launderess
Well-known member
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Vintage Maytag Washer-Dryer 340W
- Thread starter launderess
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But those were all supposed to been traded back to MT and destroyed ...
turquoisedude
Well-known member
A few escaped... LOL
Nice starting price.
Good luck for someone here please!!!
Isnt that the same model Lisa had on Green Acres?
deanmerc
Active member
Hello everyone!
Nice machine! How did those combination washer/dryer units perform? And why would they have been returned to Maytag for destruction?
BTW, how do you guys find these ads? Do you set up alerts on Ebay or Craigslist? I keep checking Facebook marketplace, Ebay and CL, but I hardly ever find them.
Gabe
Nice machine! How did those combination washer/dryer units perform? And why would they have been returned to Maytag for destruction?
BTW, how do you guys find these ads? Do you set up alerts on Ebay or Craigslist? I keep checking Facebook marketplace, Ebay and CL, but I hardly ever find them.
Gabe
It's interesting that the timer knob is very similar to the acrylic type that didn't appear on traditional Maytag washers until the late 1970s.
Re: why Maytag sought to destroy all of these machines -- the company had a reputation for product dependability and longevity to defend, and washer/dryer combos from any manufacturer were trouble-prone. They were also relatively poor performers. This is why you don't see them on the market today. It appears nobody has yet figured out how to design a reliable combo, and/or it's likely not feasible where price point is concerned.
Re: why Maytag sought to destroy all of these machines -- the company had a reputation for product dependability and longevity to defend, and washer/dryer combos from any manufacturer were trouble-prone. They were also relatively poor performers. This is why you don't see them on the market today. It appears nobody has yet figured out how to design a reliable combo, and/or it's likely not feasible where price point is concerned.
gyrafoam
Well-known member
I think the Philco-Bendix Combo's did a vey good job. Unfortunately, They couldn't make them now because of Government interference. They certainly would do at least as well as today's "Drek a Matic" machines especially on " office dust".
No matter the brand, people who didn't have the room were damned glad to have a washer and a dryer in one space.
I have seen Greg's Maytag combo in operation and it looks pretty competent to me. Of course that doesn't speak to the reliability of the machine, however I've never heard Greg grumbling about it.
As has been said, Maytag was concerned about their reputation of quality.
My have times completely changed!
No matter the brand, people who didn't have the room were damned glad to have a washer and a dryer in one space.
I have seen Greg's Maytag combo in operation and it looks pretty competent to me. Of course that doesn't speak to the reliability of the machine, however I've never heard Greg grumbling about it.
As has been said, Maytag was concerned about their reputation of quality.
My have times completely changed!
In the ad he mentions having it listed locally, so the auction may end early. I found the ad on craigslist here: https://stlouis.craigslist.org/atq/d/vintage-maytag-washer-dryer/6695652914.html
Maytag Combo trade in program
Maytag offered a trade in program for the combo - and would pay out different tiers of credit towards a 502 set, depending on how long the owner had the combo, i.e. more time meant less credit towards the 502 set. I posted my findings on this years ago and can now be found in the archives.
The credit could also be applied towards a 702 set, with the owner paying the difference. After a certain amount of time the credit ended and Maytag left the owners to replace the combo on their own accord.
I haven’t seen any documentation stating they were all recalled to be then destroyed - I suspect the fate of the Hotpoint combo has blended into the lore of the Maytag.
As far as this combo - eBay is the best way to go. If several parties are interested an auction format is truly the most fair outcome. For the future owners sake I’d inquire about the condition of the boot. The one I found years ago looked good but was dry rotted along the top inside edge.
Good luck!
Ben [this post was last edited: 9/16/2018-16:25]
Maytag offered a trade in program for the combo - and would pay out different tiers of credit towards a 502 set, depending on how long the owner had the combo, i.e. more time meant less credit towards the 502 set. I posted my findings on this years ago and can now be found in the archives.
The credit could also be applied towards a 702 set, with the owner paying the difference. After a certain amount of time the credit ended and Maytag left the owners to replace the combo on their own accord.
I haven’t seen any documentation stating they were all recalled to be then destroyed - I suspect the fate of the Hotpoint combo has blended into the lore of the Maytag.
