waterwitch
Well-known member
Question: What is the purpose for tubs to "index" during a wash cycle? Is this something that some manufactures strived for, or does this just happen when something is malfunctioning with the machine?
Tub index
- Thread starter waterwitch
- Start date
Help Support :
Is your washer tub indexing now Anthony??
Some machines do index while the machine is agitating. Not all makers use this function in their machines.
The purpose is to help the clothes move around in the tub. Some people like it, others don't.
The washer that I currently use is a Frgidaire TL that came with my apartment and it indexes. It's the first machine I've ever used that does that. I will say that it does like to tangle sheets into a mess when you go to take them out. I am surprised though that it does get the job done though.
People say that it deters rollover in the tub.
If you mention what kind of machine you have someone here will let you know whether your machine indexes or not.
The purpose is to help the clothes move around in the tub. Some people like it, others don't.
The washer that I currently use is a Frgidaire TL that came with my apartment and it indexes. It's the first machine I've ever used that does that. I will say that it does like to tangle sheets into a mess when you go to take them out. I am surprised though that it does get the job done though.
People say that it deters rollover in the tub.
If you mention what kind of machine you have someone here will let you know whether your machine indexes or not.
waterwitch
Well-known member
1970's Westinghouse
Revvinkevin, I picked up a Westinghouse off of Craig's list, and from what I've seen on YouTube, it's from the 1970's, and it indexes. I couldn't pass it up, the price was right. It was FREE! Lol! Washdaddy, interesting, I have known for some to index, but wasn't sure why. I've always associated indexing tubs on cheaper models.
Revvinkevin, I picked up a Westinghouse off of Craig's list, and from what I've seen on YouTube, it's from the 1970's, and it indexes. I couldn't pass it up, the price was right. It was FREE! Lol! Washdaddy, interesting, I have known for some to index, but wasn't sure why. I've always associated indexing tubs on cheaper models.
waterwitch
Well-known member
Agitator
It has a blue "swirl type" agitator, and agitates quick.
It has a blue "swirl type" agitator, and agitates quick.
Indexing usually isn't so much an intended action as it is an effect of not having a spin brake.
I find the indexing distracting and somewhat dizzying when I try to watch the action...
mayken4now
Well-known member
Psst
Cheap machines!
Cheap machines!
arbilab
Well-known member
Fault or feature?
Doesn't that spiralator reveal a Weasyhouse? Weren't those better overall than the subsequent Whites?
Whether intended, or simply marketed, as a feature, indexing results from a unidirectional spin brake. That is, it only brakes in the (counter) direction of spin and is relatively free to move in the opposite direction. I don't think that necessarily connotes cheapness. A positive brake is one thing. A unidirectional brake actually requires another set of parts to make it unidirectional, though those parts may serve a dual purpose such as transmission decoupling.
Doesn't that spiralator reveal a Weasyhouse? Weren't those better overall than the subsequent Whites?
Whether intended, or simply marketed, as a feature, indexing results from a unidirectional spin brake. That is, it only brakes in the (counter) direction of spin and is relatively free to move in the opposite direction. I don't think that necessarily connotes cheapness. A positive brake is one thing. A unidirectional brake actually requires another set of parts to make it unidirectional, though those parts may serve a dual purpose such as transmission decoupling.
Washer Tub Indexing
No Washer manufacturer ever set out to design a washer tub that indexed during agitation, As several mentioned it was just a CHEAPER way to build the machine. There is actually NO BRAKE at all, there is a torque spring that does hold the tub as the agitation reverses, but it is not a brake as such and the reason it is there is grip when the motor reverses to make the washer spin.
Only Franklin and Westinghouse ever designed and built washers that indexed, both of these brands were never considered good brands or great washers. Westinghouse TL washers from the 60s through the early 70s were terrible in regards to durability. WCI ended up with both these washer designs and did improve the durability quite a bit as the 80s and 90s moved on.
