New SQ washer

[rancherman]

Hey all, a quick snapshot of my washing machine 'history'...
Got married in 1982. 'inherited' a GE top filtering washer..
That machine could get stuff clean. My 'dirt' was typically some very nasty, greasy, filthy farm and ranch work clothes.
I didn't know how important that GE top filter basket was until I replaced it with another brand

How brilliant was that system, that caught the debris, and kept it OUT of the clothes??
Another thing I miss from those days is the fact that the clothes were spinning as the tub drained. I always felt that PINNING the clothes to the tub wall before the last of the water was gone was a smart way to 'balance' before the high speed spin kicked in!
Today, clothes will 'slump' down as water is pumped off, and who knows how they'll fling when the spin starts!!
Fast forward... to 2011
Bought a miserable maytag 'commercial quality'(HA)Centennial top loader. It was the only top loader w/agitator I could find in my madness (no research..) to buy a washer. Hey, it was 'cheap'. Dang thing has poor agitation, goes off balance at a whim.. I've rebuilt the suspension, made dang sure it's level..it still chases Momma and the kids across the floor. Maybe for 'normal' loads it's adequate, but for me and my numerous heavy work clothes, hoodies, etc... It was time to 'search'.
I've always heard the SQ was built tough..
Then I learned about the 2018 debacle.
Then I learned that the 'commercial' units still used pre 2018 design..
So, I found (in here) a link to applianceconnection.com and the
LWN432SP115TW01 (8 left as I type, I got 'one')
Watched a youtube of this model, and it appears to still have the transmission do all the work, not the incessant reverse, forward, reverse of the electric motor for agitation.
Simple knobs/timer for controls. Aggressive wash action. Still will miss the basket filtration of the old GE, but I guess that's what the screen in the dryer is for! sigh.

So, will put up with the maytag centennial for another week/10days until the new SQ shows up!
Still little confused on the lack of water level switch on this model.. Does it have one or not? too many conflicting posts!!
If not, looks like an easy addition to add. 99% of my laundry is 'full loads' anyway.. so the rare small load won't kill us to have a full tub of water anyway.

Thanks for listening!!
Robert

 

[lukes]

The LWN432SP115TW01 does not have a water level switch, it will fill the tub to the top. You can add a water level switch if you are willing to swap out the pressure sensor for a level switch and change out the front graphic panel or drill a hole in the existing panel.

 

[yogitunes]

Welcome to our site.....lots to see and do, and plenty to learn....

....this SQ does not have an adjustable water level switch, but as mentioned in other post, can switch out to one that will allow adjustment...

I say don't give up hope.....the famed Filter-Flo machine from your past can still be found, just keep your eyes peeled on craigslist and ebay for starters...their still out there, they still made them until sometime around 1995....I have three from 1985 still running strong...

they can also be found under the 'Hotpoint' same as well....

keep an eye out for the shape of the lid....

 

[rancherman]

Thanks! that brings back memories!
I remember buying the repair manual and one of my first 'duties' as a new husband was to overhaul the timer! New cam followers, a contact switch or 2, And I believe the knob shaft was snapped off in a moving-in accident.

all straight forward repairs.. even for the mechanically challenged. Those repair books that GE put out were worth their weight in gold.

How many times did I open that lid, stick a finger in the lid switch hole, and admire/check the action of the various cycles!!

Never once did I succumb to the temptation of reaching in a spinning basket to see if I could 'outsmart' the machine... LOL

We as a society apparently have slumped to needing a stupid lid lock to 'protect ourselves...from ourselves'...

 

[stricklybojack]

.
You can also just use the Eco cycle if you want a lower water level in a given load.
A bit skitso about water level around here, first endless hand wringing because the machine doesn’t fill to the brim, now lack of a level adjustment? I give up.

Enjoy your new washer.

 

[luxflairguy]

 Be careful of voiding by adding anything extra while under warranty!

 

[yogitunes]

the water level may have to be adjusted once you get the machine....you wont know until the first fill....a simple adjustment from inside the control panel, and your good to go from there....there are vids on YT to show you how

as for the ECO-cycle....its a normal full fill for wash, but there is no full fill for the rinse, just spin/sprays, and then move onto to a final spin...

HeavyDuty/PermPress are about the only cycles that filled for both

https://www.appliancesconnection.com/speed-queen-lwn432sp115tw01.html

 

[combo52]

Voiding Warranties ?

First of all there is no labor warranty on SQ commercial laundry equipment, it is up to the owner or any other person you get to remove and send back defective parts for free replacements, SQ would have no idea the machine was modified.

 

Even on regular machines that have up to a seven year warranty, you will not void the warranty if you modify the machine UNLESS you cause a problem because of your modification. The same thing happens if you have a new car, you can customize the car and not void the warranty unless you cause a pacific problem and even then the rest of the car is covered.

 

John L.

 

[lukes]

Combo52, that is correct. Below is a link to the commercial warranty, it is a parts only warranty.

http://docs.alliancelaundry.com/tech_pdf/production/200582enca.pdf

 

[rancherman]

Curious..
I bought mine yesterday, LWN432SP115TW01, from applianceconnection.com, there was 9 available. Now I see there are 7 left.
I think I also found them for sale in pricebandit.com, and a cali-nevada based Laundromat supply.
There doesn't seem to be an endless supply!! Is this the last of them? I've seen Alliance showing the same washer under a different name (Huebsch) But it seems those will be sold in dedicated Laundromat supply houses. Will the future buyer going to need a 'license' to buy a machine like these??

