KA Sure-Scrub agitator in a new WP belt-drive

[murando531]

This is a hypothetical, possibly dumb question, but if I were to acquire a turquoise Sure-Scrub agitator like the legendary KitchenAids used, I should be able to install it into the 2012 Whirlpool belt-drive I have now right? The drive shaft and bolt are identical to the direct-drive WPs, as is the agitator in it now. The man in the linked video exchanged the stock dual action for the single piece turquoise from the early KA's, so it should be the same concept, but if anyone has any experience in this area I'd love input. My only concern from that point would be if the wider vanes on the agitator were to cause any excess stress on the motor/gear system.

 

[pulsator]

Hey hey! That's my video!

It's not a KitchenAid agitator, it's a Whirlpool direct drive Surgilator with a KitchenAid softener dispenser installed on top. The agitator shaft and bolt are the same on top and can accept any LEAP platform agitator (Whirlpool Direct Drive). I'm not 100% sure about using one of the old large finned KitchenAid agitators though... They will fit in the machine just fine but it might be more stress than the motor, belt, and/or transmission can take since the VMW platform (new belt drive) has such a long agitator stroke.

 

[murando531]

That's a great video you have there! I'd love to see it washing a full load.

That's what I was afraid of with the KA agitator though. I love the way the current setup works, but for nostalgia's sake I wanted to put a classic twist on it haha. I guess I'm going to have to search far and wide to find a KA Superba in good condition. I'd love to find the Selectra solid state model.

I know the Surgilator has more narrow fins at the bottom; does it still seem to get a good rollover?

 

[pulsator]

It gets great rollover with any LEAP agitator it seems! Right now a I have a Kenmore Dual Action Plus agitator in the machine, it works very very well!

 

[washer111]

Question:

The diagram seen here suggests that these newer machines are lacking an outer tub.

 

Am I right in this assumption?

 

[murando531]

No no, I think this render just emphasizes the agitator and the fact that the tub assembly is suspended. It still has the same basket as the direct-drives, and a plastic opague tub. It seems WP kept the stylings of the new belt drive the same as the more recent direct drives as far as the basket with the swirl perforations and the agitators, and mainly just changed the mechanics underneath.

 

[washer111]

Yes, it got a tad confusing when the video was of a machine with a perforated tub!!

 

Do you find wear on clothing/washed items to be excessive or less than other machines, or do these ones still live up to the "Shredmore" moniker they were awarded years ago?

 

[murando531]

I'm not sure about anyone else, but mine seems to be really gentle. The slow, wide arc vs. the violent choppy agitation of the direct-drive makes a difference. Even with heavy loads of towels and such, the rollover is great and there's no wrapping or twisting. I haven't pulled a thing out of it in 2 years of use that hasn't passed inspection.

 

[murando531]

Video

Here's a video of mine running a full load of colors. The movement of the clothes reminds me of the original belt-drive WP/LKs.

 

[wp-dude22]

nah we need to track down this agitator and see if it will fit in the beltdrives
as for any other DD wp agitator it will fit.

also love the tubs in this vid

 

[richardlxixxx]

Agitator for your Whirlpool belt drive

Hi!

How about using my favorite agitator. The Roto Swirl. In my opinion, the roto swirl was the best agitator ever produced. Great rollover, gentle on clothing, and great cleaning. Kind of like the EASY washer.

Would it work in a modern washer?

Richard

 

[murando531]

I LOVED the Lady Kenmore/WP belt-drive agitators. The PentaSwirl was gorgeous, but my favorite was honestly the original Dual-Action. The wash action and rollover were amazing in my grandmother's LK Solid State, and I love the click noise they make.

Sadly, I don't think anything from the original LK/WP belt models would fit in my machine. The new WP agitator models are belt-driven, but they are basically Direct-Drive components (agitator, basket, tub) with a different drive and pump system underneath. Because the direct-drive and old belt drive was designed so differently, I don't think I could use any of the cool agitators. (I say this because of experience with disassembling the two types for repairs, but mainly from memory. If anyone has more knowledge on the subject please tell! I don't want to look like an idiot, lol.)