history of whirlpool leap design 2000

[gelaundry4ever]

Hello everybody. I've been trying to find more information on the design 2000 leap platform washer. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any more info on these.
What was the purpose of this machine design? What was the agitation stroke and rate they came up with and why? What other changes were made to the transmission, pump, and motor? Did they use the same or similar lubricant in their transmissions? Did they use a different lubricant to enhance the performance of the transmission? How many parts are in the gearbox? This was a revolutionary, high-tech design for it's time if I'm not mistaken. This has to go down as one of the best designs out there.
Fortunately, there are still plenty around, some of which are in my dorm at SFA under the maytag label. What are your thoughts from whirlpool fans?

 

[pierreandreply4]

must be there first direct drive design all depends on the year of fabrication and date

 

[agiflow]

I think part of the reason for the faster agitation stroke was that the tubs were narrower and deeper. Especially the first 24" designs like my machine is.

I have an Estate DD from 2003-4 ? Model # is TAWB600JQ0

Serial # 110.CP1728951.

Just replaced the water valve 2 days ago on it. Had to drive over an hour to get the part but was well worth it and $37 later I saved a bundle from having a "tech" come in.

 

[DADoES]

 
TAWB600JQ0 ... J in 8th position is 2000 model-year.

CP1728951 ... P17 is production 2003, 17th week.

 

[agiflow]

Glen thank you. I thought it was around 2003-04. I knew you would come with the answer.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

designs

What sets the newer design 2000 transmission apart from the old belt drive ones? What's the agitation arc comparing the 2? Did whirlpool really want to compete with more aggressive agitation with the transmission design?

 

[gelaundry4ever]

agitation arc confusion

Some say that the agitation arc on the design 2000s are 90 degrees, while others say it's 100 degrees. Can somebody clear that up once and for all? I believe the Maytag Centennial units were also based on this very design before the changeover.

 

[DADoES]

 
My copy of Whirlpool's L-46 "Design 2000 Direct Drive Washer) service manual copyright 1981 states --

Agitate Speed:
  177-181 Strokes Per Minute High Speed (commonly referenced as 180 SPM)
  118-122 Strokes Per Minute Low Speed (commonly referenced as 120 SPM)
  100° Arc
  (3-speed models later added an Extra Low speed of 88-92 strokes per minute) (commonly referenced as 90 SPM)

Spin Speed:
  640-650 RPM High Speed (commonly referenced as 640 RPM)
  425-429 RPM Low Speed (commonly referenced as 425 RPM)

There are too many differences on direct-drive vs. classic belt-drive to detail all of it.

 

[qsd-dan]

Didn't Kitchenaid DD's have a slower SPM?

 

[DADoES]

 
Direct-drive transmissions are all the same gearing for the duration of production.  KA machines had the same 1, 2, or 3-speed motors as all the other brands so produced the same SPM at the same motor speeds.  They're different only in that models with the larger-base agitator ran low motor speed for high agitation (120 SPM) and ex low motor speed for low agitation (90 SPM).  Early models without the larger-base agitator ...circa 1987 and maybe 1988 ... didn't do that so those were 180 and 120 SPM.

 

[qsd-dan]

Thanks Glenn.

 

[combo52]

The Reason DD Washers Had a Faster Shorter Stroke

Was because it cost less to build because they could use the same reduction gears for spin and agitate.

 

FD did this with the Pulseamatic machines in the mid 50s that spun at 660 RPMs and agitated at 660 strokes per minute, Philco also dis the same thing on their Auto-Magic washers and of course MT did this on their orbital helical drive washers.

 

John L.

 

[combo52]

The Reason DD Washers Had a Faster Shorter Stroke

Was because it cost less to build because they could use the same reduction gears for spin and agitate.

 

FD did this with the Pulseamatic machines in the mid 50s that spun at 660 RPMs and agitated at 660 strokes per minute, Philco also dis the same thing on their Auto-Magic washers and of course MT did this on their orbital helical drive washers.

 

John L.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

d2000

Thanks Dadoes. I appreciate you for clearing things up. I guess that's how Maytag was able to claim the 100 degrees arc. Didn't Whirlpool decide on the 100 degree arc with 180 spm for better soil, dirt, and stain removal? The higher 640 rpm spin sounds obvious for better water removal. That full speed agitation can surely stir things up whipping up a whirlpool.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

dd copy by GE

On a sidenote, I believe GE did the same thing with their plastic tub units. I had one from 2000-2017 which agitated similar to a whirlpool dd. Please correct me.

 

[agiflow]

When I had the Amana with the long stroke agitation it was good on anything less than really full loads. With pauses between each stroke it loses the momentum to pull down bulkier stiffer fabric.

That machine has the same tub as the SC DD washers with a claimed 3.5 cu ft capacity. So I guess the DD washers didn't really need the fast stroke for a narrower taller tub. Those machines NEED the DAA for better rollover no doubt.

I have a new appreciation for the smaller DD 24" washers like my current Estate. No BS, just straight forward cleaning with a true spray rinse.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

I have an appreciation

for the dd myself, especially after taking place of the durability of the GE filter-flos which I miss. My babysitter and VI teacher both had a whirlpool one of being the clean touch model which you could hear the humming of the motor clearly during agitation. They also had the matching dryer.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

dryer

Here's the sound of the dryer. You'll notice the blower sound while running.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

transmission design

Did they make their transmissions smaller, shallower or narrower to get the 180spm/100arc agitation? Did they use plastic or metal gears?

 

[yogitunes]

for those not playing with a full 100 degree stroke!.....