The Things You See When You Haven't Got A Truck

[launderess]

Went out last night on our way home passed a Miele W&D set laying on their sides at the curb. Looked like a 1900 series washer and matching dryer. Both seemed a bit worn for wear and of course the electric cords had been removed. This was done rather forcefully it seems as the connection areas were literally wrenched open.

Got a look that said "don't you even *think* about looking at curb trash in front of all these people", which of course I promptly ignored. *LOL*

In the end got the feet off the washer but that was the extent. Don't know how long the machines were sitting and quite honestly rather surprised that the roving scrappers hadn't nabbed it. Since Miele dryers are rather long lived am guessing the washer was the one with a problem and the both were chucked as a set.

If one had the means of transport and of course a few strong men would have gone back and taken the set. You never know, parted out between the two there could be some money there.

 

[Chetlaham]

Cords

Why do people remove the cords in some towns? It seems almost universal.

 

[tolivac]

Some scrappers seem to think the tiny amount of copper in a powercord is somehow more valueable then the METAL machine it is attached to!!!!Too bad the cords couldn't have been left on the machines and you could have rescued them for your collection--and to use!Lots of folks on this site would be tickled pink to get a Meile laundry pair for free!!!Far as I know there are only two sets of Meile laundry machines in all of Greenville,NC!!

 

[launderess]

Cords or lack of per se weren't the issue.

Again if one had less pride and access to a vehicle along with strong support riding shotgun, would have perhaps gone back for the set.

However given the unknown amount of time the units have been sat lying on their side (it did rain earlier this week), along with any possible mishandling by whomever put them out...

The washer was on the dispenser side, not a good thing. Was it gently laid that way or "dumped". Am already dealing with one Miele with a wonky suspension system, don't need another. However the larger issue would be why one or both units were put on the curb to begin with. Again since it usually is the washer that goes first, would have had to test. A simple turn of the drum would tell if the bearings and or suspension went or were going.

You cannot "rip out" a Miele power washer or dryer cord. Cut off yes. Yank open the connection box to get at the terminals, again yes. In any even a new cord could be easily sourced as have a spare lying about somewhere.

What gave one pause was the rather strong whiff of "eau de parfum de chien". English translation, dog urine. Don't know if it was just from the sidewalk or curb, but it was rather potent and didn't want to bother too much with appliances that could have been *marked* by Fido et al.

Now if one had been strolling past and the units were just going out, that would have been a different story. If a quick questioning determined one or both were operable, or had small issues then perhaps could have done some business.

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

These are quite small machines. All you need is a hand truck and some testosterone.  And off you go.

 

[tolivac]

Guess the machines were in too bad and unknown of condition to take besides the ripped out power cords.SAD!!

 

[launderess]

Having had to shift my Miele W1070 about on more than

A few occasions am well aware of how much the things weigh. *LOL*

Again if one had the spare space and a vehicle at hand *may* have gone back under cover of night and nabbed one or both. However (again) not knowing how they were put on their sides (slammed or gently eased) and why one or both were discarded would be leery. For all one knows the random low level scrappers that wander the street on foot (armed with a bag containing a hammer and all sorts of tools), could have gotten to things before one causing all sorts of damage in the process.

The largest thought in my mind was what seems to be a common issue with 1900 series units; the rear bearing and or spider being busted. See many ads on CL for 1900 washers stating "repair needed/rear bearing gone but otherwise works fine". That and or another part such as the motherboard has gone.

Again if one had a shop like "Miele4life" and other Youtube famous masters of Euro appliance repair *and* more importantly their skills, things likely would have been different.

 

[tolivac]

Did scrappers finally pick up the dumpted Meiles?Or they could have suffered the fate of the clamshell truck!A truck that is equipped with a clamshell bucket on a small crane-the crane lifts items and puts them in the open top truck body.Used for brush cuttings,really bulky waste and--appliances.Or if they were picked up-could they have been put in a Leach 2R trash truck-if so it would crush them.the cart flippers could help load the machines into the truck hopper.I only hope they had a happier fate.

