Speed Queen Residential Going The Way of Maytag

[windrivers]

The big draw of Speed Queen is that they make commercial machines for home use. I haven't been in a laundromat or such in decades and can't say what models and types of machines are now used, but I understand the "classic wash" TC5 is at least based on models that have been used in commercial applications.

Has a "Perfect Wash" TR series type model ever been used in a commercial application, or even marketed as being intended for use as such? The Speed Queen Commercial Vended washer and dryer brochure dated 2021 seems to show a top load that meets the specs of the "classic" wash, such as 1/2 hp motor. I believe I read that SQ continued to make what's now known as a "classic" model for commercial use even during 2018 when they were only selling the TR series for homeowners.

If the TR is only intended for homeowners, to me that kind of takes away from the idea that I'm getting a true commercial quality machine, and maybe a sign that SQ is getting away from its roots.

I can't find the post right now, but as I recall someone did bring up the idea of SQ testing new designs on consumers before introducing them for commercial use. Still kind of opposite to the idea that when I'm buying a SQ I'm getting a machine that has been commercially proven.

 

[DADoES]

 
There's not much magical about modifying a consumer-oriented topload washer mechanism to the commercial/coin-op environment (or vice-versa).  GM/Frigidaire unimatic was in coin-ops.  Fluid-drive Speed Queen, Whirlpool old-style belt-drive and direct-drive, GE FilterFlo, Maytag Newton/2-belt.  Most of the changes are related to simplifying the controls and eliminating superfluos features such as dispensers and filters, although FilterFlo did retain the filter pan at least on some coin-op models.

 

[launderess]

Least in our neck of woods top loaders have almost vanished from laundromats. Has been so for about a good decade or more now.

OPL/route laundries (those in multi-family such as apartments, student housing, etc..) may still have top loaders, but increasingly those too are being replaced by H-axis offerings.

 

[windrivers]

There may not be much "magical" about modifying a commercial machine for home use, and I don't know of anyone saying there is.

However today very few consumer machines could be said to be commercial quality. Speed Queen is in that the same basic machines are, or at least have been, used in commercial applications. Other than that, Maytag has a residential "commercial" model that I consider to be of questionable commercial quality.

So my question remains, if a TR series SQ has never actually been used or marketed for commercial use? I suspect many customers think they are getting basically the same machine that is used in actual commercial applications when they buy a SQ, and that is in fact one of its selling points.

Never mind that the TR series may be commercial quality if it is not used in or intended for commercial applications.

Maybe it's a fine point, but it may get to whether SQ is still a company focused on commercial applications, or are they branching out into consumer versions, a complete remodel, rather than just console changes and different cycle options.

 

[windrivers]

Johnny in reply 17 touched on the issue when he said "Other than the TR7, I believe all the rest of Speed Queen's residential machines use the same internals as their commercial and multi-home units."

So it appears their sole focus may no longer be on commercial applications, and making some of them available to homeowners, but branching out specifically to residential use.

They may have felt it was necessary due to regulations being different for commercial use and consumer use machines or something. And I guess they're still filling a niche for consumers who are dissatisfied with the quality of other products on the market. But still, I would lean towards the TC5 just because it seems to have a true commercial heritage if for no other reason.

 

[DADoES]

 
Nowadays, maybe, maybe not so much.  Depends on the specific machines involved.

There is/was nothing notably mechanically different in the historical coin-op brands I cited vs. their residential siblings.  Whirlpool continued producing direct-drive coin-op toploaders for a couple years after VMW debuted.  I used Kenmore/Whirlpool belt-drive coin-ops in the 1960s and early 70s that were mechanically the same as the home models, other than not having a lint filter.

 

[windrivers]

Nowdays not so much, unless you can name the specific machines produced for homeowners today that you would consider true commercial quality other than SQ. Miele? Do they even claim to be commercial quality? It would come closer than the junk produced by Whirlpool today, I would guess (though I have no experience with Miele). Direct-drives and the 1960s and 70s aren't exactly nowadays. I doubt the average homeowner even thinks to look for used or rebuilt washers.

Anyway I thought the focus was on the direction Speed Queen may be headed. That was the basis of my question, and what I thought went along with the OP.

 

[pinkpower4]

Speed Queen TC5 Control Board Part No.

I personally think the timers would be more reliable. However, I'm sure they got stripped when people tried to spin them around too quick. I didn't have an issue with the one on my Whirlpool top load the 15 years I owned it.

It does seem like the boards give you a few more options when it comes to options and wash patterns. Most of the board issues I've seen were on the TR series.

This is applicable to these washers, which includes the TC5 model:

AWN632SP116CW01
AWN632SP116TW01
AWN632SP116TW02
ZWN632SP116CW01
ZWN632SP116CW02

I noticed there is two different part numbers listed for the same part. Was it upgraded? Or do the Z models just take a different part than the A models? Odd since the board behind the control is the same for all.
202508P Output Board Control Assembly Through Serial No. 1912999999
204783 Output Board Control Assembly Starting Serial No. 2001000001

The boards aren't quite as expensive as I thought they might be and seem easily replaceable. BTW, I just noticed a whole series of videos by user "ApplicanceVideo.com" on how to repair these things . Search for "Speed Queen washer" and search by upload date.

