POD 5/16/2017

[brucelucenta]

Bakelite agitators is what most were made of up until plastic started being used. This Whirlpool agitator with the wavy fins was used in their machine up until they went to plastic agitators and then the same basic design was still used until the direct drive models. Obviously it was a good design of agitator, since speed queen uses an agitator today that is much like it.

 

[frigilux]

Don't know why, but this POD is my 2nd least favorite. Great agitator, though. The Sugilator-esque agi in newer Speed Queens really turns over a big load with ease. Anyway, a big shoutout to all the Bakelite agitators from back in the day.

 

[gyrafoam]

I think the Surgilator is much more aggressive than the current SQ agitator.
The Bakelite version had tall fixed fins and even the wavy part extended out further from the barrel than the current SQ.
The later "Super" version had fins that extended beyond the skirt,and was even more aggressive, however, I don't recall if the early "Super" versions were still Bakelite.

 

[brucelucenta]

Odd as it might seem, the early super capacity machines actually had a slightly larger bakelite agitator. It was such a small difference you would not see it unless two sat side by side. Otherwise it was the same agitator.

 

[frigilux]

You're right, Steve; the Surgilator is more aggressive than the agitator in current SQ's, but the gentle splashy sound at the top of the water created by the wavy fins is similar in both agitators; and the SQ is certainly no slouch in the rollover department.

 

[gyrafoam]

It's easier to hear the splashy sound with the SQ.
The Whirly had the old woo,woo,woo sound in the background.
IMO Martin is on to something with the older SQ agitator without the flexible fins. Nonetheless, my machine has the flexible fins and does just fine.

 

[hilovane]

As I have opined before, I think the SQ agitator is a bit more of a cross between the Surgilator, and the Maytag Power-Fin agitators. But, there's no doubt on the rollover; although on some loads, the indexing action of the tub gives it a bit more of an Easy Spiralator-like action.