Indexing tub washers were a classic case of having a bad design and calling it a good thing, this is much the same as Spin Drain TL washers, they were basically built to spin drain because they were cheaper [ and sometimes more reliable ] to build, and then manufactures that built them tried to call it an advantage.
No Washer manufacturer ever set out to design a washer tub that indexed during agitation, As several mentioned it was just a CHEAPER way to build the machine. There is actually NO BRAKE at all, there is a torque spring that does hold the tub as the agitation reverses, but it is not a brake as such and the reason it is there is grip when the motor reverses to make the washer spin.
Only Franklin and Westinghouse ever designed and built washers that indexed, both of these brands were never considered good brands or great washers. Westinghouse TL washers from the 60s through the early 70s were terrible in regards to durability. WCI ended up with both these washer designs and did improve the durability quite a bit as the 80s and 90s moved on.
Indexing tub washers were a classic case of having a bad design and calling it a good thing, this is much the same as Spin Drain TL washers, they were basically built to spin drain because they were cheaper [ and sometimes more reliable ] to build, and then manufactures that built them tried to call it an advantage.
Cookietaster12
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2012
- Messages
- 39
I loved the indexing Westinghouses!!! I, personally, do not think they were cheap machines. I believe they cleaned well, and depending on the usage, lasted long. As stated before, the indexing helped keep the clothes from becoming stagnant while the washing cycle progressed. My god mother had a Westinghouse with the blue agitator, and boy did it clean well. It lasted for a good 20 years. If I could get one now, then I would. Absolutely, my favorite washer of all time!
cammurray22
Well-known member
Indexing Washers
They index so that the dirt can escape from the clothes the minute agitation begins. I have a 1995 Frigidaire TL, it indexes and my sheets don't tangle up at all. Especially on spinning a heavy load of whites or colors, you can hear the agitator going "grunt grunt click click grunt grunt click" while coasting to a stop from spinning.
They index so that the dirt can escape from the clothes the minute agitation begins. I have a 1995 Frigidaire TL, it indexes and my sheets don't tangle up at all. Especially on spinning a heavy load of whites or colors, you can hear the agitator going "grunt grunt click click grunt grunt click" while coasting to a stop from spinning.
Guys I am curious, what is tub indexing? Is it where the outer tub is free to move during agitation? I have two F&P TL machines where the tub moves freely during agitation. All my other TL machines the tub is very static during agitation. .
Cheers simon
Cheers simon
Most cases, the basket rotation is actively driven in one direction in repetitive short arc-distances, presumably by an effect related to the spin clutch and agitation mechanisms ... although it can typically be held stationary by hand.
Your F&P is different in that the basket truly is free-wheeling and the movement is sympathetic to the agitation and clothes motion.
cammurray22
Well-known member
Here's your answer:
It's called tri-action agitation. Call the company and see if I'm right.
Thanks,
Christopher
P.S.,
Here is a pic of one of the filter-flo washers here in Savannah at Bowen Refrigeration.
It's called tri-action agitation. Call the company and see if I'm right.
Thanks,
Christopher
P.S.,
Here is a pic of one of the filter-flo washers here in Savannah at Bowen Refrigeration.
GE Filter-Flow
Washers DO NOT index, unless they have a broken brake pawl, and that is pretty rare.
Washers DO NOT index, unless they have a broken brake pawl, and that is pretty rare.
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
I think.....
The tub shouldn't move at all to have the machine giving a full washing action.
Basket movement is simply counterproductive to the agitation.
So indexing machines, not to mention of course those new plastic toy-like junks that can't have it staying still .....not in my house thanks!
The tub shouldn't move at all to have the machine giving a full washing action.
Basket movement is simply counterproductive to the agitation.
So indexing machines, not to mention of course those new plastic toy-like junks that can't have it staying still .....not in my house thanks!
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Ge filter flo washers do not index during wash....absolutely not!
But they do that at the very start of the wash for few seconds until tub brake engages ....
But they do that at the very start of the wash for few seconds until tub brake engages ....
