Slow, long stroke agitation versus short, fast stroke

[maytag85]

I’ve washed fairly large loads in my 1963 Whirlpool before but never even dare think about overloading that machine since I’ve literally seen no others like it around plus I never have issues with things not getting cleaned in that machine when I load it properly. When lightly loaded, the load turns over a good 12 to 14 times a minute which is similar-ish to the Frigidaires of the era.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE

I remember when GE had that short/fast stroke agitation. They copied Whirlpool.

 

[cfz2882]

mid-1990s "plastic" GE

The transmission could be made smaller using a short stroke design-shorter rack and smaller gears.Like the WP DD,GE coupled the short fast stroke with a 1/2 HP motor that was closer to 3/4 HP actual output by amp rating.Though not a copy at all,no doubt GE had a couple DDs in their R&D department when the plastoid machines were developed

ike the

 

[rinso]

As a person with OCD and Asperger's, I couldn't resist bypassing the lid switch on my DE806 washer. It was supposed to hold an 18 pound load, but when I did that, it would barely roll over once or twice. A load of sheets would hardly roll over at all, as sections of them would stay above the water level, especially during rinse. Jeans, which I wore for work, wouldn't roll over at all. I think it's true that the "Dependable Maytag" back then was due to the fact that it didn't have to work very hard.

 

[maytag85]

Reply #33

I believe the large capacity Maytags were rated for 14 pounds of laundry or so. Since I put the dual action Load Sensor in, easily can squeeze a bit more in without putting too much strain on the brake and transmission.

Here’s my Maytag A806 washing an extra large load of shorts with the dual action load sensor agitator.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

cfz2882 regarding GE

When I say copycat, I mean the agitation of the GE and Whirlpool direct drive washers. they're similar to each other. I believe GE made a smaller transmission and decreased the oil capacity when the filter-flo was discontinued. I would assume GE used a different oil as they did in their filter-flo transmission to reduce wear. I believe it was very lightweight so the gears can mesh. Maybe it's what causes that knocking noise during agitation.