Modern Speed Queen Quality

[Chetlaham]

I found this post 2018 control panel on Ebay:

 

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

I can't help but noticed the tiny low quality timer and thin escutcheon.  Is Speed Queen in the process of cheapening their machines?

 

I noticed this is how other manufacturers started back in the day. Thinner control panel, cabinet, cheaper timers, knobs, plastic pressure switches, plastic outer tubs, ect until eventually the entire machine was redesigned into some less durable design.

 

[kb0nes]

First off I'm not sure how one can see durability just looking at a photo.

But there is no doubt that all products made today are subject to cost cuts. Those glorious old mechanical timers of the 60's that would run forever will never exist again due to cost of manufacture. Because of this I would take electronic controls over a modern mechanical timer anytime today. Not only are they likely to be as (or more?) durable, but they offer increased control and sensing as well as the possibility of repair.

 

[DADoES]

 
Parents neighbors have a 2016 WP dryer that threw a bad mechanical timer (not advancing on any cycle) a few months ago.  They asked me for help in confirming the part and where to source it.  Talked to him Wed 4/7, he said the new timer fixed it.

 

[Chetlaham]

Have a look at that tiny timer. Your going to tell me is the same as what existed years and decades prior? Or that the metal console doesn't look thin?

 

@dadoes: I can SQ going the way of all the others- cutting costs to no end.

 

[maytag85]

The whole Speed Queen TR series just screams cost cutting. Most of those TR Speed Queen washers have already been junked already just like the crappy machines companies continue to make and gullible consumers continue to buy.

I actually have a friend in Michigan who says he’s literally seen new Speed Queen TR series washers that were already in the scrap heap headed to the crusher and that just tells you how bad those TR series machines are.

 

[combo52]

Speed Queen TR Top Load Washers Being Junked

Hi Sean, You need to calm down

 

The build quality of the SQ TR machines is excellent and I predict that it may be the most reliable and longest lived TL automatic washer EVER built and there is no evidence to disprove this statement.

 

The TR uses the same very strong cabinet, base, suspension, inner SS tub and Steel outer tub as SQs commercial models [ the tubs both have a free lifetime replacement, something MT and WP never dreamed of ]

 

I am not crazy about the wash action of the TR models but many owners are quite happy with their TR machines, and there are NO TR machines that are even out of warranty in the US, So show the proof that these machines are breaking down and being scrapped, I predict it will be few and far between to find a machine that has been scrapped.

 

John L.

 

[maytag85]

The whole Speed Queen TR series just screams cost cutting. Most of those TR Speed Queen washers have already been junked already just like the crappy machines companies continue to make and gullible consumers continue to buy.

I actually have a friend in Michigan who says he’s literally seen new Speed Queen TR series washers that were already in the scrap heap headed to the crusher and that just tells you how bad those TR series machines are.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>I actually have a friend in Michigan who says he’s literally seen new Speed Queen TR series washers that were already in the scrap heap headed to the crusher and that just tells you how bad those TR series machines are.</blockquote> Can your friend provide photos to document his observations?

 

[keith]

TR Owner here-LOVE it!

Another TR bashing thread without ever having used one. I’m a mechanic, my wife’s a hairdresser, and my daughter works on a farm, we have 5 cats and a dog. All clothes come out of our TR5 clean and pet hair free! We’ve had ours for about 2 and a half years, 5-7 loads 3x a week, some times an extra load on Sunday if We do a lot of yard work during the weekend.

As Combo52 points out, Every TR sold should still be under the factory warranty of 5-7 years, so how would they be getting junked ?? Have you seen the window of one, identical to the older models minus the transmission. Stronger motor and metal pulley in fact! So even better than the older models! I call BS, because speed Queen doesn’t swap out units, they fix them. There’s literally nothing to go wrong with them that can be fixed easily!

Keith

 

[keith]

Correcting autocorrect......

*nothing that can’t be fixed easily!

 

[panasonicvac]

You know what they say

It would be wrong to judge something completely that has never seen or used before in person. That's what I first thought about the TR series when I discovered the regulation changes that SQ had to make and from the videos that I've seen online about the wash action. But when I actually got to use one in person (TR7), I was totally blown away! In fact, I liked it so much that I might actually consider getting myself one of those as an alternative choice if I were to pass on the TC5.