LOL, maybe there is opportunity for a group of entrepreneurs to put together a 'parts kit' of the BEST components and systems (either old stock, or reproduction) and offer a 'DIY' kick ass AutoMatic washer.

 

[eurekastar]

There has to be a pressure switch of some kind on that commercial SQ.  I'm sure someone could figure out how to retrofit an adjustable switch for control over the water level by using parts from the previous generation model!

 

 

[lukes]

eurekastar, I made a post with the part numbers needed to add a water level switch
https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?77806_9

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Appliance Connection also has the otherwise unavailable front load model in stock in various formats and versions: front control, rear control, control pad, knobs, as a set, Horizon, etc.

Also a stacked double dryer I have never seen before.

https://www.appliancesconnection.com/speed-queen-lfne9rsp113tw01.html

 

[eurekastar]

I don't trust Appliances Connection

Earlier this year, I ordered what appeared to be the 2017 Speed Queen top loader.  A few days later, I received a shipping notification and followed the link to their website.  That's when I discovered that the 2017 model was no longer available (even though it was listed for sale on their site).  Instead, they substituted the comparable 2018 model for the same price without notifying me.  I called and canceled the order immediately. 

 

[rancherman]

Thanks for the heads up..
I'll keep an eye on the notifications. I placed the order on Friday, and don't expect any confirmation until Monday.
I did get the 'thanks for placing the order'

Man, this is all I need!!

 

[rancherman]

At first, I figured AC was just a ecommerce site. But, they claim to have a huge warehouse, and ship from within.

My AC account has 2 notifications;
1. 'regarding your delivery'
2. 'order confirmation'
Both have the ticket number, and the model I chose; LWN432SP115TW01

So far, so good.
I'll watch this like a hawk. Last thing I need to deal with is a 'substitution'..

 

[rancherman]

Well, got my updates on the shipping! My SQ is in Omaha!! another day or two, and it should be pulling into my driveway.
Ordering between Christmas and New Year's... which really was a funky work week for most.. My new washer sat on appliancesconnection loading dock until Jan 4 or 5th. Sounds like they fill up their trailer and shuttle it out to a local carrier. Only then did I get an actual tracking number. It only took a day and half to get from NJ to Omaha.
Depending on volume, the Shortline carrier that runs out of Omaha may be only 1 or 2 times a week, so I may have my washer Friday, or early next week.
So far, every update has had the exact model number I ordered.
Until they roll up the rear door, and I see it with my two eyes, will I relax!! Weird huh??

 

[appnut]

Robert, not weired at all.  

 

[rancherman]

SCORE!!

Today was Christmas Part II

My Lwn432 showed up in the back of a semi! Lucked out, my road was frozen up pretty good. last week was a slog from all the melting snow. So no whining from the driver today!

This machine replaces a box store Maytag Centennial circa 2012.
That dang thing drove my wife nuts: lid lock, out of balance for no apparent reason.. Geez, the back panel is all pounded out from the tub trying to escape. Cleaning ability seemed adequate for the 'normal' type laundry, but when it was time for the true work clothea, and the insane amount of ground in dirt/grease/manure It was a little (lets just say 'overwhelmed') The 'high water mark' of soap scum/grease on the agitator made me wonder about when water is pumped out, EVERY ITEM will be coated with scum as the water recedes. This SQ spins this all off the top as the water pumps out, so less 'nasty' stuff should be re introduced in the spin/rinse cycle.

2 months ago, I did the usual suspension rod replacement, rechecked the levelness of the machine, and all was GOOD till about Christmas time. Then, out of the blue, the out of balance came back with a vengeance. The rods seemed ok, still in their pockets. Machine still was level. I honestly didn't see anything that 'went south'. I gave up.
Until I 'found' this lwn432, I was SERIOUSLY considering the Maytag 575. But, it seemed to share the exact suspension design as the Centennial. It may have heavier springs, I don't know. I decided to pass.

As I type this, my new SQ is going though a short cycle with no laundry, just so I can confirm all is working. I put a squirt of Dawn in to help cut the layer of 'black' on the stainless tub.

The washer didn't arrive totally 'perfect'. the back corner down by the rear leg has a slight dent. Can't see it from normal operating position.
And the control panel was jarred out from the lower retaining clip on one side. Easy 'snap' back into place, but when it was not secured, it did leave a slight line where the enamel was scraped a little. I may snag a touch up bottle of white to cover it. My guess, it was dropped and it hit on the corner that shows slight crushing, and the whiplash caused the control panel to jump out of it's clip. The shipping box showed zero signs of damage, so I signed off. I'll let this slide. Other than the slight black line showing through the enamel, and a 1 inch section of rolled edge on the bottom of the cabinet, all seems ok. The self leveling rear legs seem to work properly too.
Joys of shipping stuff clear across the Country huh!!

Upon filling the first time, the water level was just shy of the top row of holes in the basket. Is this about right? I was told to check that and adjust if necessary.

Thanks guys for all the input, advice, and back and forth with my endeavor!

I'll stop in from time to time with my observations on this machine.