Clarification of terms

[washman]

I see a lot of posts referring to this or that machine as DD, I assume direct drive and BD being belt drive.

Does this refer to the motor setup to the transmission or are we referring to how the drain pump is set up.

Example, my SQ has a motor mounted pump. The Arc-Cuate models had a separate belt driven pump. Does this qualify as direct drive even though a belt runs from the motor to the tranny?

Just looking for clarity.

 

[strongenough78]

You pretty much got it. However direct drive is referred to a machine that uses no belts at all.

 

[cfz2882]

"DD"is the whirlpool built washers from ~1987-2010,many of the 24"washers went to DD starting in late '81 or'82 and there may still be residual production of certain WP DD washers in 2013.DD WP washers have the transmission directly coupled to the motor-my 1959 Kenmore wringer is also technically a DD.The BD WP span roughly 1949-86

 

[thefixer]

There is also the Fisher Paykel smart drive design, which came out in 1990, that is used in some Whirlpool models. No belt, no transmission, motor drives agitator/basket directly and is also refered to as a direct drive washer.