Need advice on a 'tag...

[firedome]

So a friend has offered up this free 'tag, around a 1990 I'm guessing.
Clearly needs a good cleaning, but fairly low use and works fine.
Last and only Maytag machine we had was a BOL model we bought new in 1974 and it
worked perfectly for 15 years, through 3 kids, including cloth diapers, and never had any problem whatsoever.
Any comments or advice on this model/year in general?

 

[qsd-dan]

First Gen Orbital

Model A283/A284 (284 has a bleach dispenser, 283 does not) 2 speed, standard capacity tub, and orbital transmission.

As long as the smaller capacity tub isn't a problem, it will work just fine.

 

[firedome]

thanks...

can you fill me in on the subtleties of Orbital trans vs other Maytag drive- trains?

 

[rp2813]

Subtleties

Personally, I don't think there are any.  The difference in agitation is glaring.  I prefer the steady, assured rhythm of Maytag's long stroke action over the the unnerving Tourettes syndrome twitching of the orbital.  This applies to other makes besides Maytag, such as the direct drive system that replaced Whirlpool's belt driven design.

 

[gansky1]

I snagged this orbital Maytag last year, used it regularly and liked it very much.  Simple and efficient, it was much better than I'd expected having only had the long-stroke Tags before.   I took it over to my nephew's for use in a houseful of 20'ish guys he's sharing a house with.  So far, it's performed perfectly though I got a question within a week: "is it supposed to be this fast?"  Yes, it sure is...

 

[rp2813]

Greg, that one-speed wonder looks like the perfect uncomplicated machine for a houseful of 20-ish dudes who likely don't have the slightest clue about making their own decisions, pushing buttons and turning knobs.

 

[gansky1]

LOL - you may be right.  I prefer to not think about the (ab)use the machine is enduring now, the satisfaction of giving to the cause of young adults striking out on their own for the first time will have to be enough.  

 

 

 

[qsd-dan]

Your 28X orbital will wash like this:



Your '70's BOL washed liked this:



Transmissions easily interchange if you prefer one over the other.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Now my question is

What agitation speed cleans better? Is it the fast orbital transmissions or is it the flow bottom of the line Maytag? Even with the same agitator