Also, I'm not convinced by the replies from number 4 or 6. Without actual sources, I would find them as another claim or a rumor.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

I believe maytag85

is referring to the wash action on heavy-duty.

 

[maytag85]

I’d honestly would take a wringer washer over a new Speed Queen TR series washer. There’s no point in having a washer that guzzles a absurd amount of water and has terrible stain removal.

Lorain Furniture/Eugene did those tests to show how the Speed Queen TR series isn’t good at removing stains or washing items like comforters and sheets.

 

[keith]

I am aware of Eugene review...

I respect the hell out of Eugene, honest guy, smart, helpful, hard worker, but he doesn’t use one every day, and admits it. His specific test showed inferior cleaning, so he personally couldn’t recommend it. Nothing wrong with that, however my daily tests show otherwise. The invite is open, he can come to my house and see that this machine can perform if the machine is properly used. I’m sure he has much better things to do however. From my over 2 years of using this machine many many times a day, Mechanic clothes, Stains, pet hair, farm clothes dirt/grime and even comforters (we wash then too). Never an issue with the performance or cleaning. Take it from people who use them every day, not just someone who did a review, unconventional wash action-yes. Does it work if the machine is properly loaded- absolutely! Is there near nothing to fail on this machine - also yes.

As I said before. Another TR bashing thread from people who have never used one! And no, watching a YouTube video doesn’t count.

Still waiting on those junked TR pix btw. ;-)

Keith

 

[maytag85]

Still not buying that the TR series is any better than the older Speed Queen washers. Sure, Speed Queen may have changed the programming on the TR series but it’s still a piece of crap that doesn’t wash or rinse all that well and is more expensive than the previous Speed Queen washers.

If you think a TR series is good at washing mechanic clothes and removing per hair then use something like a GE Filter Flo or any other machine with a lint filter on it and you’ll be amazed how bad the TR series really is.

 

[ea56]

Really, what is the point of continuing to bash a machine that the user, Keith is clearly satisfied with?  Different stokes for different folks.  If Keith likes his SQ TR based upon his use and experience then thats enough.  

 

I’ve had other members dis my choice of machines in the past and I know how irritating it is.  Unless you have actually USED the machine that you’re dis’ing then you don’t have the knowledge base to be making your comments.

 

I personally wouldn’t be interested in owning the SQ TR, but I haven’t used one either so I’ll leave it at that.  Keith and many other members love their TR’s so let it be.

 

If we all liked the same things it would be one boring world to live in.

 

Eddie

 

[panasonicvac]

I think these videos show that they do a good job.

 

[keith]

In my years on this earth....

......I’ve daily driven a belt drive whirlpool in the 80’s, went to 3 DD whirlpool/kenmore machines through the late 80’s and 90’s and early 2000’s. Used a 2001 Frigidaire BD from 2005-2008, moved to a different appartment at the time that had a Maytag FL set, based off that, when I moved out I got a kenmore FL set and ran those through 2017, got a LG FL set that failed after 8 months, LG argued with me about the warranty, so I got the vendor to take them back and went to the SQ.
In between all those daily drivers, over the years at friends houses and traveling I've used early 80’s admiral TL, and a 70’s lady kenmore, a Maytag wringer washer (60’ s model w/ pump). And obviously many Maytag pitman short tubs at laundromats for business travel.

But yeah, I haven’t used any ‘good’ washers.

Keith

 

[combo52]

Quality of the Speed Queen top load TR series machines

When someone uses the word quality I think about how well it’s built how long it might last etc.

There is no question that the Speed Queen TR and TC and front load washers are among the highest quality of any washing machines ever built for the US market.

When you look at the way the TR washer is built the powder coated base plate which will never rust the better suspension and damper system then Maytag or whirlpool ever used the machines don’t go out of balance they don’t walk in yet they spin far faster.

The lifetime warranty on the inner and outer tubs the 15 year warranty on the transmission stated claim by the manufacture that these will last the average family 25 years.

Unless somebody puts up some proof I’m going to assume with my long experience and others Long experience working with washing machines that these machines are among the highest quality washing machines ever built.

John L