Norge-O-Matic

[westyslantfront]

When I moved to Tucson a few months ago, I went to Best Buy to purchase new washer and dryer. I was very tempted to go with Duets but I was afraid that they do not take enough water into the tub as is the case with most of today's FL's. So I purchased Maytag TL. The machines were delivered and installed. The washer is completely level but cycle ends and tub is lop sided. As the washer is under warranty, I called for service. The technician said that machine is NOT a Maytag, but a Norge and is not the quality of the old Maytags. The tub springs do not adjust and it is perfectly normal for the machine to finish a cycle and tub to end up lop sided.
At least the dryer has an interior light.
I feel that Maytag is not what it used to be and will eventually switch to whirlpool/Kenmore TL. when I get tired of my Norge-O-Matic.

 

[KurtDixon]

He is right, unless it is a LAT model, then it is a Norge design. Nothing in the washer is Maytag designed (not the transmission, pump or suspension). The brakes are known to go bad on those washers (they are a dry brake, unlike Maytag's greased brake system).
It used to be, all Performas and Atlantises were the Norge design, then the "regular" Maytag models (usually with a model number starting in LAT) were the regular metal tub/basket, orbital transmission washers. Maytag has since discontinued all of it's TL production and uses the Norge design exclusively. The dryers are still Maytags.
I doubt Maytag will ever use Whirlpool's design as they are direct competitors, whereas Maytag bought out Norge in the 80s some time. In fact we have a 1992 Norge fridge that is completely a Maytag from the time. A Maytag with the Norge badge (whereas your washer is a Norge with the Maytag badge).

 

[westytoploader]

I have one of the last "Orbital" machines, model LAT9356AAE, from 2003, and I'm hanging onto it as it will probably be a "classic" (TRUE Maytag...) pretty soon! I changed the original LoadSensor (Dual-Action clone) out for a turquoise Power-Fin and it works great! Contrary to what many have said, it doesn't really put much stress on the transmission, brake, etc, and the lint filter is very effective.

I made 3 separate videos of my machine in action, and Robert posted them on the server for everyone to see. If you haven't watched them yet, they're in the "Orbital Maytag Videos" thread.

--Austin

 

[westie2]

Maytag LAT's

About a month ago had to put new hoses on my mothers 30 year old plus Maytag A806 went to our local Maytag dealer and they still have the LAT5300 for sale. Dealer said they are still making these for the Maytag showroom and independant dealers to sale. His display with the clear front had the metal inner and outer tubs. These and the stacked units are the only ones still being made from the old Maytag design. The big box stores only have the Norge/Admiral design washers.

 

[mayken4now]

Oh No This all takes me by surprise

Hey guys. What in world is going on? Is this going to be another Frigidaire (GM) fallout? I wonder. The corporate folks a lot of times think that total diversity is the key to success, and to expand your "good product" into all markets. N O T!

With all the technowledgy blowing out of the universe, I feel that some things are better left alone. Why re-invent what has been proven. This is only my opinion.

Recently, here in Pensacola, the local "Maytag Dealership" owned by Mr. & Mrs. Don Gray mentioned they were perhaps ready to retire. I was approached by Mrs. Gray entertaining the thought of selling and asking if I would be interested in something like their store? I replied yes, oh yes as a matter of fact.

After the last few days, doing research on Maytag (Now-a-days) product, I tend to wonder if they (the Gray's) are loosing faith in their 32 year love of their business and product. They probably have to fake to customers who come in to buy a Maytag? I wonder!

What are all your thoughts?

 

[coldspot66]

I, in good faith and being a self-employed technician, could only sell Whirlpool products. Maytag products today are not what they used to be. The name still commands a premium price, but I have always felt that Whirlpool products were every bit as good and as well built. If you are not selling W/P laundry, than you are losing out on a BIG market.

 

[repair-man]

Hi All! I have been following this site for about a month but this topic was enough to make me "sign-up".

I have to agree with coldspot66 entirely. I too am a self employed technician. I service all brands including Maytag factory service. What a difference the last 10 years has brought to Maytag. They are too diversified too quickly. They currently have 3 completely different T/L washer drive mechanisms. And yes, even though the "LAT" machine is still available I don't think that it is very good anymore. 10 or 15 years ago you rarely had a leaking stem seal/ tub bearing problem. Now half the machines I go out on have this problem.

BTW, I do think that it's fair to call the "Norge Design" a Maytag machine. They have owned the design for close to 15 years and have completely redesigned EVERY part of the machine. Only the basic layout of the components is the same.

Austin, it sounds like it's been said before but the Power-Fin on an orbital is not good in the long run.

It's great to be a part of a group that shares my lifelong (and seemingly at least until now, uncommon) love of appliances. Ed

 

[KurtDixon]

"I, in good faith and being a self-employed technician, could only sell Whirlpool products. Maytag products today are not what they used to be. The name still commands a premium price, but I have always felt that Whirlpool products were every bit as good and as well built. If you are not selling W/P laundry, than you are losing out on a BIG market."

Completely true, despite what some here believe, Whirlpool is the only washer maker who managed to do a redesign (in 83) that DIDN'T fail, or at least kept an equal reliability for the company. Yes making a DD is A LOT cheaper than making a belt drive, but they are still reliable designs. Simple and all the major parts last a long time OR are cheap and easy to replace. Pump for example, someone who has had one open can change out a direct drive pump in 10 minutes. Whirlpool's washers have always been pretty much as good as Maytag's. The belt drive was of course much more complicated, but pretty reliable. Almost everyone in the "know" of washer designs loves the DD whirlpool design. It's just too reliable and easy to work on to NOT love.

 

[repair-man]

No question about it- Whirlpool has consistently built a good washer. Both BD & DD machines have common problem parts but overall are very reliable. Anyone that repairs them has to like the ease of service on the DD. Although I remember all the "old guys" complaining about how hard it was to get the cabinet back together when they first came out. I never found it difficult and it keeps people who don't know what they are doing out of it.

Overall the old Maytag's had far fewer repairs and would last considerably longer than the Whirlpool's.

But Whirlpool & Kenmore where still more fun. Ed

 

[fixerman]

keeps people who don't know what they are doing out of

Not necessarily true. I have seen dd machines that the owner tried to fix. They usually start unscrewing every screw on the back trying to take the back off. Really makes a mess for the tech and makes alot of unnecessary work.

 

[repair-man]

Yes, I've had to put a few back panels back together. The worst ever was a guy who cut a big square in the front of the machine. Then asked how I was going to fix it. Also had a few people take the bolts out of the transmission from underneath. You never know...

Ed