advice neede on purchase of commercial washer

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davidblazor

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2014
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Location
Astoria Oregon
Hello to all AW.ORG members. I am in need of replacing my SPEED QUEEN AFN50R MODEL WASHER. The machine is going out again and want to replace it with something more along the commercial line of either Milnor or Continental Girbau. Can any members of the group please guide me in what to buy. Would it be better to buy a solid mount or soft mount washer. I am looking for something with a 35- 40 pound capacity load and would also be replacing a exceptional Speed Queen dryer model ADE40. As always all advice is appreciated in advance.

David
 
If you need a real HEAVY DUTY commercial washer

I would go the Continental route.  I have used Cont/Girbau machines in an entry mat laundry.  It did not faze them.  This is the machine I would recommend.  Of course you can get it without the meter if you need an OPL machine.

WK78

http://www.continentalgirbau.com/vended/coin-operated-washer-eh040.html
 
soft mount or solid mount

Is the Continental a soft mount or solid mount? I live in a manufactured home and the floor in the laundry room was reinforced and rebuilt because the Speed Queen ate a hole thru the original floor.
 
Spin speeds on hard mount washers are very low.

 

A washer with 35-40 lb. capacity may not have the option of a drain pump; it'll dump the water on the floor, expecting to find a drain trough there.

 

Look at the available programs and configurability on these washers. I've looked at them in the past, and found them pretty limited. In contrast, the Miele Little Giant is a commercial washer with lots of functionality for home use, and probably costs no more than a big commercial washer. It is small, smaller than your Speed Queen, but can be stuffed pretty full on many of its programs.
 
John,

David is the guy who had all of that trouble getting Alliance to repair his SQ FL under warranty a while back.  It's my understanding that he has special needs kids and that the machine is being used for multiple loads on a daily basis.  Apparently even a SQ can't hold up under such demands.  He's probably better off with a commercial type if his laundry room can accommodate one.
 
Best heavy duty washer choice

Hi Ralph, yes I remember this case well but in order to give the best advice I ask for more details. The best thing I could possibly recommend right now would be another speed queen soft mount commercial homestyle washer. These are truly commercial washers, they use the exact same ones and coin laundries all over the world.

We have these machines and hotels in veterinary clinics etc. doing 20+ loads a day some for over five years and have never had bearing failures with most of them I have a couple of them that I've done over 45,000 loads out there.

If the bearings are failing again in this washer they may either not of been repaired well or there may be some unusual water conditions that are causing the frequent failures which no washer may be able to avoid.
 
current failures on speed queen

To all members of AW.ORG the current failure(s) are probably easy fixes but IMHO the machine is just on it's last leg. Our house hold averages 25-30 and sometimes more loads of laundry a week. Due to having 2 special needs kids in the home. The loads consist of about 14 loads of bedding, 4 large loads of towels, 10-14 loads of clothes this is a real bad week though. If I were weighing the laundry I would say the machine is easily doing 400 plus pounds of laundry a week.

The machine isn't having bearing failures again but water keeps pouring out from under the machine. It does not happen with every load but about every 3 loads. This started happening after I washed a medium sized sleeping bag in the machine and I have washed it numerous times in the past. I have also noticed that it started doing this leak while using GAIN HE detergent vs. TIDE W/Bleach. I watched the machine progress with a load of clothes and it did not leak but when I washed a queen size blanket it did leak. There is no water coming from around the boot or any water coming out from around the door.

As far as water conditions here on the Oregon Coast we have SUPER soft water. I have noticed that when using GAIN HE detergent the machine gets extremely sudsy using a 1/4 scoop. IS it the detergent causing the leak if so that is a easy fix. Gain was on sale so I just bought 2 boxes versus buying tide at the time

The good news is there is absolutely no problems with the dryer (model ADE40). These machines were rated the top of the line when purchased.

David
 
Sounds like...

You may be having a suds lock condition which results in foam escaping the air vent in the back. There may also be a need to check and clear the pump guard. Additionally, Gain HE powder is a very sudsy formula. I can't use it in my machine.

