How does a new Speed Queen FL compare?

[whirlcool]

One would think that...

with all the experience SQ has with commercial FL machines in the laundromat industry they could build a better machine.
Maybe with the eventual redesign they will add more wash options than the current model has.

 

[launderess]

Methinks the problem lies with costs versus returns. SQ has not exactly gone the mass merchandise route, selling to big box stores and the like, and that sort of volume is what they will need to move units. Without high sales cost per unit is going to be more than average for the same size machine, however Whirlpool and others have uber-sized front loaders that offer more features for the price. Make no mistake about it, today's consumer is after bells and gimmicks, not a unit that will last the duration. Most consumers simply do not view "major appliance" purchases the same way their parents and or grand-parents did. More likely than not, the washer will be kicked to the curb, family moved and left it behind, etc; long before what long "lifespan" the machine had.

IMHO SQ should have stuck to the earlier version of "homestyle" units, still sold in Canada under "Hubesch". Many of those units were sold to US military bases and are still kicking, despite the abuse.

 

[mulls]

Laundress,I agree

Most consumers are much more interested in bells and whistles than quality-if fact,most MISTAKE bells and whistles FOR quality.The very simplicity of the SQ machines is what drew me to them.I do not need 25 cycles-I do not have 25 kinds of clothes!Make no mistake,these are well built units-but they desperately need fine tuning in the suspension department.

 

[bobbyderegis]

The lack of frills is true: the SQ FL I saw recently was bare bones. I too don't need all the bells and whistles. Interesting about the noise and boot of the FL. I looked over the TL SQ too. It is still built like a tank. It sounds like the SQ FL is good, but nothing to rush out to buy.
Bobby in Boston

 

[mrb627]

Split a Load

Anybody want to split a load of Speed Queens?

selectlaundry.com

 

[frigilux]

If they are required to replace these every two-to-three years, why not buy much more affordable Frigidaire FL'ers? You can buy two Frigidaires for the price of one Speed Queen. Someone write a letter!!

 

[whirlcool]

Those SQ FL machines seem to offer a generous amount of cycle types and water temp combos.
Were these used in Military Laundries? I don't see any coin slots on them.

 

[launderess]

OPL

On premise laundry, military barracks, housing, etc. Laundry is "free" meaning no coin slots. Afterall it's not like anyone off the streets can get in, and how much laundry does your average enlisted man/woman, or officer have?

Was watching the PBS program "Carrier" the other night, and apparently the washers and dryers on ships and submarines are "free" as well. IIRC this particular program's ship had Neptunes, or maybe it was SQ, didn't really look beyond knowing it was a front loader. Interesting item: while the machines are free, apparently many military persons pay someother military person to do his/her laundry. On the "Carrier" program, one was paying someone else ten or so dollars to do his wash, but apparently the "launderer" wasn't separating whites from darks, so the customer took his business elsewhere.

Have seen many auctions on fLeaBay and elsewhere from sellers hawking used SQ washing machines from military bases. Don't know why the Armed Services only keeps machines for three or so years per contract, but there you go; our tax dollars at work.

 

[mrb627]

Military Base Speed Queen Sale

Speak of the devil.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/hsh/752608987.html

 

[jetcone]

Mine has never walked

in fact it is installed on the 3rd floor of my house so if there were any issues it would be major there for syre!

There is a problem with two little $5 nylon pins installed on the drop down door!
They are crucial to the machine not vibrating in spin. The early ones were made wrong and take 5 minutes to replace. Also they do wear out after 4 years use so need to be replaced.
You will know the cabinet will shake violently and when you out the new ones in whamoo it works like a charm.

Also the boot is indestructilbe and ALSO MOST IMPORTANT fits the early 1955 and Pre-1955 Bendix washer and Combos!!

A tip from DarthJetcone...............