direct drive discussion

[akronman]

I believe most makes of DD washers are now over 20 years old, but so far I have concentrated on pre-1980 machines, all belt drives. Being newer and often more plentiful on CL, yet still often inexpensive, what are some good/bad DD models and makes to look for in the first generation of direct drives? I've seen lots of $25 and $50 machines on CL(and lots of $200), I have paid them no attention and would be starting from scratch on knowledge. And I guess if I ever get some DD, I also want the dual-action agitator. So what's the scoop? I am all ears. Sorry if this is too wide a topic. I scan CL 2x weekly, some day I gotta buy a DD fom the 80s.

Thanks

 

[yogitunes]

well, for the most part they haven't changed in all these years underneath, maybe a few upgrades, but nothing major......the tranny, motor, and pump setup was used in every model, so they could be interchanged for the most part....

I know the first generation that came out were spin drain versions called D2000 and I think they were 24 inch models only, and then they went back to the Neutral drain.....the only concern with one of these is finding a tranny if one is ever needed, not impossible, but not plentiful either.....

about the only upgrade was a pump with a flapper valve to eliminate cavitation noise, and a more heavy duty coupling was used....

some models were one speed, 2 speed, and rare 3 Speeds......

I think if I had to have just one, it would be an electromechanical Lady Kenmore, or a Digital Limited Edition with the full panel light....for one of the newest models go with a Catalyst machine as pictured here...

 

[yogitunes]

Mark....these are 80's machines here.....this is most likely the standard setup you will find plentiful....a Lady Kenmore would have 3 knobs on each machine....water temp, water level, and cycle modifier on the washer

 

[whirlcool]

We have a 1993 Whirlpool all Electronic set that we bought new. The only repair to the washer was the agitator dogs, twice. That was less than $20 to fix and took about 20 minutes to install.

The dryer (top filter) has never had a repair besides every four year cleaning. Even the dryer lightbulb is original to the unit. Of course these were the absoloute TOL machines that year.

I like the DD machines because you get great roll over no matter what you are washing! And they are easy to work on and because so many of these washers were sold parts will be available for years and years to come.

I know a few people who had DD machines and when they broke down they were all ready to go out and buy a new one. I was able to help them fix their machines and they couldn't believe how inexpensive these are to fix. I have a spare motor, transmission, pump, inlet valves, etc. for this machine so I think it'll probably last another 25 years or so. As long as the control panel doesn't go out.

 

[akronman]

Thanks

Yogi--Whirlcool-----I have no problem with Whirlpool Kenmore, and you are right, they should be plentiful and inexpensive. Fortunately, some Craigslist folks just see a 20 yr old washer as "used and old" meaning $50 or less. Cool!

I am surprised no one chimed in with other brands.

Thanks for the advice, the dials and knobs are preferable in my book to the electronic controls. Cheaper/easier to repair/replace at age 25.

 

[mrb627]

Plastic Knocker

My two complaints about the DD machines that WP built.

1) All the plastic.
2) That knocking agitation.

Not a huge deal if your laundry facility is in the basement, garage, or out facility. But, when you are in a one or two bedroom apartment, it is migraine inducing!

Malcolm

 

[akronman]

Plastic knockers

...made me think this thread was hijacked into a breast enlargement theme!

Hiya Malcolm---Your Chrome Crown on my Speed Queen is currenlty set aside, I am doing a throough once-over and seal/boot replacement for years of continued use.

As for noise-----I have a 1-18, a Norge, and a Hoover TwinTub, it won't bother me at all!

 

[DigAPony]

it is migraine inducing!

The cure for that is the soothing "woo-woo-woo" of a Maytag helical drive washer...

(Speed Queen long stroke TL's are easy on the ears as well)..

 

[mrb627]

Actually...

My first choice for a TL machine with a Corkscrew agitator would be a Maytag with Load Sensor Agitator. Short stroke agitation without the thumping. And the LS agitator is more effective, IMO.

