Narrowing our options...Would an LG FL work?
Checking back in with the latest updates. Sorry, this is a lot:
1) I called Synergy Appliance in Grand Rapids. Their larger capacity refurb direct drives cost around $425-$525 (we'd likely be looking at the upper-end number). Transportation expenses would be an extra $150-$175 (we'd probably get a $10 credit for them taking our old Kenmore). So, that would bring our total expense to around $650-$700, not counting the gas money and time associated with making an initial road trip to Grand Rapids.
2) I visited a reputable, small-town appliance store. I looked at the 2018 Speed Queens and we discussed them at length. The owners have a 2018 TR7 that replaced a long-running LG front-loader. They said their old LG was much better for large capacity loads, but that the new Speed Queen cleans better. One of them works with pottery, and she told me that she routinely puts clay-soiled clothes into the machine on heavy-duty and that they come out clean. She said they fully recommend it over all other TL models they sell. *Shrug* Who knows.
3) Also still up for consideration is the Maytag MVWB766 (this is the commercial, better-warrantied version of MVWB765). Good looks. Nice capacity, but another suspect agi-pellar and questionable quality. If it washed well and lasted several years, this would be my top choice.
4) I haven't really considered Fisher Paykel. Thoughts on their TL with agitator? Not sure how difficult it is to find service though, and some reports indicate the only hot water they use is on an allergen cycle.
5) I'm giving another hard look at the LG WM3770 FL model. I took measurements of our available laundry room space: 64" long from entry door to window wall; 66" width from side wall behind washer/dryer, to outside edge of counter top where the cabinets and laundry sink are; 32" is the depth of the alcove where the washer/dryer sit (and that is if you include door molding); 52.5" from floor to the bottom of our wall-mount cabinets which sit above the washer and dryer. The LG has a 51" depth with its door open, so if you assume it is about 5" out from the wall, that leaves 10" of space between the open door and the counter top. I suppose it's doable if I'm standing off to the side when opening the door? But I'd want a pedestal, because they sit too low otherwise. The pedestal is 13.6", which would put the machine at 52.3" high. So it might fit under our cabinets. Barely. But even if we squeeze these things into our laundry room, I'd no longer have floor space for an air-drying rack (because of the door swing), but could probably mount one over the counter. It's just a lot to think about, and then I worry about warranty and customer service if the LG develops problems. The FL's have so many bells and whistles and I prefer functional simplicity. If $ and space were no issue, I'd be all over Miele.
In summary, we can:
a) Spend a lot of time and moderate expense to buy a used, quality refurb TL machine;
b) Buy a Speed Queen for more expense, great build quality and warranty, good local customer service, but less-than-ideal washing and smallish capacity;
c) Buy a commercial-warrantied Maytag for more expense, good customer service, good capacity, but questionable quality and washing ability, noisier, etc.
d) Cram LG front-loaders into our tiny laundry room for significant expense, enjoy great capacity but hope it works for a good while, because service/warranty could be challenging.
What would you do? I'm not excited to spend money on any of these options, but we need to figure something out. Remember, we are on a septic system, so water hogs without adjustable water levels are not an option. Thanks everyone. Sorry to type a book.
