Info request on Maytag "HA407" & HDG 405 features

[scoots]

Description of Problem:

I am looking to purchase a matched Maytag set. The units are a bit of a drive for me so before I head out to look at these machines I was hoping that some of the members here might be able to answer a few questions.

The washer's described as being an "HA407". I've never seen that model designation before. I attach a chart showing the features for the A407. I like the large capacity size, but I'm miffed it lacks a slow agitation speed.

Appnut on thread 9767 describes the A406 as being "... a fabric-Matic model, 1-speed with fabric buttons or cycles on dial for delicate, perm press, and regular. The delicate alternates periods of agitation and soaking during the 10 minute wash. PP has a cool down phase and a shortened final spin."

Is this cycle description also correct for an A407? I'm probably making too much of the "delicate" issue since I use that cycle maybe once a year, but I just don't like the sound of a full throttle agitation for that purpose.

Also offered is a gas dryer, HDG405, for which I have no specifications.

Questions:
1) Is HA407 an actual washer model number or has the owner added the "H" by mistake?

2) What is the delicate cycle like and is it serviceable?

3) If anybody has photos of the washer's button set up I’d appreciate having a look.

4) What is up with Maytag and the lack of bleach dispensers on these models? Is it hard on the seals if the bleach is diluted and then poured directly into the fabric softener well (not the cup itself)?

5) What features come on an HDG405 Dryer?

6) Any comments about these two models would be welcome - should I go for them or wait for an A606 to turn up?

and finally

7) What years were these models in production?

Thanks,

Scoots

 

[goatfarmer]

"H" is harvest gold.

kennyGF

 

[appnut]

Bill, a major congratulations on obtaining this set. I have the old instruction manual from some friends of mine who used to have teh A407 in Harvesst. For the delicate setting, the manual suggests a high water level and fill the machinne at most no more than between half & 3/4 full of fabrics and the agitation will be gentle & effective. Of interest to note, this machine has something no other model had in the line-up at the time. The soak cycle is a 30 minute one, designed for those enzyme presoaks (such as Axion) popular back in the early to mid-late 70s. Lemme give you an example of something to put your mind at east. My friends were parents & two sons. When I met them in the early 1990s, those parachute type of warmups were popular, ya know nylon exteriors. They all had at least one pair of these. I can vouch, cuz I asked, they never had any of these ripped or torn due to washing in their maytag, she simply folowed the instructions. This is in contrast to my DD 1986 LK Shredmore, which rujined 2 pair of pants and 3 jackets, always done on the delicate setting and only 2 sets on a high water level. You can imagine how angry I'd get with that crappy machine.

 

[danemodsandy]

Yes! We Need More Maytag Info!

Had to chime in here. I'm looking for Maytags, and it's getting a little difficult, because I don't have a lot of info about the various models. What I have found out there is a lot of "mismatched" pairs, because Maytag's console styling allowed almost all its washers and dryers to "match", as long as you weren't talking about 906's. Soooo, people would combine a MOL washer and a BOL dryer; they could cheap out on one of the pair and still have it match. In that regard, other manufacturers were a little smarter (or more manipulative, whichever way you'd like to put it); to get a matched pair, you had to buy the same series in both washer and dryer, because that's the only way the consoles would truly match.

A few days ago, I spent a lot of time and driving to check out a pair on Craiglist, only to find out that the washer was decent, but the dryer was basically BOL, which won't do for my needs. The model no's were in the ad, but they were essentially useless to me, with my inexperience. More knowledge would have saved me (and the seller) some hassle. At least I knew enough to check out the dryer thoroughly; it needed a new heating element, and I knew enough about the Halo From Hell to know I didn't want to tackle that.

So, more info about Maytag models, including cycles and capacities, would be really helpful to some of us here. Dryer info would be just as helpful as washer info!

 

[waterstreet]

RE: More Maytag info.

.......So, more info about Maytag models, including cycles and capacities, would be really helpful to some of us here. Dryer info would be just as helpful as washer info!.......

I have a model A 9200 washer (side dial, black control panel) with matching dryer. How does that fit in with the model numbers ? It has a large tub, and buttons for 4 water levels and three water temperatures - so I assume it is a middle of the line model.

I posted once before on this and the only response was that it was a "boring" machine. I would like to know a bit more than that. I would like to get a repair manual for the set. They came from a "good" home and appear and function as almost new. I feel so fortunate to have them.