Malcolm
 
for one, you might consider Rosalie's detergent.....best for no suds conditions, could be more economical as well.....

question.....

don't some of these bigger units require a 2 or 3 phase power supply?

and based on size, some may not fit through standard doorways....
 
you would have to open the machine up, whether the top, or bottom panels....

and watch closely as to when the water is leaking out.....and where it is coming from

I just worked on a Samsung with a mystery leak, took several loads to figure out that the dispenser box would occasionally have water overflow out the top section where it snaps together.....simple sealant filled the gap all the way around and fixed that issue....

plus, is it from the machine?, or the drain pipe backing up?, even suds backing out of the pipe can show the same results.....anything is possible
 
Step One: Ditch the Gain

After P&G changed the formula on Gain and Tide HE to be "for both" front-loading and top-loading machines,  I experienced oversudsing issues in my Frigidaire Affinity.   Others here have reported similar experiences.  I stopped using P&G's "for both" products and am back to low suds as front loading machines require.

 

Try a different brand that isn't made by P&G.  I think they're the only manufacturer making the claim about their HE being "for both" types of machines, and that is simply not true.

 

Ideally, you want suds no higher than about 1/3 or so up the window while contents are tumbling.  I find that most of the time I can use much less than the manufacturer's recommended amount of detergent, and only use the full amount on large, heavily soiled loads.

 

 

 

 
 
THANK YOU

Thank you for all of your responses AW members. I appreciate all of your ideas and thoughts about what is going on with machine. I wish I would of known about the Gain being so sudsy. I use regular Tide W/ Bleach with no issues.

I checked all the hoses and connections and drain pipe and all are clean dry and no signs of leaks. In my mind it has something to do with the pump assembly.

I don't remember all of the warranty. Do I have 5 years parts and labor? Will I get the same ration of BS and ring around the Rosey with alliance? Should I just call a service tech and say screw the warranty?

All thoughts and responses are greatly appreciated.

David
 
There are single phase commercial hard and soft mount washers in both 120v and 220v.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wascomat-W6...133676?hash=item3d2be06e6c:g:izwAAOSwuwRYLO-h

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HC40MD2-40l...132595?hash=item3d2be06a33:g:~okAAOSw7XZXhT4b

Larger question for the OP is whether or not his home can withstand the weight and forces generated by such machines. Personally one seconds advice given upthread and seek out SQ or perhaps another brand of OPL unit.

From what one has seen commercial washers lowest capacity is around 20lbs, they then go up to 30, 40, 50, etc....

Unless dealing with fully programmable controls from what one has seen cycle times on most commercial washers tends to be on the quick side. Thus unless one routinely washes large/bulky items a larger capacity machine might not be required. We're talking about 30 minutes or so from start to finish... wash days just breeze by.
 
John (combo52) should be able to advise on the warranty, or you can call Alliance and they can advise, assuming you registered your machine with Alliance after purchase.  They'll have on file the information needed to initiate warranty repairs.

 

If the machine is still covered, deal with Alliance directly to avoid the run-around you got from your local SQ service provider last time. 
 
A couple years ago I looked into buying a Huebsch soft mount commercial washer for no reason other then they are just darned cool. It looks like they have changed their models a little since then, as I recall the one I was considering was rated at 18lbs and cost a bit under $4000.

If you look at their current offerings the 20, 25 and 30lb machines could go through a 36" doorway. All these machines are available as single phase machines (but they are all 240v). I don't believe that any of these machines have a drain pump though, the simple brochure isn't clear about this.

Also note that all of these commercial machines are in the 400 to 600 pound total weight range. If you already suffered floor damage from a residential Speed Queen then I doubt one of these would be workable.

From what you have described as leakage, doesn't make it seem as if the machine is on its last legs. All machines will have minor troubles from time to time. Indeed this is very likely leakage caused by over sudsing or similar. Find the cause and the machine will likely keep working fine for many years.

If you have the room and feel like spending the money I'd buy a 2nd machine which could double throughput as well as serve as a back up in case of any failures. It does sound like you have "mission critical" laundry needs.
 
why not call the exact service company that came out the last time....after all, they were the ones who got that situation back on track....

and most likely would have your info on file....
 
To the best of one's knowledge Milnor does not currently produce a washer/extractor remotely possible in OP's domestic situation.

http://www.milnor.com/product-category/washer-extractors/

Now a structure with a solid concrete basement floor and suitable structural support would be another matter. Ditto any sort of building where floors/structure could support the machine and forces generated.

Continental-Girbau is another matter. However their "E" series washers have rated lifespans of 10-20 years. Not much different than say Miele (especially older models) which cost much less. http://www.continentalgirbau.com/opl/commercial-washers-eseries.html

Would suggest a Miele, but the older larger capacity washers are no longer in production, and views are mixed on the (discontinued) 40XX series.
Average lifespan for a typical front loading washing machine sold in USA is fourteen years, which works out to about 5,100 cycles

(see: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/expected-lifespans-washing-machines-67293.html).