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

Each and every one of the laundry appliances I have, with the exception of the Maytag, has been a trash find. Most required minor repair and/or cosmetic work to be placed back into service. The only exception was the Avanti, which was in excellent working order as found. All it needed was a good wipe down.  In short, if it's presentable, with no major exterior damage, it's worth taking. It may not be worth fixing, or it may be just a minor thing, or in perfect working order. You'll never know until you plug that sucker in. If you don't have a suitable vehicle, invest in a dolly/handtruck. Next time, you might hit the jack pot.

 

[launderess]

Do agree with you in principle Ultramatic

But owning a Miele appliance already am far too aware of repair costs if something is wrong. Miele is returning this week to repair Big Bertha saddling me with yet another large hole in my purse. Miele's call out charges are dear, and they are less forgiving than in years past. If the thing is out of warranty be prepared to pay and dearly for any service work. Of course if one knows what one is doing and has access to the proper tools and parts one can do the work oneself.

Given the units were on the curb highly doubt one or both were totally functional. Usually persons try to sell unwanted Miele units on. That or contractors will take them and try to do the same. If all else fails contractors or others will donate to a "Habitat for Humanity" type place.

First and foremost do not have the funky four wire 120v/220v those Miele units require. Not much of an issue since the cords weren't attached but still.

Of the two the washer would be more wanting as already have two dryers. Given what has seen over the years it usually is that part of a set which goes first. With the 1900 series it the main two major culprits are bearing failures or spider crack/broken. Either one is a mortal would since Miele will *NOT* do either on an out of warranty washer. Even if they did the costs are astronomical as the thing must be collected, crated, and shipped back to New Jersey. Once worked upon that process is reversed to get it back to the customer. All of that freight is paid for by customer on top of repair labour and part costs. You sooner could purchase a new 3000 series washer for less money.

Again if one had the space and skills of some Youtubers from Europe that know their way backwards and forwards on Miele and other European laundry appliances, then things might have been different.

The two other major worries were as previously explained. How long the units had been sat lying there (we had heavy rain earlier that week), and the scent of dog urine. If Fido et al were using the things as target practice I don't want them in my house regardless of condition otherwise.

Mentioned awhile back that a building in our street threw out a Miele set. By the time one came upon them however it was late at night and the scrappers had been at the things. That and the building maintenance men had removed the doors, cords, and done god only knows what else before putting the units on curb. Final warn off were the rodents scampering about that pile of rubbish.

Now again had one been walking down the street as units were being unloaded from the building things could have been different. Know the staff there well and perhaps would have offered an *incentive* to hold the units inside until one could collect. That or if they would bring them down to me.

Quite honestly you can find used Miele units in decent enough condition for relative little money. The same thing that doomed Miele's sales in USA; the pesky 120v/220v four wire connection also means the resale market is limited as well.

If one came across something more reasonable like a Hoover or any other twin-tub, various compact laundry appliances, an ironer or something else, then may have been seriously tempted.

 

[tolivac]

Yes,the other problems of curbed machines-dogs peeing on them-rats,mice,insects,even snakes making homes of them.Awhile back-someone rescued a couch from the curb-turned out a snake moved in-when the couch was put in the house-snake came out to survey "his" new home-was not a poison snake-but the couch grabbers were surprized.The snake had to be removed by a snakehandler-and couch returned to the curb!So-When Meiles ar curbed-then something is really wrong with them!and if you don't have a servicenter for them-you are out of luck-closests to here is in either Raleigh or Charlette.Those cities in NC have major Meile distributers for appliances or vacuums.

 

[Ultramatic]

 

 

Oh I wasn't referring to a machine with known issues, but to ones that are known to be solid performers and easily serviced. If I found a machine with a bad tranny, bearings or circuit boards, it would had gone right back.  Not because of the labor, I want to learn and do it myself, but for the expense. Unless it is some rare machine, and nice cosmetically, I may make an exception, like for say, a Hoover Twin Tub, or a Belt Drive Whirlpool convertible.

 

As for vermin, well yes you do take that risk. Anything you pick up from the street may be infested. I once found a dead mouse in a dryer. I screamed like a girl, ran, and locked myself in the bedroom. Nah. But I was grossed out. Hubby being the uber butch one removed it. And for everything else, there's Lysol and ammonia. I would never bring anything up that's upholstered. Vermin is bad enough, but you just would never know who, or what has been sitting there.