As far as this combo - eBay is the best way to go. If several parties are interested an auction format is truly the most fair outcome. For the future owners sake I’d inquire about the condition of the boot. The one I found years ago looked good but was dry rotted along the top inside edge.
Good luck!
Ben [this post was last edited: 9/16/2018-16:25]
launderess
Well-known member
"As far as this combo - eBay is the best way to go."
Now you *know* once the local CL advert was listed certain persons began blowing up seller's inbox, and or making contact directly.
Offers will be made and if things go the way usually do with these things; that eBay listing will vanish with "Listing Ended Because Item Is No Longer Available".....
Now you *know* once the local CL advert was listed certain persons began blowing up seller's inbox, and or making contact directly.
Offers will be made and if things go the way usually do with these things; that eBay listing will vanish with "Listing Ended Because Item Is No Longer Available".....
Launderess,
It didn't occur to me that someone may use the link for foul intentions, so I deleted the post. However, minimal deduction is needed to figure it out.
It didn't occur to me that someone may use the link for foul intentions, so I deleted the post. However, minimal deduction is needed to figure it out.
launderess
Well-known member
Wouldn't call it "foul" intentions.
Seller obviously is playing both sides of the fence, and there isn't anything wrong with that per se. Why give eBay and Paypal or whoever a cut of your money if it isn't necessary?
Also with large appliances can see the attraction of doing a local sale; no hassle over shipping and so forth.
Truth be told am going to give seller benefit of doubt that he/she didn't *know* what they've got, and or wasn't assuming it *may* bring in a nice chunk of money.
Having been though this with that AEG Lavamat that slipped though my fingers.... But as Big Daddy always said "money talks and BS walks...".
Seller obviously is playing both sides of the fence, and there isn't anything wrong with that per se. Why give eBay and Paypal or whoever a cut of your money if it isn't necessary?
Also with large appliances can see the attraction of doing a local sale; no hassle over shipping and so forth.
Truth be told am going to give seller benefit of doubt that he/she didn't *know* what they've got, and or wasn't assuming it *may* bring in a nice chunk of money.
Having been though this with that AEG Lavamat that slipped though my fingers.... But as Big Daddy always said "money talks and BS walks...".
Description from ebay. The 9/16 update is interesting
Vintage Maytag Washer Dryer model 340W. This is being sold as-is as the plug was damaged moving it out of the basement. It’s a nice item and seems to be rare as I’ve never seen another. It’s 43.5” high, 34” wide and 26” deep. It weighs 300-350 lbs. These vintage appliances have so much style. I have thought of using this on my patio to hold ice and drinks. I’ve seen others use older washers for that.
I had this listed, but it wasn’t in the right category. I also have this for sale locally, so the auction may end early. I would be happy to work with a shipper if you make arrangements.
On Sep-16-18 at 16:24:59 PDT, seller added the following information:
I was contacted a day ago by a collector of this type of machine. Apparently, there’s a group of washing machine collectors, who knew? This is one of two models of a Maytag Combination made in the late 50’s-early 60’s. They suggested this was one of possibly ten known to have survived. It’s nice to have a better understanding of what I now understand is a rare item.
Here's the CL ad:
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/atq/d/vintage-maytag-washer-dryer/6695652914.html
Vintage Maytag Washer Dryer model 340W. This is being sold as-is as the plug was damaged moving it out of the basement. It’s a nice item and seems to be rare as I’ve never seen another. It’s 43.5” high, 34” wide and 26” deep. It weighs 300-350 lbs. These vintage appliances have so much style. I have thought of using this on my patio to hold ice and drinks. I’ve seen others use older washers for that.
I had this listed, but it wasn’t in the right category. I also have this for sale locally, so the auction may end early. I would be happy to work with a shipper if you make arrangements.
On Sep-16-18 at 16:24:59 PDT, seller added the following information:
I was contacted a day ago by a collector of this type of machine. Apparently, there’s a group of washing machine collectors, who knew? This is one of two models of a Maytag Combination made in the late 50’s-early 60’s. They suggested this was one of possibly ten known to have survived. It’s nice to have a better understanding of what I now understand is a rare item.
