advice neede on purchase of commercial washer

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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
 
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
 
I dunno John, this Chinese junk has been working really well for me and I have been washing pretty big full loads. No service calls in 3 years so far. In fact, after reading what he was washing, that is one of the many things I have to wash daily in this set and believe me, it is to capacity. Perhaps you could buy another one from John, if he agrees to include lifetime repair. As wonderful as speed queen machines are, he should have no problem with that.[this post was last edited: 11/22/2016-14:14]
 
Excellent news!  That should be a fairly easy fix, if not cheap.  It's still cheaper than a whole new machine.

 

I think the general consensus here for a back-up machine would be a SQ top loader or a Whirlpool made (aka Kenmore, Estate, Maytag and more) direct-drive top loader, for which parts are plentiful and repairs are relatively easy.  Well built vintage machines, such as Maytags are hard to kill, but your conditions would be a challenge even for those -- unless you got one that had been recently rebuilt.
 
can someone give a pic or detail of the control panel.....

I am not noticing a 'clean washer' cycle on any Speed Queen......

quite frankly, like my Neptunes, and Frigidaire Gallery...never had it, never will....with proper washing guidelines and care, see no reason to ever have to needed one....

99% of all loads are hot or warm wash.....bleach used as needed.....never leave the door or dispenser drawer open.....never an issue...

one thing I am curious, has anyone seen a Samsung or LG machine in any Laundromat setting....Maytags and Speed Queens were most common TL machines for years....most Flers were SQ or Milnors

even Neptunes were found in Laundromats.....for the ones located around me, rarely would you see one out of order.....
 
PWS LAUNDRY.COM

Yogitunes go to PWS Laundry.com you can order manuals and that will show you the control panels. My model is the Control Dial vs. Electronic dial. One dial is for the cycles and one dial is for the water temps, there is a toggle switch for the extra rinse and the start button and 4 operating lights. The model I have is the basic model. The cycles on my machine are as follows:

Regular
Perm Press
Delicate/Bulky
Rinse/Spin
Spin Only

Water temps are as follows:

Cold/cold
Warm/cold
Warm/Warm
Hot/Cold

There is no clean cycle option like there was on our Whirlpool Duet Sport. That machine was a sad disaster did not last long in our home.

The Laundromats around here have the following equipment

1) completely speed queen equipped. The machines are fairly old and are still up and running like champs. This Laundromat is also the cheapest in the area $3.50 for the 50 pound washer, 2.00 for the super20 speed queen double loads and.75 and 1.00 for the top loads (.75) cold wash washers only) 1.00 for all the others.

2) two Laundromats are equipped with dexter double load washer and continental Girbau mega load washers with continental stack dryers. These are fairly expensive mats though.

1) Huebsch mat very small always busy and fair priced.

1) The closest Laundromat to me is equipped with Electrolux machines and about 70 percent of the equipment is broke and the owners are absent so this place is not taken care of. Also this mat is 4.00 for a standard washer 6.00 for the 30lb triple loaders. .25 cents for 4 minutes on the dryers.

Hope this helps

David
 
PWS LAUNDRY.COM

Yogitunes go to PWS Laundry.com you can order manuals and that will show you the control panels. My model is the Control Dial vs. Electronic dial. One dial is for the cycles and one dial is for the water temps, there is a toggle switch for the extra rinse and the start button and 4 operating lights. The model I have is the basic model. The cycles on my machine are as follows:

Regular
Perm Press
Delicate/Bulky
Rinse/Spin
Spin Only

Water temps are as follows:

Cold/cold
Warm/cold
Warm/Warm
Hot/Cold

There is no clean cycle option like there was on our Whirlpool Duet Sport. That machine was a sad disaster did not last long in our home.

The Laundromats around here have the following equipment

1) completely speed queen equipped. The machines are fairly old and are still up and running like champs. This Laundromat is also the cheapest in the area $3.50 for the 50 pound washer, 2.00 for the super20 speed queen double loads and.75 and 1.00 for the top loads (.75) cold wash washers only) 1.00 for all the others.

2) two Laundromats are equipped with dexter double load washer and continental Girbau mega load washers with continental stack dryers. These are fairly expensive mats though.

1) Huebsch mat very small always busy and fair priced.

1) The closest Laundromat to me is equipped with Electrolux machines and about 70 percent of the equipment is broke and the owners are absent so this place is not taken care of. Also this mat is 4.00 for a standard washer 6.00 for the 30lb triple loaders. .25 cents for 4 minutes on the dryers.

Hope this helps

David
 
Maybe there will be less laundry...

Depending on how the kids are, as they are older, they may have better control of their functions. Thus, you may not need to wash as much in the future. I kind of favor my laundry shed idea - you can have the Continental Girbau in there and 2 dryers and a front loader and its a unique place for and the kids to get together. Keep a top loader handy and ready to go if need be. Also, Jon and Kate + 8 had 2 Whirlpool TLs, maybe that will be enough.
 

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