Trusty Commercial Maytag just bit the dust. Which SQ washer and drier?

[rebar]

My maytag LAT2300AAE puked its transmission oil 5 years ago but kept on chugging until last night (18 years) when it wouldn't spin and I smelled a burnt belt.

I don't have the time to rebuild my maytag, but will set it aside as a spare machine after I repair/rebuild it later this winter.

I need a new washer and drier NOW (no spare's)and think SQ is a good choice. But which ones?

I want a machine that is easy to work on and rebuild and have read the FL SQ's are better in that respect to the TL. True?

I keep hearing people say to buy the mechanical controlled SQ but the sales man says the difference in cost between mechanical controller/timer and electronic controller replacement is within $5.00. True? And easily replaced?

So knowing that I want a easy to work on SQ and not worried about water usage.. Which SQ washer and drier?

Thanks!

 

[whirlykenmore78]

There is NO BETTER WASHER:

Nor has there ever been in the terms of reliability than the SQ FL.  They are also designed to be fixed.  Figure at least double the lifespan than your MT gave.  Just stay away from the mechanical controls as opting for them shortens the warranty by 2 years.

I bought this set and could not be happier.

WK78

 

[rebar]

Thanks WK78.

Frankly, I don't consider the warranty a decision maker. Because you never hear of any speed queens having a problem within 3-5 years. I think its SQ's attempt to promote the new electronically controlled units.

Iv read the TL washers are not easy to service is why Iv asked this question. Can you comment on the difference servicing the TL compared to the FL? Because Im the type who buys top quality but also values ease of service.

 

[gusherb]

I would go with the FL set if you have the money. I also wouldn't worry about electronic vs mechanical either, just pick the machine with the features you want. As far as servicing the FL machine, I'd say that's the most service friendly front loader you're gonna find short of going with a commercial washer extractor.

 

[rebar]

Thanks GusHerb.

I have the money.. But I have to be convinced the extra cost is worth it.

As I mentioned. Water consumption isn't a concern for me because I don't use the minimum the city considers my 4 bedroom home should since I live alone. My bill never changes regardless how much water I use..

But your comment about "that's the most service friendly front loader you're gonna find" is heard and noted..

Thanks again.

 

[kb0nes]

I'd opt for the electronic controls too, they give more features and add a little sophistication to these machines. And if you are looking at the FL machines, the 'mechanical' control is just a computer with a knob anyhow, only the TL machines had a mechanical clock timer anymore.

A FL machine is much simpler then a TL machine, there is no transmission and the main seal is above the water line. They are worth repairing when and if they fail, the TL machine may be cost prohibitive to repair in the event of a failure.

I won't open the can of worms in wash performance comparison, but I wouldn't buy the TL machine for that reason.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

As Phil stated:

A FL is a much simpler machine.  Also consider this as proof to the FL's superiority.  Alliance/SQ tests their TL machines to 10,400 laundromat cycles the FL is tested to 25,000 laundromat cycles.  

WK78

 

[rebar]

Sold!

WK78 your "TL machines tested to 10,400 laundromat cycles, FL is tested to 25,000 laundromat cycles." just sold me.. Along with all the additional information.

One last question.. Should I consider a stack able configuration? I have barely enough room for side by side, so gaining the additional space would be nice but not mandatory.

Thanks everyone!

 

[repair-man]

I'm curious as to where Speed Queen states that they test FL washers to 25,000 loads. On their website the longevity calculator is based on 10400 loads just like the TL. That's very close to what we see in laundromat life. But I don't think it's fair to compare home use to laundromat use. Constantly over suds and you wouldn't believe what some people try to wash. Performance is great on the coin op machines. Never used a home machine but I'm sure it's very much the same.

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Go stackable! Puting all the controls on one panel looks the best imo and saves space.

 

[rebar]

I think I will skip the stackable.

I think I will skip the stack able. I dont want one unit and I envisioned being able to separate them.

 

[pierreandreply4]

best choice

as a buyer i would suggest that you compare and evaluate base on your cycle needs what model would fit best like for expemple the topload model not many cycles but you have the option to soak in the washer if clothes needs an over night soaking

 

[kb0nes]

A front load machine with it's concentrated detergent during wash and the extended cycle times will all but eliminate the need for pre-soaking. And you get lots of other advantages too.

