I picked up an Equator combo washer/dryer the other day. Say's it's made in Italy. Anyone know anything about them? Pics to follow.
kennyGF
kennyGF
Equator W/D
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I had one!
This was my primary washer and dryer for 4 years. I bought it because I had no venting in the house I was in and I was led to belive it was the direct descendant of the Eaton's Viking FL(also branded Kelvinator). I think it was made by Philco Italia? Anyways...I had the stacking washer and dryer for 23 years without one trouble.
I was satisfied with the washing capability, of course the drying left much to be desired (110v, and all). The pump went twice in the 4 years.
Guy
This was my primary washer and dryer for 4 years. I bought it because I had no venting in the house I was in and I was led to belive it was the direct descendant of the Eaton's Viking FL(also branded Kelvinator). I think it was made by Philco Italia? Anyways...I had the stacking washer and dryer for 23 years without one trouble.
I was satisfied with the washing capability, of course the drying left much to be desired (110v, and all). The pump went twice in the 4 years.
Guy
I too had pump problems with mine. In my deligence to keep it clean and serviced, I regularly pulled the blower out to clean. The last time I did it, it seems I didn't tighten the bolts all the way. It was amazing how much noise, smoke and sparks that litte fan could make!
laundromat
Well-known member
Equator corp.
It's funny that you brought this up but as of monday09/04/2007,I will be at my new desk in Houston,Tx.doing my work with the Equator Corp.I just got home this evening after spending all day in Orlando with Mr.Atul Vir,The owner and CEO of equator Appliances!! i will be traveling to two of the factories.One in China the other in India.
Due to the takeover of Philco of Italy and the buyer closing that plant and changing the entire washer dryer design it cause a worldwide problem with the machines and they'd catch on fire.atul sued that company and won but is trying to get back the reputation almost destroyed by the manufacturer's flaws.
Every customer who had a problem has been taken care of now and the goal now is for us to regain the popularity lost by someone else's lack of engineering.I will be traveling worldwide as well as nationwide to right any wrongs with dealerships who have decided to drop our brand.the new models have been tested over and over and are pretty much up to par.
If all goes as well as planned,we will be introducing a new washer dryer combo that runs on 220 volts,loads from the top and has a see through windo.It's called the Cobra.There is another machine in the near future that will be 40 inches wide and have a top loading/tumbler washer as well as a top loading /tumbler dryer.It too will be known as the cobra.
It's funny that you brought this up but as of monday09/04/2007,I will be at my new desk in Houston,Tx.doing my work with the Equator Corp.I just got home this evening after spending all day in Orlando with Mr.Atul Vir,The owner and CEO of equator Appliances!! i will be traveling to two of the factories.One in China the other in India.
Due to the takeover of Philco of Italy and the buyer closing that plant and changing the entire washer dryer design it cause a worldwide problem with the machines and they'd catch on fire.atul sued that company and won but is trying to get back the reputation almost destroyed by the manufacturer's flaws.
Every customer who had a problem has been taken care of now and the goal now is for us to regain the popularity lost by someone else's lack of engineering.I will be traveling worldwide as well as nationwide to right any wrongs with dealerships who have decided to drop our brand.the new models have been tested over and over and are pretty much up to par.
If all goes as well as planned,we will be introducing a new washer dryer combo that runs on 220 volts,loads from the top and has a see through windo.It's called the Cobra.There is another machine in the near future that will be 40 inches wide and have a top loading/tumbler washer as well as a top loading /tumbler dryer.It too will be known as the cobra.
vivalalavatrice
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Philco Italy...
Here Philco was in 60s a very popular brand of WM, then for years it has been seemed to me it were disappeared...none WM or Dryer left with that brand...
I remeber they were WM with a cute chromated circular windowed lid (oblò), and the control panel was on the top on the back edge.