I tried filling the washer partially, canceling the cycle, and then restarting it. The washer continued to fill the tub up to the half load level.

I wish I could figure out how to run it with less water when needed.

 

[DADoES]

 
Probably would need to let it fill to the normal trigger point, then drain some out to the lower level.  However, a fault code may trigger if the board monitors the pressure transducer reading in case of drain hose siphoning, leaking, or some such problem.

Could also be doable if there's a test mode to make it agitate without water ... fill to whatever level desired, then agitate in test mode.

 

[windrivers]

TC5 Partial Fill

"I tried filling the washer partially, canceling the cycle, and then restarting it. The washer continued to fill the tub up to the half load level."

Yes, that's as I would expect. To add to what Glenn said above, I think you would need to wait for the agitation to start before taking water out, or at least until it stops filling. Then if I'm not mistaken (and I could be) I think it will continue to operate with less water.

What I wish I could get to work is what it says towards the bottom of this Cycle Matrix: https://alliancelaundrysystems.widen.net/s/rdgzqpsw6h/dl_ar19-0055_salestool_tc5cyclematrix_en-us

It says to hold Extra Rinse and Start for 3 seconds, and then:
"Tone will sound. Enables “Rapid Advance” using the start button, step through the segments of the cycle selected."

Being able to "rapid advance" through the cycle could be useful, then maybe you could partially fill and then skip to agitate.

I'm not sure if this is an outdated feature, or if I just don't understand it, but it doesn't seem to work for me.

 

[windrivers]

TC5 Water Level Monitoring?

But then that Cycle Matrix also says at the bottom:

"Notes: Water level monitoring feature included; Unit will stop once lid is opened and will resume when lid is closed. Start button does not need to be pressed to re-start cycle."

Seems to tie "water level monitoring" in with the lid switch somehow. So I guess it's possible it does recheck water level each time the lid is opened and closed for some reason. Still not sure it makes much sense as it just has the set water levels and isn't autofill, whereas some autofill machine may recheck to sense how much clothes may have been added when the lid was open.

The lid switch is disabled on mine, and obviously the one in the video, if that really does make a difference.

Eventually maybe I'll have to try it. But it doesn't much more sense to me than the "Rapdid Advance" method. I suspect those instructions may be applicable to something more like the TR7 with autofill and an actual button for Extra Rinse.

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alliancelaundrysystems.widen.net

 

[gelaundry4ever]

just a matter of time

It's just a matter of time before Speed Queen comes out with an impeller/wash plate style washer.

 

[pierreandreply4]

Question

question if your modern machine broke and that go for both front load and top load would you go back to a vintage machine if yes what would be your choice? in my case it would be the machine in this video made in 1972 inglis royal100 with matching dryer color harvest gold choice number 1 choice number 2 avocado green with out the wood panel in front

 

[pinkpower4]

Windrivers--rapid advance...

I tried this briefly. I put the TC5 options on extra spin and followed the directions. Once it is in "spin", it looks like you can press start again to get to the wash cycle. However, it started filling with more water.

Next time I do laundry, I will try taking water out and see what happens. My guess based on that video is that once the water level is satisfied, it will move on to the next phase and not check that again until needed? That kind of defeats the purpose though. For one load I do, I need about half of what is put in for a Normal. Right now, I use my Magic Chef portable for that load.

I don't plan on replacing the gear case on the Maytag when it quits, but I do plan on storing the washer and possibly fixing in the future depending on what would then be available--I'm not optimistic it will be better. I will then have the TC5 set and probably snag a Niagara or one of the other Laundry Alternative options when the Magic Chef quits for the smaller loads and as a backup should the TC5 need serviced.

I can't see Speed Queen going back to the mechanical models for home use. The TC5 is probably the best we will see in that regard. I'm glad I was able to get one at the price before they went up.

 

[windrivers]

The thing with "rapid advance" is, as far as I understand, is that no matter what cycle and options, including Extra Rinse, you have selected with the knobs, holding Start for 3 seconds will cancel the wash altogether, then pressing start again just starts a whole new wash, which is why it started filling again.

As Deep Fill is the only other button on it, I tried pressing it and Start both for three seconds just to see if maybe they got the wrong button. I think I even tried moving the selector knob to Extra Rinse while pressing the Start button. As I recall all that happened is the machine beeped at me.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

vintage washer of choice

It would be the filter-flo by GE, along with the matching dryer.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

gentle on laundry

The whole "gentle on laundry" craze is just getting out of control! Not all laundry needs delicate washing! I want all my sturdy cottons cleaned!

 

[tolivac]

You subject your clothes to wear from WEARING them rather than washing.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>You subject your clothes to wear from WEARING them rather than washing.</blockquote> Not true.  Wearing clothing does cause deterioration of the fabric but that is not the only source of it.  Lint produced/collected/ejected from both a washer and dryer is caused by the washing and drying processes.

 

[petek]

I recall reading in CR how they gauge each machines level of abrasiveness on clothing. They use a specially made fabric which they weigh prior to washing and weigh again after it has air dryed as well as inspecting the fabrics thread & weave for wear and damage.