The two bars raise and lower the wheels to make the machine more mobile if needed. This was probably quite useful for people who didn't have permanent plumbing or home for the machine next to the sink.
I recall this feature being used by Ariston (and possibly Philips and maybe others) into the early 1990s. I don't think anyone does wheels on their machines now!
These machines are washer-dryers. The dryer lint filter is at the top left on the rear. The wheels enable one to pull the machine out to clean the lint filter.
This machine was previously sold as a Colston 850 - Rob and Paul have one of those but someone should snap this up too as it looks to be in good condition.
Not all Philips had wheels but the washer dryer they sold (not their manufacture just their label) most certainly did - a little different as there were levers which came out under the front of the machine at each side so not so obvious
There was no need for a lint filter if the machine was vented outside, I have seen where the machine was vented via a pipe outside and never really cleaned up the mound of lint was substantial I guess it was over a few years.