Current day Speed Queen Washers...........

[randycmaynard]

Hey guys I have a query about Speed Queen washers and need some feedback. Do you consider the current day Speed Queen washers to be of good mechanical quality and long lasting? My 2008 GE FL washer is currently about to give me issues either the bearing or the spider..... possibly both and it's only 6 years old with moderate use over the years. I called the SQ tech support and quizzed (interrogated - lol)the guy about how they build their FL and TL machines and was impressed with what they do versus other brands such as GE and similar plus the vast majority of the machines are fabricated/manufactured/assembled at their Wisconsin plant..... a completely Made In The U.S.A. product..... what a novel idea!

Seems their spiders a thicker cast aluminum and bolted to the wash basket rather than welded to it - whether that makes a difference over time I don't know since I've not had a SQ product before. On the TL machines - they are all belt drives and from what I've seen of them they seem to be pretty good quality overall. What about the SQ dryers? Will probably end up getting a set.... the GE dryer is becoming an issue as well.

So give me some feedback..... should I seriously consider a SQ to replace the ailing GE or pursue something else! Thanks much!!

 

[llmaytag]

SQ AWN432 & AWN542

I have both models and they're great...other than the slightly slow water level. They work great, are quiet and I've had no problems. The 432 is about three years old, the 542 is about six months old. With the 542 I have the matching dryer, which is a great big tub, but I think I like my old Maytag Dependable Care dryer a little better.

 

[washman]

Ditto to what LLMaytag stated

have the TL washer and TOL dryer. No issues. Both perform very well indeed.

 

[jeffg]

"I called the SQ tech support and quizzed (interrogated - lol)the guy"

It's what sold us permanently on SQ. We had pre-sales questions and the tech number dialed directly into their assembly plant.

Also if it was Justin D. I think he's sold a LOT of machines for his company this way.

The only issue we've had so far on our c.2006 AWS76 is the fabric softener cap. No idea if they've redesigned it, but ours had a bottom edge sharp enough to cause cuts while taking loads out of the washer. The workaround since we never use the automatic dispenser was to pop it off altogether.

 

[washman]

One caveat randycmaynard

is this. Not all of the pieces in a SQ washer are USA made. USA companies, perhaps, yes, but not all made here.

Example: The motor in the FL and TL is assembled in Mexico. The fill valve on my machine also assembled in Mexico. I understand the timer is sourced from China.

That being said, it STILL is a fine machine and very well built indeed. But the reality of globalization means not all the parts will be made here.

I can't speak for the inner and outer tub, the sheet metal for the cabinet, etc. I would HOPE they are domestically sourced but who really knows these days?

 

[combo52]

New SQ Washer and Dryer

As a dealer that has sold hundreds of SQ washers and dryers I can say that they are well built products. First the easy one, the dryers, they are good simple work horses and if rugged reliability is your main goal [ or having a dryer to match a SQ washer ] I recommend them, they are not the best performing dryers ever built however, for that you would have to look at many past or present offerings from Whirlpool.

On the SQ washer front I would only ever have the Front Load machine in my home, while I sell the TL washer almost 5 to 1 over the FL washer the FL machine is superior in construction and longevity to any other washer made for home use. And after having a modern FL washer it would be crazy to go back to a primitive poorer performing wasteful and EXPENSIVE to run washer.

John L.

 

[randycmaynard]

John L........

What are prices like (in general) for the TL, FL and dryers? I'm considering the Stainless Steel version FL and dryer - just wondering what to expect. Can an individual buy direct from the factory? Thanks much!

 

[combo52]

New SS SQ Laundry Pair

The SS machines are a little pricy, the washer AFN51FSP lists for $2,349,00. Our price if picked at our WH is 1,939.00.

The matching dryer gas ADG41FSS lists for $1,659.00, our PU price $1,359.00, both prices are $80.00 less if you need an electric dryer.

By contrast you can get the standard rear control FL washer picked up from us for $1,549.00, so you are paying $800 more for the SS cabinet construction and a little better warranty.

Be careful of buying SQs on line as SQ claims you may not have a warranty.

 

[mrb627]

Imperial Set

I have the Imperial set in SS and they look as good as they did when they were delivered back in 2009.

I recently did some maintenance on the dryer and replaced the drum rollers and such. Of all the parts that I replaced, I don't think any of them REQUIRED replacement. There were only two parts that I replaced that showed any signs of wear. The metal screen that covers the air intake had some discoloration on it, most likely due to high heat and fabric softener use. The other was the front drum glides. Both of these parts combined ring in at around $7.00 to replace.

The build quality on these machines is really apparent once you start looking closely!

Malcolm

 

[randycmaynard]

Thanks John.......

Kinda thought they would be a little on the pricey side - but anything, generally speaking, that is that well built would be expected to cost a little more than lesser brands. Thanks again for the info.

 

[mtn1584]

My family has three sets.........

I have the AWN542, and matching dryer, my mom has the same machines, and so does my brother.....Good quality build machines, if I were to buy a front loader, it would be the Imperial that Malcolm has....you can still adjust the water levels on that washer.
Mike
PS My machine is 5 years old, going strong....good luck and let us know what you do.

 

[randycmaynard]

Malcolm......

Thanks much for the info! I got a good sense of the quality of SQ machines talking with the tech support guy yesterday - and I asked a lot of questions on materials used, how they build the machines, longevity etc. I definitely intend to get a SQ washer and dryer next time around - just have to put back some $$$$ to, hopefully, get them later in the summer or fall. Have to get a new A/C unit rather quickly before the summer heat arrives..... about $1,800 for that plus some other "around the house" things that need attention.

I'll certainly look forward to getting the SQ and in the mean time using the GE as little as possible and have the 1963 Kenmore 600 picking up the slack. Had the KM running last evening for a couple of loads and it worked very well..... 51 years old (except for the belt) and running perfectly all considered yet my barely 6 year old GE FL is just about ready to give it up..... my how things change and not necessarily for the good excepting SQ. Just really impressed with them and their products.