Now maybe this brand is own by Merloni...here you are the story.
http://www.antoniomerloni.it/extranet/eng/area1_azienda
Here Philco was in 60s a very popular brand of WM, then for years it has been seemed to me it were disappeared...none WM or Dryer left with that brand...
I remeber they were WM with a cute chromated circular windowed lid (oblò), and the control panel was on the top on the back edge.
Now maybe this brand is own by Merloni...here you are the story.
http://www.antoniomerloni.it/extranet/eng/area1_azienda
vivalalavatrice
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Chuck maybe you're referring to this?!
It came out in April 2006, it was said that this will have been the first TLHA WD Combo sold in USA... A greatful invention IMHO, but where is it?!
Diomede
It came out in April 2006, it was said that this will have been the first TLHA WD Combo sold in USA... A greatful invention IMHO, but where is it?!
Diomede
Hmmmm....
A TLHA with a window, I might have to have a look at that. Great name too, Cobra! I hope that it not only does it have a 220v dryer, but also 220v water heater boost?
I would think it would have some interest if the quality is there.
Guy
A TLHA with a window, I might have to have a look at that. Great name too, Cobra! I hope that it not only does it have a 220v dryer, but also 220v water heater boost?
I would think it would have some interest if the quality is there.
Guy
laundromat
Well-known member
Equator Cobra
What happened is the money needed to finance the introduction of this to the market was lost from a major problem caused by the buyer of Philco of Italy.Philco of italy was the source of manufacturing the Equator.The new owners of POI decided to shut down the factory and use one of their own to make the Equator.They also made Summit and Haire.
the major problem that caused numerous flaws including fires,was the diodes in the control board were made for 50 cycles not 60.So after running for a while on 120 volts a/c,they'd overheat and catch fire.The manufacturer and owners of POI were taken to court and sued by Equator for a large unknown amount which was settled out of court.Now the problem is getting back the business.Eq.lost no money in pocket but did get dropped by sellers who had to deal with the angry customers.Once that gets cleared up and the 70%loss of business regarding the combinaton washer dryers returns,the Cora's will be able to get the financing needed to begin manufacturing them.Next monday,I will be going to the main headquarters in Houston,Texas and see the prototypes hooked up and running.Atul told me to be sure I bring some of my dirty laundry along.
There will be two models.one is the combination illustrated the other looks similar but has two seperate tubs and measures 40" across.One tub is for washing,rinsing and spinning.The other one is for drying and fluffing.It saves space because two seperate pieces measure 54 to 58 inches across and sometimes need adjustments depending om how close the dryer is to an entrance or which way the dryer door opens.Loading from the top using hydrolic hinges,the doors open slow and freely.
What happened is the money needed to finance the introduction of this to the market was lost from a major problem caused by the buyer of Philco of Italy.Philco of italy was the source of manufacturing the Equator.The new owners of POI decided to shut down the factory and use one of their own to make the Equator.They also made Summit and Haire.
the major problem that caused numerous flaws including fires,was the diodes in the control board were made for 50 cycles not 60.So after running for a while on 120 volts a/c,they'd overheat and catch fire.The manufacturer and owners of POI were taken to court and sued by Equator for a large unknown amount which was settled out of court.Now the problem is getting back the business.Eq.lost no money in pocket but did get dropped by sellers who had to deal with the angry customers.Once that gets cleared up and the 70%loss of business regarding the combinaton washer dryers returns,the Cora's will be able to get the financing needed to begin manufacturing them.Next monday,I will be going to the main headquarters in Houston,Texas and see the prototypes hooked up and running.Atul told me to be sure I bring some of my dirty laundry along.
There will be two models.one is the combination illustrated the other looks similar but has two seperate tubs and measures 40" across.One tub is for washing,rinsing and spinning.The other one is for drying and fluffing.It saves space because two seperate pieces measure 54 to 58 inches across and sometimes need adjustments depending om how close the dryer is to an entrance or which way the dryer door opens.Loading from the top using hydrolic hinges,the doors open slow and freely.
laundromat
Well-known member
I will know more once I begin my work on regaining carrier loyalty.
