Speed Queen the Only "Sane" Modern Washer Left?

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One thing to recall

Is until 1980 or so, SQ used the famous Arc-C-Cuate transmission in millions of washers both commercial and domestic applications and these machines had a better than average reputation for dependability. Only when Raytheon took over did quality decline but it appears it is on the upswing now that Alliance Laundry is in control of things.

 
"I have NEVER seen a single failure of this nylon gear."

Iv'e seen lots of stripped spin gears in DD gearcases. These are not nylon by the way. Iv'e even seen one where a section of the gear broke completely off. The plastic agitate cam can also wear to the point that the agitate gear does not completely disengage and Iv'e seen this numerous times as well as the failed spin gears in addition to worn spin pawls that don't function properly.
 
Iv'e seen stripped spin gears and worn agitate cams in DD's half that age and even some less than 10 years old. I think it just depends on how heavily used they are and how overloaded with clothes. Overloading washing machines is about the worst thing you can do to them.
 
DD Transmission

Ours is 23 years old, and still does exactly what it should, including neutral drain, every time. There are less people in the house now than there used to be, and it was manufactured in 1989, so, maybe that's part of it. 
 
Over loading will do just about anything to a machine. But, a DD that was used with care will last, common failures only being the motor coupler and clutch. I hope you get more out of your DD, 23 years of performance is a sign of taking care of the machine that was built to last to start with. The second generation of DDs (the ones right after the spin drainers) easily went 20 plus years. I know of some 1989 Kenmore DDs still chugging along with only a simple motor coupler. The tub seals to were bullet proof. A leaking DD is actually pretty rare.
 
This chap seems to like his machines

Says he is going to post vids of mods to the fill sometime in the future.

 
@washman:

I don't blame him. The washer is worth its weight in gold.

 

Just reading the comments, do these really have that many issues with the timers? I will admit Ive read threads on here about AWN532s getting stuck in spin because the motor doesn't start correctly.  Kind of why I went for the AWN412 because its simpler, but would you know if the U tube claims are true?  
 
Not sure

about the timer issue. I agree the 542 is more complex because it incorporates wash/spin speeds when used in conjuntion with the fabric switch. Time will tell if it is a weak point in otherwise sturdy machine.
 
Reply #41

No idea, Robert may be the only one to know once that happens since he’s programmed the software for the site.
 
Reply #43

 

 

"Ultramatic is up to 1,225,680+ courtesy of his several multipart vintage advertising and yearly Christmas threads.  I don't recall he mentioned anything "happening" upon reaching 100,000."

 

And I never will.
 
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