Things aren't that much better across the pond: http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/how-long-should-a-washing-machine-last/

Obviously the more cycles a washer is put through equates to more stress on certain parts and shorter lifespan. In particular if the machine is routinely overloaded.

Personally reason for having many washers (Miele, then Hoover TT, added Oko-Lavamat, now the Maytag Wringer...), along with various hand washing tools (tubs, posser, hand wringers), is to take some of the work load off the front loaders.

For instance one does not do small wash loads in the Miele or rarely in the Lavamat. The first most certainly doesn't like it, and the latter appears not so keen as well. Both to an extent have issues attempting to balance before spinning, and the result is often banging, bouncing and vibrations.

Similarly no longer do heavy/bulky items in either washer; but take them round to laundryette. This became certainly true after paying out >$300 for Miele to come out and repair the suspension springs on the W1070. This was on top of a few years prior having same done for the shock absorbers.

What one is getting at is the OP may wish to consider some sort of second washer (maybe even a top loader portable or stationary), to take some of the work load off main washer.

Twenty-five to thirty (or more) wash loads per week will quickly knacker all but the most durable front loaders. Depending upon source the average number of wash loads for domestic front loaders is between 7 and 12 per week. [this post was last edited: 11/21/2016-19:21]
 
Economical Route

It seems to me the best route at this point is to switch detergent and see if the problem follows the Gain HE. If you continue to have problems, I would make a direct phone call to the sq Servicer that gave you satisfaction last round.

Malcolm
 
You are not going to like to hear this...

But I wonder if you should move out of a manufactured house and into a ranch or split level house built on a slab where you can have the commercial washer. I would recommend building a concrete "pedestal" about 10-12 inches high enough for also the dryer. That way, a "hard mount" machine would be possible. Even if you don't get the hard mount, I think this platform would be a good place for any machine.

Another way might be to build like a Tuff Shed with a thick concrete floor and a "trough" but you probably have to get permission as the "shed" would have to have its utilities, but it could be a Laundry Shed.

Does Speed Queen make a model that is just above the home style machine but the smallest size commercial? Also, perhaps a commercial dealer could program detergents and additives like they do for bed and breakfasts, which would help with doing the laundry.
 
SQ FL Washer

Hi Your model only had a 3 year Parts and labor warranty.

 

These are real commercial washers, SQs engineers told us that these washers had a design life of around 25,000 loads, at 20 loads this machine could last you around 20 years or so.

 

A washer like yours will require repairs every few years for the next 15 years, a 2nd washer is an excellent idea.
 
I am somewhat surprised as these Speed Queens are far bigger and far superior to my Neptunes for the issues that have happened...

the only issue once I fixed them, was one dryer needed the solenoids replaced twice for the gas valve...and sand from the well plugged the water valves on the washer...

with 10 kids, I didn't think anyone could surpass me with laundry.....I love to do laundry, but there were times it would push your limits...I only started out with two sets, and added from there thanks to this site...

and probably the one time I wished the machines were in the kitchen, to multi task...Launderess is right, an extra machine like a wringer was great for diapers...

Sears Ultra Plus really stretched the detergent budget....how I miss those 5 gallon buckets...

I would recommend two sets, as in another SQ set, stacked, side by side.....

keep us posted on your progress....

yogitunes-2016112119182105474_1.jpg
 
This Web Site is AWSOME

Thank you again to all AW members. The thought has crossed our minds to sell our manufactured home and buy a real home. This home was purchased at a time when times were real tight and it was cheap. We built the floor up for the washer and dryer to set on.

Yogitunes how many loads of laundry does a household with 10 kids do in one week and with that many washers and dryers?

I really feel like this web site is a family of sorts. I feel like there is a real support group here. I am glad that I am not the only one with mountains of laundry.

What is really surprising is that we have had ZERO problems with the dryer. I am lucky for that. The washer will be getting fixed with in the next few days probably on black Friday.

Thru this site I've only heard good news about GE filter flow washers. My mom had a set of these in the early 80's and that is what I grew up with. Would one of these be a good choice for a second washer?

Thanks for all the support from everyone.

David
 
Reading through your posts here, you mentioned you do up to 30 loads of laundry a week. That works out to nearly four loads of laundry a day!

Since you rely on your washer so heavily, I'd recommend that you consider purchasing another washer and dryer so that the strain on each machine is lessened.