Wow Cuck--never imagined you leaving Home Depot.
Are there any pictures of the 40 inch wide unit? I think it's a fascinating idea! I'll definetly have to save up for one of these!!!
tecnopolis
Well-known member
Nice!
vivalalavatrice
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Windowed lid...
As you probably know here in Europe are rather common the TLHA... I mean... here every WM are HA...Front loading and Top loading either!
The windowed lid on a TLHA I know there was on the Vedette, a French brand...during the 60-70s... something like the 1947's Launderall you've had there.
Here you are a sample pic of what means to have the glass on a TLHA... yes, you see the sudsy drum rotating but no clothes splashing to see...at least you hear them
As you probably know here in Europe are rather common the TLHA... I mean... here every WM are HA...Front loading and Top loading either!
The windowed lid on a TLHA I know there was on the Vedette, a French brand...during the 60-70s... something like the 1947's Launderall you've had there.
Here you are a sample pic of what means to have the glass on a TLHA... yes, you see the sudsy drum rotating but no clothes splashing to see...at least you hear them
vivalalavatrice
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Though not the Equator Cobra/Hybrid...
will have got the windowes...it doesn't seem to me so looking at the pic above... and neither looking at the techicla drawing...
will have got the windowes...it doesn't seem to me so looking at the pic above... and neither looking at the techicla drawing...
Am wondering if there is a difference in possible final extraction spin speeds between the larger more oblong top loading H-Axis washers versus the more traditional ones that basically resemble 5kg of so front loader with the drum either mounted sideways or front to back.
Commercial laundries have had units similar to the one pictured in the diagram for ages, though IIRC they are often huge and do not spin very fast if at all, hence the reason for those Bock extractors.
Still it would be interesting to see something like the above in the American market. Have used top loading H-Axis washers in France, and they are a treat. The smaller units are so wonderful as they fit in the most tiny of spaces.
Regarding Philco of Italy.
They made Malber units as well, but like other Italian brands from that manufacturer things went down hill when the brand sold off/merged. IIRC posted a link to a story last year about Equator suing the makers of their new washing machines over the problems. Shame really because the older Equator units, like the Malbers were decent machines with a loyal following. The new units caused dealers so much problems because people bought them based upon glowing recommendations of the older units.
L.
Commercial laundries have had units similar to the one pictured in the diagram for ages, though IIRC they are often huge and do not spin very fast if at all, hence the reason for those Bock extractors.
Still it would be interesting to see something like the above in the American market. Have used top loading H-Axis washers in France, and they are a treat. The smaller units are so wonderful as they fit in the most tiny of spaces.
Regarding Philco of Italy.
They made Malber units as well, but like other Italian brands from that manufacturer things went down hill when the brand sold off/merged. IIRC posted a link to a story last year about Equator suing the makers of their new washing machines over the problems. Shame really because the older Equator units, like the Malbers were decent machines with a loyal following. The new units caused dealers so much problems because people bought them based upon glowing recommendations of the older units.
L.
They do have somthing like that in the U.S.A. It is a brand called Staber but it is el-cheapo just like the company. The machines themselves have only cheap mechanical controls! Also, the company cannot provide customer service apparently because if the machine breaks down and you call them to order repair, they will tell you that YOU are your own repair man! On the other hand though, the machine cleans very well. If you look at the testimonials section at www.staber.com you can see high reviews. Also, the machine spins at 710 RPM max speed and the final spin is 5 minutes long. People on the testimonials page have reported clothes drying on the line in 3 hours! They do have a "matching" dryer but I will show you otherwise. Included is a link to the testimonials page and a picture of a Staber washing machine. Obviously, it has no glass lid.
http://www.staber.com/testimonials
http://www.staber.com/testimonials
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