They are a standard machine
Up until 2 years ago when FL machines started making real headway, they were a typical machine, like a whirlpool or maytag in the US.
The current machines are good for 5-10 years depending on usuage, they usually cost less than $1000AUD (Reasonable) and are cheap to repair. To put it in perspective, a cheap AU machine starts at about $500-600.
They are relatively gentle, with very loooong slow strokes and one can only imagine the G forces with a 900 or 1000 rpm spin in a drum that looks like it has a diameter of 70cm plus.