Using a Speed Queen FL commercial machine at home?
- Thread starter micahmcdowell
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micahmcdowell
Member
Well, I got it wired up and started to check it over. I ran a cycle with no clothes, and it worked fine up until the rinse cycle, where it would get stuck and keep turning indefinitely. I figured out that a couple taps on the timer with a small hammer were enough to get it to advance, so it will need a timer rebuild or replacement. I figured as much, so I was happy that all the other functions were working.
Now, for the part that most of you already anticipated...
The former owner said that he had it LOOSE on the floor, NOT bolted. Myself, being naive, believed him, though the bottom frame has a set of nice mounting holes that must have been for something? The test run seemed to support his statement, as the machine didn't even start to vibrate on the spin cycle. So, I put together a load of old towels and clothes to try it out for real, and when it hit the spin cycle...
I couldn't hit that OFF button quickly enough! It shook, rattled, rocked, and leapt 6" off the floor. After I cut the power, it still shook like crazy for a good 20 seconds until the drum came to a stop. So, I'm off to borrow a concrete drill and some bolts...
Now, for the part that most of you already anticipated...
The former owner said that he had it LOOSE on the floor, NOT bolted. Myself, being naive, believed him, though the bottom frame has a set of nice mounting holes that must have been for something? The test run seemed to support his statement, as the machine didn't even start to vibrate on the spin cycle. So, I put together a load of old towels and clothes to try it out for real, and when it hit the spin cycle...
I couldn't hit that OFF button quickly enough! It shook, rattled, rocked, and leapt 6" off the floor. After I cut the power, it still shook like crazy for a good 20 seconds until the drum came to a stop. So, I'm off to borrow a concrete drill and some bolts...
Had to be fun with 500 pounds bouncing towards you 
But a 20 lbs load is not that easy to handle. Jsut sum up which forces occour when 20lbs are forced with ca. 200 G's. Makes 4000lbs if it is not reduced by dampers or springs....
But a 20 lbs load is not that easy to handle. Jsut sum up which forces occour when 20lbs are forced with ca. 200 G's. Makes 4000lbs if it is not reduced by dampers or springs....
Similar Units At Local Laundromat
Am here to tell you even when bolted those machines can shake and vibrate!
When the 50lb unit is spinning a badly unbalanced and heavy load you can feel the vibrations coming up from the floor.
When one has really heavy loads like thick cotton blankets or quilts that the Miele has a hard time balancing will take them to the Laundromat. Better to spend a few dollars than risk destroying the suspension system.
Am here to tell you even when bolted those machines can shake and vibrate!
When the 50lb unit is spinning a badly unbalanced and heavy load you can feel the vibrations coming up from the floor.
When one has really heavy loads like thick cotton blankets or quilts that the Miele has a hard time balancing will take them to the Laundromat. Better to spend a few dollars than risk destroying the suspension system.
Even a soft mounted washer can cause earthquakes if it is spinning at 1000rpm with 11kg on one side... Just E.Lux style
Micah: First, let me say there's no way I'd want a commercial washer for home use. I like the cycle versatility, the quiet, and other bells/whistles of a modern front-loader. I tend to get bored with a washer and trade it in for something newer every few years, so longevity (which I know is important to you) isn't high on my priority list.
Having said that...I've been following this thread and have joined the section cheering for Team Micah. After reading about the work you've done to acquire, move (500 lbs., oy vey!) and install your Speed Queen, I hope you get years of trouble-free use from it. You have a washer almost never seen in a home setting that will be a great conversation piece to show off to friends and neighbors.
You definitely came to the right place for assistance. The people here with experience in such matters (I am definitely not one of them) are fonts of knowledge that we've come to treasure.
Good luck with the timer---maybe the jump-around of your test load dislodged the problem, LOL---and with the bolt-down process. Glad there appears to be no other problems with the machine.
Be sure to post a photo (or a video, even) of the machine in action when all is said and done. You'll have good reason to be proud of your accomplishment![this post was last edited: 7/8/2013-17:45]
Having said that...I've been following this thread and have joined the section cheering for Team Micah. After reading about the work you've done to acquire, move (500 lbs., oy vey!) and install your Speed Queen, I hope you get years of trouble-free use from it. You have a washer almost never seen in a home setting that will be a great conversation piece to show off to friends and neighbors.
You definitely came to the right place for assistance. The people here with experience in such matters (I am definitely not one of them) are fonts of knowledge that we've come to treasure.
Good luck with the timer---maybe the jump-around of your test load dislodged the problem, LOL---and with the bolt-down process. Glad there appears to be no other problems with the machine.
Be sure to post a photo (or a video, even) of the machine in action when all is said and done. You'll have good reason to be proud of your accomplishment![this post was last edited: 7/8/2013-17:45]
micahmcdowell
Member
Thanks for all the support everyone!
I got up early this morning and ran to the local Menard's to rent a hammer drill. I now have six 1/2" threaded rods set 4" into the basement concrete with anchoring epoxy. This should meet the specs that Speed Queen had in the installation manual. In fact, they only recommended at least 2.5" deep holes and said that epoxy was optional, with the alternative being expansion bolts which wouldn't be as secure.