You would also be able to figure out whether or not the problem you are having is consistent with the machine or the problem is somewhere else. I realize that this is an expensive way to troubleshoot an issue, but hear me out.

My other thought is that if the other machine somehow breaks down, you at least have one remaining machine to take over the load until you can get it fixed.

I do honestly think that a larger machine would certainly lessen the number of loads that you are doing, but like other people have said, there are a lot of considerations to take into account.

Regarding your last post, I think that a Filter Flo wouldn't withstand the heavy use that you'd put it through for too long, considering that many of those machines are well over 20 years old now.

If you want to buy a machine on the cheap, then yeah, an SQ top loader might do the trick as a great second machine, but you'd be better off with another front loader IMHO.

Good luck.
 
According to what I have pulled up on line, the washer you have is supposed to have a 3.3 cu ft capacity. The machine I now have is supposed to have a 5 cu ft capacity and certainly holds more than any machine I have ever had before. It is LG made and readily available along with a matching dryer that is 9 cu ft capacity. I use it nearly everyday and have had no issues at all in the last 3 years. It is quiet and efficient with many different features. Don't know exactly what you have in mind, but going with a commercial unit is going to be MUCH more expensive. I would think the cost would be kind of prohibitive. I know that when I used to run a commercial cleaners & laundry, a machine we had that had a 25 pound capacity was about the same size drum as what I have now. The machines I have now are stacked and save room too.
 
LG and Samsung washers and dryer's for heavy duty use

These huge capacity washers and dryer's are not designed for maximum use on a regular basis, they are designed to wash the occasional king size comforter etc.  

 

It is irresponsible to suggest somebody buy this Chinese junk for washing continuous heavy duty loads. Bruce you should try washing 50 bath towels and drying them in your LG's time and time again they won't last a month.

 

Over half the speed Queen's built are used with coin boxes and other commercial installations this is not the case with 5 ft. LGs and 9 ft. LG dryers they are in no way commercial heavy duty machines the washers have plastic frames and plastic outer tub's and the dryers that go with them are beyond cheap all you have to do is take one apart and compare it to a speed queen.
 
I guess theres no short way of doing this.....but lets give it a try....

John is right, you can't compare a 1 or 2 person household, versus someone like Dave and the amount of laundry that is generated, most machines would choke...

Dave, whenever you have service on those machines, it would be in your best interest to be right there and watch, and ask plenty of questions.....you will save yourself time and money, plus aggravation if you can do some of this work yourself....

kids 101....any advice I can offer, I am here to help you along....believe me, I learned a lot along the way...work smarter, not harder, yeah, you will have some blunders along the way, we all have.....sounds like you spending most of your time on laundry...

I fully understand your position with children, as we have adopted children, foster children, and listed as a SHiPs home for special needs children...because of the size of the house and 7 bedrooms, we mostly get sibling groups...your home is inspected and held to a higher standard than any home these children have come from..

ages varied from 4 months to 12.....

each kid basically creates one load of their clothing per week....that is not saying I wait until the 7th day to do all of the laundry.....each color group has to build up to make one load.....sometimes you would skip a day as you would not have enough for any given load, or sometimes you combined loads together....most times it was 2 loads a day....a common everyday load was always whites...socks, underwear, towels and such....

to reduce a number of issues, you purchased things in bulk and as odd as this may sound, all white....like a hospital supply place...sheets, pillow cases, blankets and towels....these can wash together, and can be bleached if needed...no puffy, bulky comforters!

for most loads, you can fit 3 of everything, fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillow case and blanket....if you can wash, dry, and put back on the bed, you saved a lot of time right there......but always have backup sets as accidents will happen, sheets and blankets tucked into the pillowcase, one complete bed change ready in an instant....

10 loads a week would be about average.....14 or more would be in extreme cases...with several machines, you get a lot of wash done, very quickly....

dryer sheets are like duct tape, useful for anything but taping duct work....these WILL kill your dryer.....they will create a wax type of film on internal parts and sensors, which attracts lint.....they are useful in many other areas of your home....

also, your washer will last a lot longer with warm and hot washes...bleach once in a while.....and cold washes kept to a minimum
 
source of leak found

Hello to all. This morning before work I took the lower panel off the SQ to determine leak source and found it. I was washing a load of incontinent pads and water was POURING from all around the boot. The pump assembly was working smoothly and not suds locking. When I run my hand around the boot inside their is a nick in the boot at the top but this was POURING out from around the bottom. Service is ordered and as I said in other statement machine will be back in operation on Black Friday.

David
 

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