Maytag Lineup {Atlantis, Bravos, Performa, DependableClean etc..}

[k1rod]

I know the Dependable Care Machines but I would like to understand these newer machines. Which ones are which? There are AmanaTags, WhirlTags (or Maypools), NorgeTags etc... Which ones are which? From reading here it seems that some of these are very good machines whereas some are garbage (like AmanaTags which would seem to have 100% leak rate and a shorter life than a Neptune in a lightning storm with the old Wax motors. Can anybody give me insight to map these names together? Something like "Triton(fabricated name) is an Amanatag is a very bad design for these reasons.... And what is with the DependableClean machines. These are not Dependable Care machines are they? If not it looks a little like a bait and switch on Maytag's part...

 

[MaytagA710]

Dependable Care machines are the true MTs as they used the ol' faithful helical drive system. It is a helical drive machine per-se, but the only difference between a machine from 2005 and one from 1965, is the transmission (helical/pitman, and orbital receptively). These machines are also the "two belt" models. One belt for the wash drive, and the other for the pump. 

 

"Amanatags" or "Norgetags" are the "single belt" machines, with one belt controlling all of the components. The set up is decent, and they could be solid performers, providing they didn't leak. In fact, most of the machines that were "AmanaTags" or "NorgeTags" did wash well, and could be nice machines. Lets talk about the "could be nice" for a second. In my mind, Maytag really frigged up with the launch of the "Atlantis" line. The first Atlantis machines were beautiful, excellent shapes and curves, huge lid, huge tub, lots and lots of features. The Atlantis was the higher end marquee for Maytag (I think the higher end marquee should have been the helical drive set up). The problem was, they used the Amana/Norge drive system. And then as the machines got further and further into the production run, they cheaped out by using plastic tubs, and crappy control panel components. They also used the Amana/Norge drive system on the lower end marquee known as the "Performa". Infact, the Atlantis lineup at the start of their production used a pure Maytag dryer, and a Amana/Norge washer. The Performa line up used all Amana/Norge washer and dryer set ups.

 

As for the Neptunes, a lot of the machines parts were sourced out from Samsung. These were also very nice machines, and very solid performers, but they did have their Achilles' heel, which was that wax motor in the early machines. 

 

MayPools or Whirltags are simply the name for the top load machines WP manufactured (after the acquisition of Maytag, and discontinuation of the entire Maytag lineup) and then cloaked them with the Maytag name. These were true Whirlpool Direct Drive machines, with a Maytag badge. 

 

[strongenough78]

I used a Performa model once. Not sure of what year but it was a bit older. I actually liked it. Huge tub, good agitation. The dryer left a bad impression though. Took forever for things to dry and the lint filter was very tiny.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Some clarification...

The Norge and Amana drivetrains are very different on the washers. The PAV(Performa), MAVT(more Sears and Home Depot sold), MAV(Atlantis),CAV(Magic Chef),AAV(Admiral), NAV(Norge), LNC (Wards) and the limited production JennAire laundry (JW?) were based on the Herrin, IL. produced Norge drivetrain, which despite it's shortcomings was a decent enough washer. It did what it was supposed to do. Provide a large capacity, fully featured washer for families at a lower price point. The matching dryers were, except for the MAV's matching dryer which was a true Maytag dryer, Norge/Magic Chef designed. Later produced dryers (after Maytag bought Amana) were some kind of hybrid between a Chef and Amana. Do note that some Performa badged laundry was actually real Maytag produced laundry (LAT/MDE)

Amana sourced laundry such as the SAV(Maytag) and later model NAV(Amana) with matching SDE(Maytag) and NDE(Amana) dryers were the Searcy, AR. Amana produced drivetrain after Maytag got it's hands into it. Maytag wanted to get the cost of production per unit reduced to help recoup the cost to purchase Amana and did it by doing things such as the triple lip main tub seal, among other things. The SAV's did not fare well as we all know...