So... I will report back after the epoxy sets!
I got up early this morning and ran to the local Menard's to rent a hammer drill. I now have six 1/2" threaded rods set 4" into the basement concrete with anchoring epoxy. This should meet the specs that Speed Queen had in the installation manual. In fact, they only recommended at least 2.5" deep holes and said that epoxy was optional, with the alternative being expansion bolts which wouldn't be as secure.
So... I will report back after the epoxy sets!
Micah you are tackling this somewhat crazy labor of love head on. Initially I was a bit worried you bit off more then you can chew, after all that is a crazy machine to have at home! I hope you shoot a good video or two once you have it firmly in place and running to share with us all
I have been considering one of the small Huebsch OPL washer extractors for home, but one of the comparatively simple soft mount versions. I'm concerned both with the weight and the cost but it would quite likely last the rest of my life.
I have been considering one of the small Huebsch OPL washer extractors for home, but one of the comparatively simple soft mount versions. I'm concerned both with the weight and the cost but it would quite likely last the rest of my life.
One Does Like A Man With Stick-To-Itness
But how sticky can you get? *LOL*
Am cheering you on as well!
But how sticky can you get? *LOL*
Am cheering you on as well!
Wow, after reading the manual, I can't believe how close I was..
Recommended pad height between 4" to 6" inches, recommended bolt size is 0.63" if I read that properly.
Man, even my own Huebsch machine shakes the concrete floor on certain loads. I shudder to think what an unbalanced hard mounted machine will do!
To the OP, I admire you and your spirit! I hope you can get that timer replaced soon, that machine will last you a long time.
Recommended pad height between 4" to 6" inches, recommended bolt size is 0.63" if I read that properly.
Man, even my own Huebsch machine shakes the concrete floor on certain loads. I shudder to think what an unbalanced hard mounted machine will do!
To the OP, I admire you and your spirit! I hope you can get that timer replaced soon, that machine will last you a long time.
micahmcdowell
Member
It's alive!
The washer is now installed and working perfectly! I already purchased a new timer, but the original seems to have fixed itself and is consistently working. I suppose the new one will go on the shelf, just in case. I made a quick video of it in operation; hopefully it will embed properly.
It washes great, and takes about 35 minutes for a normal cycle. And before you ask, yes, I'm now on the lookout for a close-matching dryer. Speed Queen front control dryers that are both non-stack and stainless steel seem to be few and far between, so it may be a while.
The washer is now installed and working perfectly! I already purchased a new timer, but the original seems to have fixed itself and is consistently working. I suppose the new one will go on the shelf, just in case. I made a quick video of it in operation; hopefully it will embed properly.
It washes great, and takes about 35 minutes for a normal cycle. And before you ask, yes, I'm now on the lookout for a close-matching dryer. Speed Queen front control dryers that are both non-stack and stainless steel seem to be few and far between, so it may be a while.
Nice!
Wild Applause!
Great job Micah!! Thanks for posting the video as well. That machine should serve you well, perhaps you can start a laundromat
I assume that is the drain hose on the floor to the right of the machine? You have that dumping into a floor drain I suppose. My floor drain is a bit slow, I don't think I could get away with it!
Great job Micah!! Thanks for posting the video as well. That machine should serve you well, perhaps you can start a laundromat
I assume that is the drain hose on the floor to the right of the machine? You have that dumping into a floor drain I suppose. My floor drain is a bit slow, I don't think I could get away with it!
YAY MICHA!
Nice job and GREAT washer. You will love how thourougly washed and rinsed your laundry is and how quickly it will be done. This machine will also likely last you for decades. Congatulations.
WK78
Nice job and GREAT washer. You will love how thourougly washed and rinsed your laundry is and how quickly it will be done. This machine will also likely last you for decades. Congatulations.
WK78
Congratulations! Looks a smart machine. I'm guessing it turns constantly one way while it's filling?
Jon
Jon
Great machine! Never to the laundromat again with king size duvets!
Very Well Done Indeed
Same as the units local Laundromat uses, right down to the clicks made by the motor as it reverses and spinning.
The largest unit (50lbs) at Laundromat has been set to do four rinses (the others are only three), and does one "over flow" rinse where the machine continues to fill and tumble (one way) whilst the drain valve is open. One assumes this is to flush out suds or something.
Same as the units local Laundromat uses, right down to the clicks made by the motor as it reverses and spinning.
The largest unit (50lbs) at Laundromat has been set to do four rinses (the others are only three), and does one "over flow" rinse where the machine continues to fill and tumble (one way) whilst the drain valve is open. One assumes this is to flush out suds or something.
jerrod6
Well-known member
Nice vid. Anyone know why it spins counterclockwise? What is the advantage of this?
Glad the timer fixed itself as this looks like a great buy.
Glad the timer fixed itself as this looks like a great buy.
Is it 3 phase?
if so you can change the phase and change the spin direction
)
Austin
if so you can change the phase and change the spin direction
)Austin
mrb627
Well-known member
Awesome Job!
I am impressed and jealous. Hope you find a dryer to match this machine!
Malcolm
I am impressed and jealous. Hope you find a dryer to match this machine!
Malcolm