That is... if I had to have a machine with a corkscrew agitator.

Malcolm

 

[yogitunes]

just as well Mark, if you find one with the 'sound package', wonderful.....if it doesn't have one, we can always add it, mine was in a basement as well, and added a few pieces or insulation, just to see how quiet I could make it......that knocking can be tuned down drastically!

even a Kitchen Aid is available as a DD, and look for that larger base agitator, again, not like we could not add one, or use to interchange!...I would look for the model with 3 speeds, and if possible the dryer with the window....

 

[ddbeltdrive]

3 Speed Model 70

Here is my 3 speed Model 70. Its a 2000 model. It was treated to a new clutch assembly and motor coupler and a pump. It does not have Automatic Temp Control. It does however have the quiet pak insulation.

 

[whirlcool]

Our Whirlpool doesn't make knocking noises while agitating. The laundry closet is adjacent to the den and while in there we don't hear it at all. It makes more noise filling than it does while agitating.

 

[yogitunes]

I didn't know KitchenAid made a set that looked like this....and had the Catalyst option.....

beautiful set....just a little pricey....

http://reading.craigslist.org/ppd/4299842113.html

 

[akronman]

Hey Martin

That set looks FINE, way too fine for me! I'll just watch Craigslist for some early 80-s Kenmore/WP at $75 or less for the washer. I have enough dryers, and am just looking for a decent representative of direct-drive, dual action agitator----any old 2 speed 24" Kenmore----cheap!'
'
something will turn up, no doubt.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Here's mine on my favorite cycle: (Wash & Wear; Fast Agitation, Slow Spin--rarely used except for my Dickies work pants, which I have in her now!)

-- Dave

 

[lovestowash]

I have the same machine as Dave...

I usually tailor the agitation speed based on load size...
Full loads fast, medium loads slow, small loads extra slow...
Never had a problem with fabric damage...
And the only time I hear the machine is when the ATC kicks in during fill...
Bought the set 2 years ago for $150...
No regrets...

George

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

"Wash & Wear", is actually "Line Dry"--an er

However, last night there was a "Ch-ch-ch-" noise & the machine hesitated when it started after the fill (had it on Normal: Slow Agitation; Fast Spin, which is what I mostly use) and the laundry room lights flashed!

I turned off the machine, though I think it was after I'd set the speed to Heavy Duty (Fast, Fast) then then everything went to normal... Then I switched it back to the speed it was on originally & even did another load today and everything went back to normal!

Hope that minor glitch was only temporary...

-- Dave

 

[kitty]

Direct drive washer?

If I were you I would just stay away from direct drive washers these washers don't have very good parts like the motor coupler which is made of plastic and rubber the rubber pump seals are more likely to wear out more quickly and then the clutch will wear out to causing no spin cycle also if you lift the lid while it's draining and close it for whatever reason,it starts spin cycle. I would just buy a speed Queen washer if I were you.

 

[whirlcool]

Don't be so quick to judge.....

I know quite a few people with DD washers. These machines are very sturdy and do last provided that they are cared for.

We did have to replace the coupler on our machine when it was 6 months old. We had a repair guy come and fix it, he covered it with the warranty. He said just don't try to wash heavy duty comforters in the machine. It puts wear on the coupler. So we take our comforter to the coin op and wash everything else at home in our machine. The coupler has lasted 21 more years and still hasn't failed. But wouldn't you rather have a coupler fail than the transmission/motor?

When I purchased all the parts neeed for a major overhaul of this machine, it cost only $280. for a new motor, coupler, transmission, inlet valve, clutch package and tub seal. When/if this machine needs it, I fully expect the machine to last another 20 years. The wash tub is still available, I am thinking about ordering another one, just in case.

And if anything ever goes wrong, these machines are amongst the easiest to work on of all. Everything is modular, and the parts all fit into each other.

These machines were sold under the Estate, Kenmore, Whirlpool, Roper and Kitchenaid brands. And even with those, I am sure I missed a few of them.