New GE Top Load Hydrowave Washers

[estesguy]

Gezzzz people,,,,

I own the machine in the link above. The Hydrowave washer replaced the ones with transmissions. The tub and suspension of the machine are the same, but the drive system is totally different. The hydrowave machines use a electronic inverter control board that reverse's the motor back and forth to create the agitation. It is EXTREMELY quiet. To me, it sounds like a battery operated baby swing. The agitation stroke is 270 degrees, I believe. There is one belt from the motor to the drive shaft, but NO transmission. Spin is obtained when a solenoid engages to lock the tub to the same drive mechanism, and the whole assembly spins then. GE still uses the same electric drain pump, which is fairly noisy. As far as suspension noises mentioned by one writer, I don't experience that on my machine, and I also have a 2 year old GE with a transmission, and neither of them 'squeak' or 'grind' when the tub is moved around by hand. I'd say if your machine does that, it needs those parts that hold it up replaced, because they are worn out. GE does still sell an entry level machine with a transmission, but mid line up to top of the line are all hydrowash systems that have been out for a little over a year now.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Estesguy - GE claims a full 360 degree agitator stroke on the hydrowave machines. You had mentioned 270 degrees...doesn't yours give you the full 360? Maybe it's just hard to see when it's washing?

I have a feeling on some of these machines where people experience suspension "noises", or walking washer syndrome, one or more of the shipping bolts were never removed that hold the tub in place. These do have 'em. And apparently, from talking to GE techs, the machines balance themselves very well during a spin...using the same type of balance ring many other top load machines use (including the Calypso...which I have still never seen go off balance in 7 years...even washing a single pillow.) GE techs claim these machines are very reliable, with few service issues for a new model. The older (late 90's/early 2000) model GE washers with plastic tubs and plastic geared transmissions did not hold up well. These are NOT the same machine in any way, shape or form.

 

[estesguy]

Yup

Yes Andrew, you are correct. If you notice I said "I believe" as I wasn't sure of that particular fact. But all other facts I have stated are correct. The electronic inverter board is mounted on top of the motor and protected with a plastic hood. The machine has no mechanical braking system anymore, so the tub coasts down to a stop, unless the lid is lifted before it stops. If that happens, the motor is energized in the opposite direction of the tub rotation to immediately stop the tub. Spin speed is 630 RPM per GE. These machines are in no way related mechanically to the Harmony series washers. Apples and oranges there my friends.

http://www.geconsumerproducts.com/pressroom/press_releases/appliances/washers_and_dryers/HydroWave2007.htm

 

[andrewinorlando]

Well, I'm glad GE seems to have a winner with these machines. Less complexity for sure! Would be great if they would introduce a high speed spin to them like they had before with the 850 rpm spin of the previous TOL Profile line.