GE/RCA Agitator

[launderess]

For those who prefer modern design

http://cgi.ebay.com/GE-Agitator-fit...0QQihZ002QQcategoryZ20714QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[arrrooohhh]

I dont mind this agitator I wonder how it would work with a longer stroke.

Speaking of longer strokes I havent heard any feed back about the new GE's with the "Hydrowave" wash action? Pictures anyone?

I know its a GE and not that higly regarded but at least it is not ubiquitious like the DD Whirlpool design.

http://www.geconsumerproducts.com/p...pliances/washers_and_dryers/HydroWave2007.htm

 

[whirlcool]

RCA Washers after 1994? I thought that Whirlpool was spun off from RCA back in the 60's.

 

[golittlesport]

I have to admit they are a handsome washer and dryer...better looking IMHO than anything in the Whirlpool/Kenmore/Roper/Maytag/KitchenAid clan. And the fact that they don't use that quick, jerky agitation stroke is interesting. Probably better for the clothes. Since these are DD, eliminating GE's problematic transmission, maybe they will prove to be more durable.

 

[vintagesearch]

hydrowave action? so i dont get it is it a washplate or agitator? it says "unlike agitators" hmmm...

 

[DADoES]

Austin and I looked at this machine at Lowe's and Home Depot. It has a traditional auger-agitator, but supposedly has a longer stroke, 360° or more I assume. Would like to see it run. It may be direct-drive, but I suspect there's still a transmission.

 

[wiskybill]

I too would like to see this machine in action. Not that I want one, but it is a new design that's interesting mechanically.
I've looked at schematics for it and there is no traditional transmission. The drive train is similar to today's frontloaders only horizontal. There's a large pulley attached to the agitate shaft driven by a flat muli-rib belt and what I assume is a electronically controlled motor. Spin is accomplished with a electro-mechanical clutch of sorts, to engage the wash basket and a separate electric pump. All of this is suspended in a cradle, 4 rods with shocks, similar to the Harmony. Oh, and a large counterweight opposite the motor for balance I guess.
I think it's inovative from an engineering standpoint. Time will tell if it's robust enough to withstand normal use.

 

[DADoES]

Sounds similar to F&P's first SmartDrive machine, which was belt-drive instead of direct-drive.

 

[DADoES]

Oops. I think the F&P machine was called "Gentle Annie," not SmartDrive.

 

[exploder3211]

Sounds Great