 

[lorainfurniture]

I am an authorized speed queen dealer and servicer

The electronic controls will never fail. In fact, I would bet the electric controls will outlast any mechanical timer. The front load is probably the most reliable unit you can buy today. There are only a few parts:

Central control (main computer)
Mcu (motor control)
Motor, 3 phase brushless
Water pump
Door lock
Inlet valve
Rear trunnion.

Couple other odds and ends like an off balance switch and such. Everything is front service, in exception to the trunnion, or rear bearing.

The only time I have ever serviced a front loader was a 10 year old unit that ran 8-10 loads per day, 7 days a week at a hair salon. It needed a trunnion, it took me about 1.5 hours to fix. Next time I do it I'll likely get it done in half the time.

My only slight gripe is that I feel like the washing performance could be better. It's not even a mechanical issue, I think if they tweak the wash cycle program it could really be a knock out.

Ps, I own both top and front load speed queens, the front load is my favorite all the way around.

 

[jkbff]

The stacked set comes apart for delivery and service. It is pretty neat how they are built together. I really wish speed queen would have shared power between the dryer and washer, but they require 110 and 220. You take the front panel off the dryer, unbolt the dryer, un hook the harness that connects to the dryers control panel and slide the dryer off.

 

[appnut]

I feel like the washing performance could be better.

Eugene, if they'd put in an onboard heater, that would significantly help.  I've had a front loader without and one with.  I'll never have a front loader without an onboard heater again.  I keep my water heater at 120.  I'd rather have the washer heat the water than my electric water heater.  That's the only reason I didn't consider a Speed Queen in 2011. 

 

[helicaldrive]

Get the SQ front loader

When my Newton Iowa Dependable Care Maytag died, I too thought: I need a daily driver washer now, I'll fix the Maytag later. I bought the SQ TL first. After the very first load, I knew I would never use the Maytag again. Noticeably better cleaning and rinsing, larger capacity. And the electronic controls were so convenient.

Then I became aware that my wastewater often backs up in the basements of people downhill from me, and I started feeling guilty about all the water I was using. So I bought the SQ FL too, figuring I could easily resell it if I didn't like it. I rarely use the TL now.

The FL has a slightly bigger capacity. It's simply unbelievable how little water and detergent it uses (1 Tablespoon is usually plenty with a water softener), and I think it gets clothes cleaner -- especially dress shirts and sheets/pillowcases.

It has a soak cycle and a pre wash cycle. You can select both together. If you select second and third rinse you can get a total of 5 rinses. It's great.

Just a few tweaks. Jeans don't seem to get clean unless I turn them inside out but that'd be true of any front loader due to reduced water levels. And due to the lack of a heater and steam, to get a truly hot or warm wash I first run the laundry tub faucet until the hot water arrives before starting the washer, just like you do with your dishwasher. Also, in the Winter I will use a pre-wash because the cold clothes and wash tubs cool down the first hot fill. It's not a big deal. These tweaks are quick; whereas a heater or steam option would add at least a half hour of time to the cycle.

Bottom line: I love my SQ FL. Cleanest clothes I've ever had.

 

[rebar]

Since I cant pick the dryer off the washer by myself jkbff, I will get the side by side's.

I'm looking at Model # AFNE9BSP113TW01 washer.

And Model # ADGE9BGS113TW01 gas drier..

Any objections, or comments?

Thanks everyone!

 

[rebar]

How much tide HE in speed queen front loader?

I just received my AFNE9tBSP FL washer and I'm on my second load.

My question is about the amount of Tide HE per load. The installer said to use one table spoon. But the instructions say to add to the fill line of the dispenser..

That's a huge difference, because when I tried to fill tide to the fill line the detergent just drains into the washer. Meaning the dispenser must not contain or hold the detergent and if you fill slowly, you would never fill high enough to reach the fill line. I imagine you could over fill easily.

The second load I used the measuring cup from the top of the tide jug and never reached the fill line because again.. It doesn't fill up, but dump right in..

Whats the correct amount for a regular load?

Thanks