These are a US design from Blackstone.
A really great machine for sure.
Hooverzodiac12 - these machines were pretty good for balance, there must have been something wrong with yours - probably the wrong clutch fitted, or a faulty clutch. If I remember right, earlier machines had a "soft" clutch which allowed the spin to start really slow while it pumped out (clutch slipping heaps), and pick up speed when the water was mostly pumped out (clutch fully engaged). (they spin-drain). Later versions had a pressure switch on the pump hose, connected to a brake on the transmision - when the hose was full of water, the pressure from the water pushed a diaphragm out, which pushed on the brake lever and held the tub stationary till the water was mostly gone, then the diaphragm would snap back in, releasing the brake and it would start to spin.(neutral drain) I think the change caame in with the 600 series, but I'm not sure, maybe late 500 series had the "pressure brake" (my words, not sure of the correct term) too.
The 700 series was my favourite, the electric pump gave a neutral drain, plastic outer tub (no rust), tighter clutch as the slip factor wasn't so necessary, but still enough slip that it could spin almost any off-balance load without drama or shutting off, if off balance the clutch slips more and spins slower but still gets the job done.
I suspect if a 500 series was fitted with a clutch from a 700 series it would not cope well with off-balance loads, as it wouldn't have enough slip. (if I'm right about there being two grades of clutch.)
Chris.
