Maytag A506 or 512?

[woodjack99]

This is at my grandparents' vacation house. I haven't seen it in about 2 years (due to Covid), but will be going there this weekend so I'll get a better look at it. I can't tell the 506 and 512 apart - which model does this one appear to be?

BTW, I've also attached a picture of the 1975 107 at their main house (it was original to that house when they bought it in 78, and has never failed since).

 

[pulltostart]

I don't know my Maytag numbers, but from what I can make out from the picture, the first one appears to be a standard capacity fabric-matic.  I think the text on the left end of the console says "HEAVY DUTY FABRIC-MATIC"

 

A large capacity model would have a second line of text.

 

lawrence

 

[repairguy]

The model in the first picture is a 12 series machine.

 

[qsd-dan]

Picture #1 A506/A512/A590 - Large capacity tub, one speed motor, infinite water level switch, cold/cold/ warm/cold/ hot/cold temperature options. You could easily graft a 2 speed motor and TOL A712 console into this machine. This is the one the get.

 

 

Picture #2 looks like an A107. Standard capacity tub, 3 level water adjustment, 1 speed motor, cold/cold, warm/cold, hot/warm(?) water temps.

 

 

[woodjack99]

Thanks guys. BTW, it is an XL capacity (19 gal). I think the text below the Maytag logo says FABRIC-MATIC LARGE CAPACITY.

Jack

 

[pulltostart]

Oops,

I was wrong.  I need to stick to GE information....

 

lawrence

 

[woodjack99]

@gsd-dan, I'm a basic/BOL guy personally. I'm not big on the TOL models of anything; I just want something that gets the job done, doesn't cost too much, and is easy to use. These 2 washers are a prime example of that. As are my Electrolux vacuums which are straight-suction only, no power nozzles.

 

[rp2813]

Other than the water level selectors, the cycles on both machines are about the same.  They are both bottom of the line in that regard.  The big difference under the lid is tub size.  Tubs on Maytags ran smaller than those of their competitors like Whirlpool and Kenmore, even on Maytag's "Large Capacity" models.  For this reason I'd go for the newer machine.  I'm betting you would appreciate the larger tub size.

 

The only show-stopper on the later machine would be its date of manufacture.  If it was made later than mid 1987, it may have the short stroke orbital transmission.  I'm not a fan, but if that doesn't matter to you, then go for that one.

 

[db130]

Hey all... I haven't been back to AW in about 5 years because I forgot my password and the password retrieval feature didn't seem to work.. until now, that is.

In a span of ~5 months back in 2016, I had picked up a free A512 and a free A712. Despite being two years older, the 512 had much a much better cabinet, so I dropped in the 2-speed motor and the control panel from the 712 onto the 512.

I even installed the 50 Hz pulley and a Load Sensor agitator on it at one point.. it was a nice washer and I still have it, but I parked it in favor of a Neptune front loader because the 512/712 could not wash a King-size comforter.

Anyhoo... it's good to see that the TL Maytags are still held in high regard.

 

[rp2813]

I have to cram a king size comforter into my Neptune, but it manages to get the job done.  The puffy mattress pad is even more bulky and I have to push on the door to keep it from popping open before it locks.  These are the only times when I wish the Neptune's capacity was just a little larger.  Other than that, I hope it it last me for many more years.  I can't in good conscience use my 712 during a severe drought, and skyrocketing water rates are another reason I'm glad to have the Neptune.

 

[good-shepherd]

the 512/712 could not wash a King-size comforter.

King size?

My A712 can't even roll over a twin size comforter decently. I make up for it with soaking, 20 Mule Team borax, bleach and stops to rearrange the load.

These machines were just not built for those type of items.

 

[wayupnorth]

My 511 easily washes a king bedspread and then 2 queen blankets in a second load and has since 1984. Yes you have to help it roll over with your hand or a perfect poker. But I am right there with both Maytags when they are running. I fixed the lid switch WAY before AW was here or even internet. But too many people just throw their wash in, turn it on and go away.

 

[qsd-dan]

My 511 easily washes a king bedspread

Wow, that must be a super thin bedspread. I could wash a queen bedspread of standard thickness if I added extra water and helped it out but after 26 years the material was getting so thin that the batting started coming out in high wear areas, so I retired it.

 

[wayupnorth]

No, its not a thick bedspread and I add extra water so it is going right up to the bottom of the dispenser cup. I only do extra, extra size loads. Add water and help it go round. I think my Maytags only want to be fully loaded.

 

[woodjack99]

Mystery solved...it is a 506! Dates to April 1985.

 

[rp2813]

Long stroke transmission on the 506 then.  That one gets my vote!