The New SQ TL Washers

[combo52]

We saw and dissembled the new SQs in training this morning. First Impressions

 

They are very well built and I expect them to be even more durable than current SQ TL machines, they are getting closer to the SQ FL machines in longevity.

 

The transmission is gone, the agitator is bolted to the SS wash basket and moves with the wash basket, on a heavy wash it turns 2 1/2 turns in each direction, it can turn less for a gentile wash motion.

 

It finally has a proper neutral drain with a separate electric drain pump.

 

It now has even less plastic in it than the current washer, the main drive pulley is a heavy duty cast aluminum construction.

 

The drive shaft is over 1 1/2" in diameter.

 

All controls are electronic, but the two lower priced models have knob type controls.

 

 

Now the bad part, I don't think a one piece tub and agitator will wash well, FD tried this a TL machine a few years ago and abandoned it after less than two years.

 

All SQ TL production will switch over to these new machines around the first of the year. If anyone wants a new traditional TL agitator washer but it fast.

 

John L.

 

 

 

 

[mayfan69]

What a change!

Hi John,

Well, that's certainly a BIG change.

Like you, I'm wondering just how effective will the wash action be?

I was just thinking: isn't it going to be very 'splashy' with a full tub of water going backwards and forwards?

You'll certainly need to show how it washes when you get your hands on one.

Cheers
Leon

 

[washdaddy]

definitely will be interesting to see this new concept that SQ is coming out with for their future TL machines.

We all will be anxiously waiting to see what your thoughts are once you've gone thru the training you mentioned.

 

[frigilux]

Hopefully the agitator/tub movement will be more effective than the impeller/tub action of Frigidaire's Immersion Care. At any rate, the 2018 models drop the curtain on the last of the truly 'vintage-style' top-loaders. End of an era. There's no question; my next washer will be a SQ front-loader.

Thanks for the inside information and photos, John![this post was last edited: 11/1/2017-07:10]

 

[mtn1584]

The last of the true agitator washers.........

Now I know what SQ meant when they said 'move more water through the clothes."
It's wonderful that the washer is built like a tank but if it doesn't wash well then what the hell is the point.
I cannot understand why companies refuse to listen to consumers, the average American turned to SQ for a traditional agitator washer. Not an impeller washer or an agi-tub washer, but an agitator that moves clothes and as Nana used to say "beats the clothes."
This agi-tub is not going to roll clothes over, but move them back and forth thorough the water instead which is NOT what SQ customers are looking for.
Well, next washer will have to be a front loader I guess.
Mike

 

[frigilux]

Wonder if cycle times will be longer to accommodate the new wash action?

 

[mayfan69]

Cycle times

John mentioned to me today the cycle times have been increased.

 

I'm sure he can correct me, but the cycle time for the Regular cycle is now 45 mins apparently

 

Cheers

Leon

 

[tolivac]

For me-this new SQ is a no-go-will just shop for washers at the swap shop as I have done for the past several years.You can get an agitator style machine that way.

 

[frigilux]

So glad my sister and I have the 2017 models! Having said that, can't wait to see video of the new machine in action.

 

[peteski50]

Speed Queen!

I am a bit surprised that they will be doing a adj-tub style machine? To me it doesn't make sense. But whatever! I just hope they don't do anything to screw up the front load washers, I like the fact that they are simple and have good options.

 

[appnut]

"I cannot understand why companies refuse to listen to consumers, the average American turned to SQ for a traditional agitator washer. Not an impeller washer or an agi-tub washer, but an agitator that moves clothes "

 

Get a grip people.  It's the government EPA Energy Star guidelines that drive this.  Consumer preference is irrelevant.  Manufacturers receive financial incentives for producing products that meet these guidelines. 

 

Now if SQ would just offer a front load model with a heater and boost water temperatures.  But based on discussions, I'd never want one of their dryers.  I'll stick with Whirlpool design dryers. 

[this post was last edited: 11/1/2017-08:42]

 

[appnut]

John, wasn't the original GE portable washer a one-piece agitator and tub too?  Those seemed to tangle very easily. 

 

[agiflow2]

This is the problem Bob. People should have a choice. mtn1584 I couldn't agree more. This is why we bought these washers because nobody makes a proper top loader anymore. Now this is going away also.

I want to keep an open mind to this. It could turn out well, at least that is the hope anyway. I really hope Speed Queen can make this work out.

Combo, is there any chance we can see the agitub? If it is like the agitator Malcolm showed in the other speed queen thread than we will just have to wait and see how this thing performs.

 

[joeypete]

Well...

I think its a combination of gov't mandates AND customer preference. From what I can tell WP has had the hardest time adjusting to the new mandates, considering how many variants of machines they have had in the last 3 years or so. They keep changing! GE has stayed pretty stable and I feel like they had customer's preference in mind a lot earlier than WP. Just look at their Deep Fill feature. Instead of saying "Hey you can use auto load sensing or FILL the tub entirely", they say "Hey we have auto load sensing but if it's not enough you can add as little or as much water as you want". I like that control better. Hell they still have a few models that you can manually pick the water level. In particular their lower end model (including Hotpoint). I did notice that in their new manuals for these machines though, they added a Precise Fill option to the load size indicator...that's probably to comply with the 2018 standards.

 

[appnut]

Water temperatures

John, are these now going to be dumbed down or can one still get non-regulated temps for warm & hot, based upon water heater settings? 

 

[coldspot66]

Looks a bit like a mode shifter from a GE hydrowave washer.

 

[mrsalvo]

I think we are all waiting with baited breath if the new models are going to cut it.
Am glad that I bought my SQ when I did when the Kenmore T/L died, so far it's held up pretty good with all the laundry I've had to do this year with my Dad's illness and treatments, though I've noticed lately it's running MUCH louder.

Given my experience with what we've been through this year, if I ever do need to replace my SQ it will be with a front loader with an internal heater to get that water hot for sanitizing clothing, no if's, and's, or butt's about it. [I've been looking around, keeping an eye out as to what would work, even though we are still in treatments right now. The trade off would be longer cycle times, I'm running about 10 loads a week currently, as I can't have the TB laden clothing lying around...not comfortable with that.]

Change is so often hard to accept anyway and even though the machine may be built like a tank, if it doesn't wash well...what's the point???!!! Not a fan of the one piece agi-tub, that would have been a no-go for me. GE seems to have gotten it right after the earlier nightmares they came out with.
We all will see what happens with SQ. We wait.

Thank-you John for posting your findings, much appreciated.

Barry

 

[gusherb]

The new design isn't as dramatically different as I had expected. The agi-tub setup is not something I want though. Glad I got my machine when I did, though I'm half tempted to buy another and store it away, but alas I don't exactly have the money to spend on that or the place to store it.

 

[agiflow2]

What are sales figures for current top load speed queens? That is a good indicator of people who KNOW what they want. Most reviews I have read for top load speed queens are overwhelming positive. Who are these consumers who want change?