Looking for (Urgent) Advice: Maytag Model A412, Series 10

[peridot]

Hi everyone! I stumbled across your wonderful community while doing some research on my Maytag washing machine. And I need some urgent advice!

My spouse and I just purchased our first home, which was completed in 1983. I was born in ’84, but I’m a subscriber to the old adage that “they don’t make them like they used to.” The house comes with a Maytag Model A412, Series 10. Although I (admittedly) don’t know much about washing machines, I decided that I wanted to at least clean it and try it out. To my surprise, the machine is almost like-new in its appearance (only noticeable issue is a tiny bit of rusting on two corners of the lid). Once I took out the agitator and cleaned out the filter, it’s looking great! And it's running great, too!

Now comes the urgent situation. We assumed (incorrectly) that the Maytag washing machine wasn’t in good shape since the accompanying Hotpoint dryer is a bit scruffy (it’s not in terrible condition - I can post images of it later if anyone desires it). The urgent problem we’re facing is that we went ahead on Black Friday and ordered a new washer and dryer set (we couldn’t move into the house until late last week).

I’m definitely thinking about keeping the new dryer, but should I have Home Depot haul away this Maytag beauty? Or should I somehow find a way to recoup the cost of the new washer and have my contractor install the Maytag in the basement (the Maytag is currently on the second-floor landing and we’re building a laundry room in the basement, which is almost complete). The second-floor landing space that currently houses the washer and dryer is going to be converted into an additional, much-needed closet (so not an option to keep both washers hooked up).

Home Depot is coming this Saturday (02/12/2022) with the new appliances. Eek!

I think its fabulous that a community of vintage appliance-lovers exists (to me, much cooler than cars). I’m unfortunately a lover but not a collector because of space. I just want a fantastic machine that’s going to last a while but also has the ability to be repaired (I can clean it but repairing is something all of you seem to be experts on and I am definitely NOT mechanically-inclined). I'm located near Rockville, Maryland.

Apologies for the long-winded post but…what should we do? Install the old Maytag in the new laundry room and try to recoup the cost of the new GE machine (Model #:
GTW335ASNWW) or haul away the Maytag and install the new GE (link provided)? Thank you for your thoughts and patience!

GE® 4.2 cu. ft. Capacity Washer with Stainless Steel Basket|^|GTW335ASNWW

GE Appliances is your home for the best kitchen appliances, home products, parts and accessories, and support.

www.geappliances.com

 

[thatwasherguy]

KEEP THE MAYTAG!!

Whatever you do, please, DO NOT let the Home Depot haul it away. We made that mistake back in 2013 and I regret it. That machine, in my opinion, is one of the greatest washers ever made. If it is in good condition, that machine could easily last you a lifetime. If it needs repairs, parts are still available with a bit of looking. I’m restoring a Maytag from 1978, and so far, I’ve been able to find everything I need relatively easily. Your idea of installing the Maytag in a separate laundry room is what I would do. That way, you could wash shop towels and stuff you didn’t want to put in your new washer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need to repair it. I went from not knowing the first thing about servicing appliances to fixing and selling them on the side.
Thatwasherguy.

 

[thatwasherguy]

Sorry, I misread your post...

I would sell the new washer or put it into storage if the Home Depot won’t let you return it.
Thatwasherguy.

 

[tennblondie78]

First of all, welcome to the forum!!! I think you will love being here and will be amazed at the wealth of knowledge. I must also commend you on at least considering keeping your old set; that's more than most seem to do nowadays.

Definitely keep the Maytag! I have a 1976 A806/DE808 set and completely restored them. I expect it will be the last set I ever have. Parts can be found and your Maytag washer is definitely worth cleaning and investing in if need be. We will help you through any problems you may have.

If it were me, I would also keep the Hotpoint dryer. It can always be freshened up if it needs it. That way you have a complete extra set.

I don't know what your new set is, but I think you will eventually prefer using your older set for a number of reasons. They just work with a minimum of fuss and will give you a true deep water fill and hot wash.

 

[DADoES]

 
Keep the 'tag.  You may find it useful as an alternative to the new machine (you didn't say what brand/models are they) for some types of loads, or as a standby for when the new washer needs fixin'.

 

[rp2813]

Welcome to the forum!  You're already familiar with the Maytag so you're aware that it wouldn't handle a king size comforter, or even a queen size for that matter.  If you can work with that, great -- hang onto it! 

 

I do have some questions for the Maytag experts here, though. 

 

1) The tag on the machine says it's a series 10 but the console looks like it's from a series 12.  What's up with that?

 

2) It also appears to have an orbital transmission based on the agitator.  I thought orbitals weren't on the scene until the second half of 1987 -- after the 12 series had already been introduced.  Can anyone do some 'splainin' on that?

 

As for the new machine, it cannot even remotely compare to the Maytag for build quality, and its wash action is highly inferior.  Maytags from the period when yours was manufactured were built like tanks and can work for decades with few if any repairs.  The GE is a flimsy throw-away machine.  It won't last anywhere near as long as your old workhorse Maytag will -- as is -- and may not even provide a fully filled tub of water for most cycles and for rinsing in particular.  Your Maytag will fill to the top if that's what you select.  Other than tub size when compared to the GE, the Maytag is the no-brainer choice here.

 

If your washer hasn't yet been delivered, I see no reason why Home Depot wouldn't let you cancel the order.  Give the Maytag a trial and if it's not meeting your needs, you can always order a new machine again.  If you do decide to unload the Maytag, post it here first.  Don't allow it to be hauled away.  It hasn't even come close to the end of it's useful life, and I would wager it will still be washing clothes long after that new GE hits the scrap heap.

 

 

 

 

[qsd-dan]

XX

Your Maytag was built in December, 1989. Keep the Maytag for now, it's in good condition and you won't have any issues selling it for profit if it gets in the way. This lint filter works extremely well if you have pets and it'll work as a good back when (not if) the new washer is in need for service. Todays appliances don't have anywhere near the longevity as that washer. The Hotpoint dryer is nothing special, you can trash it without feeling guilty.

 

[qsd-dan]

2) It also appears to have an orbital transmission based on the agitator.  I thought orbitals weren't on the scene until the second half of 1987 -- after the 12 series had already been introduced.  Can anyone do some 'splainin' on that?

 

Orbital transmission came on the scene in July/August 1989. I believe the 10, 11, 12 models from 1980-1989 were all under the "10 Series" umbrella but I have always referred to them by their subtle generational differences of the last 2 model number digits to keep confusion down to a minimum. It also may refer to the 10th revision of the 12 model.

 

[good-shepherd]

Maytag A512 washer.

Even at over 30 yers old it will still be running when your new washer has been recycle into beer cans.

Don't let the Home Despot delivery guys get their paws on it, they will scrap it for sure.

Yes, it has the short stroke obital transmission meaning you have the option to swap the agitator out for the Load- Sense agitator (cork screw type) for better turn over of large loads.

I wouldn't be in a hurry to junk the dryer either. If the same vintage as the washer it could be the Hotpoint version of the GE dryer of that era with the D shaped door opening. Real work horses.

 

[good-shepherd]

I'm located near Rockville, Maryland.

BTW- might want to give AW member Combo52, John L. a call before you go through with the HD purchase.

https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-PROFILE_DISPLAY.cgi?display=combo52

He is an appliance dealer and long time service tech over in Beltsville, Maryland. He'd have much better advice than Home Despot regarding new appliances and could tune up your Maytag.

In any case, I would still hang on to the vintage machines.

 

[tolivac]

At this stage cancel the order for the new machines and STAY with the older ones!!