Found a really cool childhood memory an now I want this washer

[ryner1988]

Hi guys,

So, when I first joined a couple years ago, I was in the market for a washer and dryer to put in my apartment. I remember back then I was trying to describe a washer my aunt had, with push buttons for water temp, and a variable water level, and a really easy rotary control for cycle selection that was really easy for my blind ass to use. But I could not seem to describe it accurately enough as my memory was fuzzy.

Well, I think I found that washer, or at least one that is very close. This one sounds just like hers, and what is more, I remember for the first few years of my life, it seemed like these washers were everywhere. Many people I knew had variations of what I'm posting below. And now, I wish I had one in my house. I know they're obsolete, but gosh I wish I could find one and have someone fix it up for me.



Are these the famous belt drives people seem to love on here?

Ryne

 

[washdaddy]

the machine you are talking about is a very durable work horse. The machine is a Whirlpool belt drive machine that comes in a variety of models. It basically boils down to the number of cycles and options the machine had. Any that you choose would be a decent machine.

Don't give up hope. Those machines pop up on listings all the time you just have to come across one in your area or proximity to you.

Best of luck in your search.

 

[yogitunes]

machines like this are showing up all over the place, check out Shoppers Square for postings..

Steve just picked up an ultimate set, an Imperial Mark 18.....never knew models like this existed.....

 

[washdaddy]

Martin-
That Imperial Mark 18 is the Rolls Royce in the Whirlpool line up for that time frame for sure.

It had all the bells and whistles you could possibly want in a machine. Multiple cycle choices, independent speed controls, 5 temp selections, variable water level.

What more could anyone possibly want in a washer...this one had it all! And that dryer is nothing to be ashamed of either.

 

[goatfarmer]

I have a few BD Whirlpools I would let go. Condition unknown.

 

[DADoES]

 
The LAA model year, prior to the LDA pair pictured in Reply #2, is a tad better with a 3-speed motor on the washer (vs. 2-speed for LDA) and 3 tumble speeds on the dryer (vs. 2 for LDE/I).

 

[ryner1988]

Actually....

I like this one a little better. Sounds exactly like the ones I grew up with.



Wonder why we ever ditched such a great design. They seemed to last forever and they were so easy to use, plus, I could wash a lot more stuff in the same cycle without worrying about garment damage.

I do wish I could snag one. However I'm aware that being totally blind I'd have to know someone around who could work on it for me if the need came up. Besides that, I live in a small apartment where it can only accommodate one w/d set.

But a guy can dream right?

 

[wishwash]

What was Whirlpool's reasoning for switching to the direct drive platform? A simpler design?