase until I realized that the washing machine lacks the ability to change the water level setting.

I wondered if it would be possible to add the control to this machine, as I know this model came with multiple control panels, one or more of which includes this feature. And after some googling, came across an older post on this forum describing doing exactly that to a 2017 (I think?) model. by installing a different pressure switch and drilling a hole in the front panel for the associated knob.

I'm wondering if the process is the same on this 2020 model. I am an engineering technician by trade so I figure the actual job wouldn't be too awful if I can figure out exactly what parts I need and a schematic of how to wire it up.

Also, I am aware that Speed Queen isn't what it used to be, and I figure my 2020 model isn't as good as the older models. But I still feel like I got a pretty good deal given the cost of what I consider much worse quality washers these days.

Thanks in advance.
Rambunctious_Rockhound

 

[combo52]

Adding a variable water level switch to a Speed Queen

Hi Ian, it should be fairly easy to add this. You just will need a water level switch and a knob, post a picture of the inside of your control panel and I can better tell what you’ll need

In 15 years of working with Speed Queen. I have never seen one even the slightest little cheapening of the product, all their washers and dryers are exactly the same as they’re using commercially, they have longer warranties than ever. I’ve only seen them improve parts, I think the only cost cut I ever saw is when they eliminated the silly little guard on top of the lint filter in the dryers and enough people complained that they actually supplying those again.

Their new TR top load series washers are far more reliable than the traditional ones and we see about zero problems with the front load washers.

Having worked with whirlpool, Maytag, GE, etc. over the past 50 years we watched a continual cheapening of the products they were always making things thinner, eliminating parts, using cheaper parts, etc. etc.

I have seen absolutely none of this with Speed Queen, it constantly surprises me that they don’t try to cheap in the product a little bit to keep cost down, however, the price of Speed Queen has continued to increase even substantially, but when people tell me they don’t make things like they used to. I tell them to put their money where their mouth is. There is a good product out there if you’re willing to pay for it .

John

 

[rmbnct_rckhnd]

An even simpler solution

Hi John, thanks for the response.

I have discovered an even simpler solution to this issue. I contacted the Speed Queen dealer I bought these machines from and he agreed to just swap it out for one with the domestic 3 knob control panel. Same machine, just different panel with the water level control.

As much as I would've enjoyed to hack in the water level control to this machine, I think this is the easiest way to go.

-Ian