The era of traditional TL's(coming to and end?)

[brant_ix]

Top Loaders will still be made...

... they just won't be the Traditional Top Loader that we all know and love. F & P, Whirlpool, now even Hoover/Electrolux are all starting to make more efficient top loaders. My PERSONAL opinion, the next generation of washing machine will incorporate some sort of sonic wave vibration to get clothes clean. Kinda Like Star Trek and Sonic Showers.

~Brant

 

[ryanm]

Where I live here in NY, I know of 3 different appliance stores, one where I have a good friend working, who tell me top loaders still outsell front loader by a large margin. As long as there remains demand, the machines will not dissapear. Most people like choice and variety, and not all have the same likes and dislikes. There should be room for all types of washers, not just one type. Isn't the differences in all the machines what makes them so interesting to us? If they were all the same, it would be very boring. In my immediate family, only two have tried a front loader, , one returned it for a top loader after 3 months, the other still has theirs. All my friend have top loaders, and don't intend to change. It is all a matter of preference. Perhaps if the prices of the front loaders come down significantly, they would be more appealing, by I myself would never spend what they are asking, when I get just as good a result from my top loader at a fraction of the cost. I believe these companies are trying to push the front loader because they make so much more MONEY on them. The difference in machines does not warrant the difference in prices.

 

[laundryshark]

Crusher Demo

Thanks very much for sharing that crusher demo. I'll use that Online.Movavi.com utility to convert it to a file on my system. *Only at last resort,* should inferior machines be sentenced to such a horrible death. As for well-built classic and new appliances? Save them!--Laundry Shark

 

[tolivac]

Glad that the "Krusher" film clip was of interest to some-To see more---go to "Classic Refuse Trucks" website-then go to their "Videos" section-then there is LOTS of videos showing all types of trash truck compactor mechanisms at work-In the videos section-There is one by "Rapid Assistant"they show a FL washer being Krushed in a Dennis Phoenix Rear Load trash truck.Could that poor FL washer have found another home?They delighted in Krushing it SEVERAL times-grinding it to bits.I hate seeing that fate happen to ANY Appliance that could have a second life.At the same time Krusher mechanisms are kinda fascinating-like disposers.
I also want to see the price on FL machines come down-if they are truely interested in saving water and energy-that should be the case-remember the FL machines mechanisms are actually SIMPLER than TL mechanisms.Its now on FL machines the motor is connected DIRECTLY to the rotating drum-no transmission,belts or chains.Its to the point the circuits required to operate the motor can be less expensive than a mechanical tranmssion.I have room in my laundry area for both.

 

[launderess]

Front loading washing machines by nature of design cost more in terms of R&D because of water soundess and balance issues.

Top loading washing machines basically are tubs with drains and pumps. Water can also drain out quite easily by gravity as well. Front loading washing machines require complicated designs to keep water in the tub (door seals), balance and distribute loads properly, as well as support the weight of several pounds of wet laundry as well.

As for direct drive versus mechanical, considering how many Amercian front loading washing machines "die" because of circut or mother board problems, and are chucked or require expensive repairs, I'd take my chances on belt driven mechanical machines.

L.

 

[tolivac]

I am with Launderess on the MECHANICAL drives instead of electronic ones.In some of the equipment I work on here-there are mechanical drives that are over 60yrs old and working fine-bet the electronic ones won't last that long-As it is-the boards die that drive that motor-the machine is declared non-repairable-and---Krushed!The mechanical ones can be more easily repaired.I don't like to see washers resemble jukeboxes instead of washers.And the simple mechanical timers are better than the electronic ones-esp in the thunderstorm ridden area where I live-my KA dishwasher with electronic timers has gone thru two of them so far-it sits in the corner-instead use a KA18 machine that is more "stormproof"Don't have to rush to unplug it when storms come up.Its those ones that come and get'em when you are not home!

 

[tolivac]

The waiting paid off-got my "New" old WP Dual action style BD machine just yesterday-anxious to try it when I get home from work-will try its "maiden" load!The cabinet is sort of a Biege-eggshell color-not white.and not "harvest gold"either.The swap shop had another one-that WP machine had the electronic timer console and the large Surgilator agitator.Mr Dixen-the swap shop owner--took away the failed KN machine(leaked,wouldn't spin)and took it away-he was going to salvage the motor,transmission,timer console-then the rest goes to the krusher.He was saying at the salvage yard where he takes his "dead" machines they lift them right off his truck with a crane that has a clamshell bucket-the machines get "Krushed" as they are picked up and dumpted on a huge pile.MR Dixens swap shop has a couple of FL Maytag machines-he HATES them-and yes has sent some to that krusher.His shop is in Ayden-just South of here-love to look around there-you never know what you'll find-he may not know whats in the dark corners.Couldn't find anything of interest this time-thats how I found an electrolux LX vacuum.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I must chime in on this thread. I think the change over to FL machines in the US will be slower than many expect, because TL machines are what we are most familiar with. As long as a good Top loader is available for a nominal cost people are going to overlook water usage for checkbook conservation. The price difference between the two types will have to be much closer before people will flock to the front of the machine.

If the time comes when they outlaw the TL machines, I will say only this. . .They will get my TL Dependable Care/Plus Maytag after they pry my cold dead fingers off the mechanical timer.

 

[tolivac]

Tryout of my "new" WP machine is successful.so far have tried several loads in it and is A-OK.We see how long it lasts.Sounds pretty solid while it runs.I think Mr.Dixen made this one from parts of others-A KN bottom half-cabinet,tank.and upper has A WP control bridge.A machine more for users than collectors.Like it just the same.

 

[toggleswitch]

Leviton Brand- Transient Voltage Surge Supressor

~And the simple mechanical timers are better than the electronic ones-esp in the thunderstorm ridden area where I live-my KA dishwasher with electronic timers has gone thru two of them so far-

My 6-week old new lower-MOL GE came with a defective eletronic timer RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. The second timer was installed under warranty (also Chinese-made)does the same thing. I ahd a hissy-fit. Service will call me today. FEH!

This device may help avoid damage. It is a DIY project if you work with electricity. Add two circuit breakers (one per pole or hot-leg for American 220v) and install in your main circuit-breaker panel (UK=> consumer unit).