Looking for a good used top load machine, advice?

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leica

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Hello, this is my first post in this forum, which I stumbled upon in my quest to find a dependable top load washer. I would LOVE to buy a new Speed Queen but unfortunately I cannot afford one, so I have been looking for used machines. I called a couple of local used appliance stores looking for Speed Queens, but got answers from "They are out of business" to "We throw the used ones out for scrap because of bad seals, bearings and brakes" and "SQ is made by Whirlpool". I got the feeling these guys don't like SQ machines so I took to craigslist and found these:

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/app/3900322808.html

The problem is the people selling have no idea what model and what year they were made because they do not live on the property, and the property is about a two hour drive from me. Is it worth the drive to pick these up? Also, since used SQ machines seem pretty scarce, what are some other good machines to look for?
 
Speed Queen is very much still in business.....they are owned by Alliance, and thats what you want to see on the model number plate......

the models in your link from CL, these you want to tend to avoid, they are made by Raytheon, and are prone to seal failures, and belt chewing....not all are like that, but its the reputation that they have....

keep your eyes open, and you will be suprised, they do turn up from time to time, even on ebay.....

there could be a number of machines, vintage so to speak, that will outlast most anything made today....it's a matter of personal preference....Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire 1-18's......

a personal preference of a TLer for me would be a GeneralElectric FilterFlo with minibasket....prefer one close to top of the line.....if your gonna have one daily driver this would be my choice, with all the available cycles and options, the variations for any load is endless.......some consider them waterhogs, but it has great capacity and the rinsing is always clear......then again, everyone has an opinion of what they think is the best one to get.....weigh the results for yourself....
 
Well basically I want a washer that does a good job, is dependable, but if something does break is easy to get parts for and easy to fix. I work on my cars, so I think I could handle a washing machine :)

I will look into the GE, but any other recommendations on good machines that are plentiful would be great, even rare machines to look out for also as I will be watching CL closely.

I have already found this, Amana "commercial quality" washer and dryer without a model number although it does look like it has a stainless tub. Opinions?

 
I was going to recommend a DD washer myself. Brands include Whirlpool, Kenmore, Estate, Roper, and some Maytag, Admiral, and Crosley. Maybe a few others too including Kirkland.

I suspect the DD machines are among if not THE most widely produced washer ever, anywhere. They are known for their ease of service and overall reliability.

Yes, parts are still available, in fact some models are still in limited production, so there won't be mass parts shortages for many years to come. Plus, since there is such a wide distribution network and consumption for these parts, there are a number of aftermarket companies making parts for these machines, so even if Whirlpool were to decide to stop making parts, ERP and Supco, others too probably, have many commonly used parts that could be used (I dont like aftermarket parts as a rule, but they're better than nothing).

For someone who isn't a washer enthusiast, just wants to reliably wash laundry, this is what I would suggest. Service for a DD should be available anywhere, and much more readily than service for a vintage unit that may require older, specialized knowledge.

Gordon
 
How do I know which machines are direct drive?

Problem with CL is 80% of the listings don't include a model# or even a picture so it's kinda hard to tell what is what.
 
Almost everything on Craigslist is direct drive right now. The first generation belt-drives ended production in 1987. You would know by the 1980s or older look of the machine that it was older. You might skip some early direct drives this way, but there are plenty of newer ones. Maybe start by looking only at color-matched console models, this will exclude machines from the mid 1990s and older.

There have been some of the newer belt-drive Whirlpool machines on C/L also, but not many.

Here in Charlotte anyway, so many machines are available, with pictures, that we can easily tell you if a washer is a direct drive or not. Just link us the ad and someone will undoubtedly let you know.

One thing on your side if you make your selection properly --- the area where you live has so many retirees and snow birds that the likelihood of finding a low mileage machine is probably much better than in areas where there are mostly families with kids, etc.

Gordon
 
Personally, I would say go for the Speed Queens you posted from c/l. We had almost the exact same machine from 1994-2007 and all it ever needed was one belt replacement. It went through heavy use, and abuse, plus 3 moves and it still worked when we replaced it. Kenmore/Whirlpool Direct drives are also good, but look for a model with a 2 speed motor and corkscrew style agitator, because they have a very fast, short agitation stroke, which can be hard on clothes at full speed. They have a deep, narrow tub, which, in my experience, performs better with a corkscrew agitator than a one piece. Older maytags are pretty much indestructable, but most have a somewhat small capacity.
 
Those Amana machines you linked to above are also Raytheon made and should be avoided.  I had a similar pair and they were junk.  The washer was on its third belt (not exactly a cinch to replace) when I got rid of both machines after nine years, and was absolutely horrible at rinsing.  The dryer was a rattle trap from day one and it had thermostatic issues that no technician could verify.  The exhaust would smell like the clothes were being ironed, and it cooked the dryer balls I'd throw in with towels to the point that they were hard as a rock.

 

I don't care what anyone says.  Raytheon-made SQ and Amana machines have a reputation for aggravation.  Steer clear of them.

 

Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAid machines are your best bet.  Certain parts can still be found for Whirlpool and Kenmore machines that were made in the 50's.   You can still consider GE, but they'd have to be fairly old or they won't be very reliable.
 
 
<blockquote>Kenmore Direct Drives can be identified by their side opening lids:</blockquote> Not necessarily.  Belt-drive Kenmores of years past also had side-opening lids, and some later direct-drive models went to a back-opening lid.

The Kenmore 90 in the link above likely has a 3-speed motor with these agitation/spin choices.  I refurbished a similar model (pictured below) last year that has 4 water levels instead of variable as on the machine in the link.
Heavy Duty = fast/fast
Regular = slow/fast
Delicate = slow/slow
Handwash / Casual = ex-slow/slow
Handwash Plus / Fine Delicates = intermittent ex-slow/slow

dadoes++7-11-2013-09-41-50.jpg
 
Thanks DigAPony, that's the kind of help I need trying to sift through CL.

Those are great looking machines but I live in St.Pete and both are quite the drive away. The Whirlpool is very tempting though. I'm gonna keep searching my area and see what pops up. Thanks to rp2813 for steering me clear of the Amana. I read a few reviews and you confirmed that it was probably a bad idea.

I'm learning a lot about washing machines haha. I have a GE front loader that's going on ten years old and it's starting to give up, rather than get it fixed we decided on a top loader for ease of use. The new HE top loaders we looked at were either too expensive or had horrible reviews so here we are. I appreciate the help and I'm having fun learning about these machines :)
 
Also very easy too identifie is its round opening.
As such in this picture .
The second round tub cap is round in All DD washers .
Some may have a black & white or greyish basket which they call
( Speckled )
Or White ..which is preferoble.
Darren k

aldspinboy++7-11-2013-11-38-36.jpg
 
2. Another set of buttons look are the type here as
well just like Dadoes explaned in the later post.
without the toggle.
There rounded .
Master control .

aldspinboy++7-11-2013-11-59-43.jpg
 

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