Thank you for your trouble....... David

 

[goatfarmer]

I'm thinking a 9200 series is a newer set,probably from the 90's.Don't know much about them,but I wouldn't call them "boring"

On center dial Maytags,the higher the number,the higher the machine.106,up to 906,with 106 being BOL,small capacity,906 being the best,large capacity.Same on dryers,but the major difference is that the BOL machines gave you time dry,while the better machines used "automatic" drying.Capacities were the same on dryers.

kennyGF

 

[pturo]

I have a Maytag A408(white). It is an extra large capacity white tank. It is Fabricmatic: There is a regular and soak cycle into drain and soak only cycle on the dial. The fabric buttons are REGULAR, PERMANENT PRESS, and DELICATE. The water temp settings are: HOT/WARM, HOT/COLD, WARM/COLD,COLD/COLD and the water levels are SMALL, MEDIUM, REGUALR AND EXTRA LARGE. The delicate cycle really does work well and it is gentle, with abbreviated agitation and shorter spin time,but it is important to use the REGULAR or above water level setting. This A408 has a bleach dispenser. My neice has the next model up, A608, which has two speeds. I doesn't really have a Gentle Cycle, all cylces(Regular, Soak or Permanent Press)on the dial can be either REGULAR or GENTLE action, with the corresponding spin. Her A608 does not have a bleach dispenser. In my opinion, if you really need a gentle cycle, the fabric matic is the way to go, very little agitation and short spin time, but at full speed, versus a constant agition with a two speed when you hit the gentle button. I dont know that the extaction of water is as much a factor in damaging delicates as the constant rubbing and agitation, even at a slower speed. I think it is a time in motion thing, not a speed thing, when it comes to wear and damage to delicates. The Fabricmatic button machine has the most flexibility, you can start a delicate load with little to no agitation(say a few sweaters) then you can hit Permanent Press button to get the non spin two rinses and then back to Delicate for the shortened spin cycle, or just stop the machine when they are "drip" dry. I see no need for two speeds on a Maytag,but I would not kick an A906 out of bed, either.

 

[scoots]

Thanks for the Info -

I wanted to thank you all for getting back to me so quick on these items. The info is helpful, especially since there's a little bit of mystery to me about exactly how the middle of the line Maytags fit into the scheme of things.

I wrote the current owner of the washer/dryer set and while I appreciate his honesty, there are red flags up all over the place on these units and I will probably pass on them.

For starters, they are in the next county (I am in Palm Springs, the set is in Anaheim: 2-3 hrs one way) Local pickings for vintage appliances is very spotty: Palm Springs is having a "Mid-Century" kick right now and anything that looks remotely 50's style gets the price jacked. The cost of transporting the units really undercuts the price ($50 each.)

In addition, I find out that the current owner bought the set as part of an abandoned property auction when a tenant defaulted on the rent of a storage unit... so nobody has any idea when these units were run (if they run), if they leak oil or water, etc...

Finally I noticed the buttons looked funny in the low-res picture he sent. I asked about it and it turns out the buttons on the right hand side have been knocked off. I've had two Maytags before (A107, 207)and I shudder to think how bad the set must have been knocked around for those buttons to be missing.

So, I think I will pass on this particular set and keep looking locally. I hit four appliance places and two three thrift stores today.

I know we have a few Palm Springs/Sky Valley locals on the board. Since I'm looking for a plain-Jane daily driver, does anybody local have a few pointers? Should I drive down to Indio and see what's up in the East End?

Again, many thanks for the info, especially Appnut and Pturo for the detailed cycle / control board description. I can't tell you how many little pictures I've squinted at trying to decide what the control options were...

-Scoots

 

[irishwashguy]

407 is a great model

That is the same model of Washer that I grew up with. It is a great daily driver. I always loved the amber light that is over the timer dial and the white tub. I believe that it was a 1973 model. My mother payed 490 dollars for the set in 1974 from Stark street appliance in Portland, OR. The dryer was as I recal a BOL, but we just used the timed setting anyway. A DE something both were harvest gold. Congrads!!

 

[waterstreet]

Thanks kennyGF

.......I'm thinking a 9200 series is a newer set,probably from the 90's......I wouldn't call them "boring"....

I found exploded parts diagrams at the link below, which are very helpful. The control panels are "boring" compared to the classic center dials. (if they had just kept the dial in the center!) but pull off the front cover and you have the elegant classic simplicity of traditional Maytag engineering.

The diagram is dated 1990. The house I got them from was extensively remodeled in 1992 - 1994, so the dates make sense.

Maytag seems to have abandoned the classic numbering system so it is hard to tell more. The washer does not have two agitating speeds,a side moounted bleach dispenser or lighted tub or control panel so I would think it is a large capacity MOL model.

..........Same on dryers,but the major difference is that the BOL machines gave you time dry,while the better machines used "automatic" drying........

My dryer, which seems to match the washer, has automatic Regular and Permanent Press settings, timed drying as well as three heat options. I find the automatic settings work very well. I wish it had an interior light.

What these units still have is the traditional solid Maytag build quality.

Thanks Kenny for your help, David

http://www.appliance-parts-warehouse.com/maytag-parts/model_view_cats.cfm?model=A9200