Can anyone tell me more about this washer?

[brianl]

I was curious as to age of this machine and the features as it is really hard to tell from the picture. I am assuming early 80's, even though the ad says only roughly 15 years old. I'm used to the rectangular push buttons more than the dials. Couldn't find much info here or on Google about it.

Here is the CL ad info: "Hi, we're selling our old washing machine. It's a Whirlpool LHA 5300. Approximately 15 years old or so, we had it serviced just be before we moved 7 years ago, and it's been in dry storage ever since. We're selling it because we need the room, and could use the cash. It would be a good washer for your vacation home, or a maybe a cheap replacement for the one you lost in the flood. Cash and carry. Thanks!"

Thanks,
Brian

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/app/2272362512.html

 

[brianl]

Another pic:

 

[amyswasher]

It's older than 15, more like 25-30.

 

[hydralique]

That looks like a Design 2000 machine from the mid '80s. Regardless of age, it's a fine washer; probably as reliable a washer as was ever built. Well worth $50 IMO.

 

[macboy91si]

Design2000

This looks like an late 70's / early 80's BD machine to me. The lid to me definately suggests a BD machine. Weren't all of the Deisgn2000 machines DD machines? It is a handsome machine though, I always love the lid setup on the WP BD machines.

 

-Tim

 

[rp2813]

Agreed

An excellent washer for the money, and yeah, way older than 15 years.

 

[DADoES]

 

The ad says it's model LHA5300.  LHA indicates 1980-81 model year.  The serial number would tell the manufacture date by year and week.  It's belt-drive, not direct-drive/Design2000.

 

Two water levels, hot/warm/cold all with cold rinse.  Standard capacity.  Manual cartridge lint filter.  Two speed.  Normal, Delicate, Perm Press, and possibly Soak.

 

[brianl]

Like I need another washer, but it seems in great condition, and $50 seems very reasonable. Can anyone tell me if this one had less water level/temp. selections than a Supreme from 1984? That's what I have right now, and I have 4 selections for temp. and infinite water level.

 

[DADoES]

 

 

 

[rp2813]

This is basically the same Whirly model that knocked Maytag out of its long held top-rated position with Consumer Reports in the mid 70's. 

 

[yogitunes]

If I am correct Brian....your Supreme, like mine, is one step down from the Imperial TOL, Imperial had "Superwash" added to the Regular cycle (and maybe Perm Press too), and maybe 5 temp selections. but thats it.....

but none the less a cute machines to play with, and a good price......most of the parts will fit your Supreme, except for capacities, you could even use the splashshield on yours to add a waterfall lint filter......your pump already has the port...

 

[mickeyd]

Around 33 years old like Jesus was ;->

Did not have time to say this morning that this is one of Glen's favorite machines. Glad to see he stopped by. I have the Imperial with the push button temps in harvest gold. Great big tub with original standard Surgilator. A joyous machine that just won't break.

 

[combo52]

WP WASHER THAT BEAT THE A606

Was an LAA5800 in the mid 1970s which was more highly featured the model that started this thread, for one thing it was a super capacity machine.

 

[supersurgilator]

That is exactly the machine that my grandma had and used until she replaced it in 2000. I would definitely go and grab that machine for $50. Brian, let us know if u get it!!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Couple comments to correct:

I hate to contradict anyone, but there are a couple comments to set straight. First, this is a single speed machine. If you look at where the Delicate cycle should be (lower right quadrant on the panel) it says "short" not delicate. WP did that when wiring up this timer to a one-speed motor. They did that on a few Kenmore models too. What should be the delicate cycle simply runs at standard speed, momentary motor pauses for speed shifts and all. The timer in these machines were used for years in nearly all but the true BOL Whirlpool machines and the top end machines with Superwash.

As to the tub ring with the manual filter, yes indeed this machine did have a manual filter, but the tub ring CANNOT be used on any large capacity belt-drive. It is way too narrow for use on a 1967-1981 machine with the original tub and basket, and it doesn't have the proper sealing surface to marry up to the curled rim tubs in later 1981 to 1987 machines. HOWEVER, if you had a standard capacity machine just like this from 1982, it's tub ring would definitely fit a large cap. model from the same period or later that had a self-cleaning filter or no filter at all.

I had two of these machines in my trailer that was looted - an LHA5300 from 1981 and an LA5300XM (I think that's what it was), from 1983. The XM has a panel that looks exactly like the later 5580s, 7680s, etc. just with 'Short' for a delicate cycle.

Cool machine - the fact that it's been in storage for a long time intrigues me. Go for it! It would be a nice addition to have alongside your large capacity machine.

Gordon

 

[rp2813]

John, thanks for clarifying.  I should have said it's the general "design" that beat out the A606, not the exact model.

 

[tomturbomatic]

I remember that killer picture and wondered who had escaped from their cell and possibly overpowered an editor at CU to publish anything against a Maytag. They had three baskets of laundry in front of the Maytag standard capacity tub machine and only two baskets of laundry in front of the WP machine with a big story stating that it took the Maytag three loads to wash the same amount of laundry that the WP would do in two loads. The Horror! The Shame! After that, CU only bought tall tub Maytags so that it would not be so obvious that the Maytag held less than the WP. The spell had been broken, however, and in later years of the 06 series, CU would note that Maytag used four fixed water level selections when similarly priced machines offered variable water levels. A few years later, the upper 08 series machines used the infinite water level control.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Isn't that the "Regal" model that SupremeWhirlpool has, or something like it?

I wonder what the dryer for it must be like? (Is it a timer model only, or might it have Automatic Perm. Press?)

-- Dave

 

[bajaespuma]

Yet another great machine ruined by the clunkhead nerds at CU