How does this era Maytag pair stack up?

[stricklybojack]

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Against those that came before and after...
I see these often selling for a very resonable amount (as you see here), are they unsung heroes wrongly over shadowed by their center dial predecessors?

http://albany.craigslist.org/app/5264688196.html

 

[rp2813]

I'm pretty sure that's a direct drive washer, which some here consider an improvement over its helical/pitman predecessors, but you won't get the long stroke agitation from it and the associated rhythmic indication of superior build quality.

 

Personally, I have no interest in a vintage Maytag that goes chik-chik-chik just like a modern day GE or Whirlpool.

 

[repair-man]

Its a helical drive with the orbital (short stroke) gear case. Should be a very good machine. Black panel models are 1990 through 1993.

 

[ken-n-nancy]

The washer looks like a 1992-ish LAT9700AAW. (We know this because we have a 1992 LAT9700AAL.)

As others mention, they're the older helical drive tranmission - same basic design as the Maytags of the 60s through 80s. Our washer/dryer set has run trouble-free for over 20 years, with the exception of the washer's outer tub rusting out...

Note that the dryer door is reversed relative to the center-dial Maytags. Depending upon the layout of your laundry room, that could be an improvement or a problem. The door was not yet reversible in these models.

 

[goatfarmer]

Decent set for a decent price.