The original MAH Neptunes were completely Maytag built in Newton. No Samsung there! MAH/MDE 3000, 4000, 5500, 6500 and 7500 models. Neptune was a slow, sharp learning curve that Maytag took way too quickly. Overall, I'm still fond of this design as it did well once the problem components were >slowly< replaced with better stuff. About 2005-2006 (?), the Neptune f/l was indeed built by Samsung. MAH 6700, 8700 and 9700 models for example. This was the death knell for the Neptune name that had already taken quite a beating. The Samsung sourced units were, IMHO, a disaster! Electronic issues and balancing/vibration issues were some of the issues to name a few. The Neptune t/l (FAV), granted a novel idea, did not help with things as they commonly had issues with bearings and main seals, clutches and customer complaints of wrinkling. The Newton built f/l and t/l built machines did use the true Maytag built dryers to match...

RCD

 

[goatfarmer]

I agree with RCD. The Norge sourced machines are decent performers, that sell well in the used market,  I haven't seen too many problems with that line. Now the Amana based machines? Whole 'nother story.....

 

[peterh770]

But why were the Herrin machines so frowned upon? We hear a lot about the short comings, but what exactly were the short comings?
.
I know with my sister's Performa, the spin between wash and rinse was at the slow speed, so rinsing suffered. But mechanically, why are they not as dependable as Maytag's reputation would lead one to believe?

 

[kenmore71]

In my experience, which is limited, the Herrin/Norge Machine were pretty dependable machines and offered solid performance as long as they didn't need service. That was where the whole "price point" thing started to break down.

Changing the pump on a Newton Maytag: 5-10 minutes, WP DD machine: 5 minutes tops. Herrin: 20-30 minutes.

Belts on a Newton: 3 minutes, Belt on a WP DD: N/A (although I suppose you could consider the drive coupler the belt, in that case about 10 minutes. Belt on a Herrin: 15-20 minutes.

Tub brakes - Newton: 15-30 minutes depending on how stubborn it is, WP DD: about the same but the transmission need to come out (which is basically 4 bolts and pull), the Herrin however....don't even bother unless you're a pro. You have to tear half of the drive train apart and procure special tools.

My sister-in-law has one of these machines with a squealing brake. This is a common issue. I told her she should just shut the door of the laundry room until something else goes wrong with the machine. It's not worth fixing.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Changing a pump on a Norge doesn't really take that much longer than a Dependable Care machine. It's held in by three screws and two hose clamps. In some ways it's easier as you don't have to adjust belt tension. Speaking of which, the drive belt just rolls on like a Newton machine, and again, no belt tension adjustment needed. Quick service calls for me. The only difference is where the Norge pump is located, front like on a MAV or back like a PAV. Now, I do agree with you on the brake assy. It is a pill to fix and I usually advise the customer to live with the 'sqeak' as the new brake can do it as well soon after the repair. For those who don't know, the Herrin brake is actually a dry brake that looks and operates similar to a car brake. The screech is just a brake pad that has a light glazing on it, again like a car brake. Plenty of pad, just glazed...

RCD

 

[mayfan69]

Just picked up an Atlantis here in Oz

Well, i just picked up this 2002 MAV7600 for AU$50.00. In very good condition....only ever used by a young couple with no kids.

Personally, i've always had a soft spot for the Atlantis. The main flaw i can see is the fact there's no tub balance ring which can affect spin performance. My Speed Queen is superior in that respect, but on washing performance i was impressed to watch the agitator pull the clothes down very quickly once it starts.

Cheers
Leon

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[goatfarmer]

I used to see quite a few of those machines, which needed snubber rings. I had it down to about 30 minutes or so to change one.

 

[rapunzel]

My sister still has her Atlantis and matching dryer. It's the later model with the finger faucet feature and it's still going good. Consumer reviews have always highlighted excessive linting with this machine. My sis also machine dries everything and she's never complained of lint and is pretty happy with her washer and the Atlantis dryer.