How do I move a Unimatic?

[volvoguy87]

I work in an appliance parts store and I received an interesting phone call yesterday. One of our regular customers (a service technician) had given my name to one of his customers who had an old Frigidaire washer in the basement of a house they had bought and wanted to know if I wanted it or if it should go for scrap. Upon inquiring about the model number, I was told it was a WO65-2. Needless to say, I indicated that I wanted it.

I have very little Frigidaire experience. I've got a Multimatic WCI-63 I've not yet gotten to, but I do know it's heavy as sin! I imagine a Unimatic is similarly heavy. Anyone have an idea of weight? I am going to see about bringing it home Tomorrow 10/11 after work. What should I know before moving it? Is a Unimatic one of those machines that should really be moved upright? Also, how tall is a WO65-2? I have a Honda Element and I believe the vertical clearance on the back door is around 32-34 inches. I have moved a Maytag A806 upright by putting it in at an angle and then setting it upright though. I recall reading something about a brace that holds the innards of a Unimatic in place that is fragile, but I have not found a description of what it is or what makes it so fragile. Also, are Unimatics known for oil leaks?

Waaaaaaaaay out of my league,
Dave

 

[brianl]

Moving a Unimatic

When I moved mine few years back, all I had was a station wagon. I transported it on its side for 2 hours, and everything was ok with it. You may just want to put some padding around the inner tub to help support it and tape the lid down of course.

 

[frigidaireguy]

Congratulations on your Unimatic find

Dave: You will absolutely love the unimatic - I have a WO-65-2 that I got several years ago and I truly love it. Please send us some pics when you get it. Be sure and make a pic of the inside. Keep us posted on your progress.
Bob

 

[turquoisedude]

Wow, Dave, can't wait to see pictures!!

 

[Unimatic1140]

Transporting a Unimatic on it's side for a small amount of time is OK, but it is hard on the rubber mechanism support as it is compressed to one side during the transport. Also be sure that the oil vent tube is facing upwards (10am to 2pm position) otherwise oil will leak out.

 

[volvoguy87]

Oil vent tube?

Is that 10-2 position if the washer is oriented such that it is laying on its back Robert?

The washer is close by and will not be moved a great distance.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[philr]

And send us some pics of the WCI-63 too! 

 

[rinso]

How do you move a Unimatic? Just put it in your vehicle and drive it to my house! Just kidding-congrats on getting the one of the best engineered washing machines of all time.

 

[norgeway]

How to move!!

First, call your chiropractor and make an appointment, you will need it after moving a Unimatic....definately not todays flimsy products!LOL

 

[gansky1]

From the front of the washer, the left side is the one to have down.  This puts the oil vent tube "up" when lying down and will not leak oil.

 

Congrats on the new find - you'll have a good time picking this one up.  Unimatics are getting rarer.

 

[crevicetool]

How do I move a Unimatic?

Simple.

Place a Hooverwheelaway at the point you want the Unimatic. The Unimatic will move itself. Just like magnets, and like magic.....

 

[volvoguy87]

Not yet.

Still trying to coordinate time to get this one.

Dave

 

[moparguy]

Cliff hanger...

Dave, You're keeping everyone in suspense, were you able to rescue this wonderful washer?

 

[volvoguy87]

Bad news.

Despite having agreed on a price and a day and time to pick it up, the owner decided to give it to his brother, without telling me about it. Needless to say, I am thinking things I will not type here.

Dave