Here's the CL ad:
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/atq/d/vintage-maytag-washer-dryer/6695652914.html
Translation - Cha-Ching!!!!
Honey Bunch, we got us a gold mine here!
lawrence
Honey Bunch, we got us a gold mine here!
lawrence
Yes, this "collector" has no intention of buying the machine, but thought they should inform the seller what a rare and beautiful machine they have.
Should be an interesting outcome.
Should be an interesting outcome.
launderess
Well-known member
As of last evening
Still at only the two bids, now > 15 and current price is $250.
This is likely going to be one for the record book folks.
Keep your eye on the birdie!
Still at only the two bids, now > 15 and current price is $250.
This is likely going to be one for the record book folks.
Keep your eye on the birdie!
launderess
Well-known member
at least once!
John Lefever has my Maytag combo now. They are a very interesting machine to watch, the washing action is really effective with the large, perforated drum. Where most of these machines fell down in performance was the spinning. Since Bendix had all of the patents locked up for the springs and shock absorbers to allow a truly suspended assembly, every other maker had to re-invent the wheel to get their own combos on the market.
Maytag used a pivot point at the base of the machine to allow the drum assembly to rock side-to-side when attempting to balance for spin. They had an off-balance switch that would override the spin solenoid shifter, keeping the speed at tumble. This didn't prevent some violent and startling drama when it attempted to spin. Luckily, the door glass had an edge protruding beyond the boot and whether by design or accident, the moving tub would knock the edge and kick the door open, stopping the machine. Despite the warning of this possibility, spectators could be, and were, scared into a fight or flight reaction when the machine quite literally jumped in the air, banged the door open and finally went quiet.
The drying portion of the cycle was quite efficient (but for the lackadaisical spin) and used less water than other combos and water condenser dryers. The water was sprayed onto the spinning fan, aerating it into a fine mist that condensed the warm, moist air pulled circulated in a loop through the heater and drum. Like most combos, the Matag depended upon being used as a washer and dryer together which filling with water numerous times clearing the lint from the lower regions of the drum and air channels. The one I found had been used as a dryer only for a long time and had gobs of lint built up behind and around the inner drum.
All in all, it was a worthy effort that probably would have succeeded had they been able to get around the limitations and restrictions of Big Bendix at the time and build a machine with proper suspension and spinning function.
Maytag used a pivot point at the base of the machine to allow the drum assembly to rock side-to-side when attempting to balance for spin. They had an off-balance switch that would override the spin solenoid shifter, keeping the speed at tumble. This didn't prevent some violent and startling drama when it attempted to spin. Luckily, the door glass had an edge protruding beyond the boot and whether by design or accident, the moving tub would knock the edge and kick the door open, stopping the machine. Despite the warning of this possibility, spectators could be, and were, scared into a fight or flight reaction when the machine quite literally jumped in the air, banged the door open and finally went quiet.
The drying portion of the cycle was quite efficient (but for the lackadaisical spin) and used less water than other combos and water condenser dryers. The water was sprayed onto the spinning fan, aerating it into a fine mist that condensed the warm, moist air pulled circulated in a loop through the heater and drum. Like most combos, the Matag depended upon being used as a washer and dryer together which filling with water numerous times clearing the lint from the lower regions of the drum and air channels. The one I found had been used as a dryer only for a long time and had gobs of lint built up behind and around the inner drum.
All in all, it was a worthy effort that probably would have succeeded had they been able to get around the limitations and restrictions of Big Bendix at the time and build a machine with proper suspension and spinning function.
The Maytag Combo
I got a MTC in 1974 that a customer gave up on because of excessive service calls, it was replaced by a new GE combo that a large department store in the DC area still was being closed out, the GE was built in 1973.
The traded in MT was among the last produced by MT and was built in 1965. I repaired several items on the MT including rebuilding a noisey leaking transmission.
We used the MTC for about two years and overall performance was very good, it was certainly better than a regular small tub MT washer at cleaning, rinsing and lint and sand disposal, not as good at water extraction however. [ I never once had a problem with the machine jumping with an unbalanced load, the automatic re-balancing feature worked very well ]
The problem with combination W-D reliability stems from the fact that combos never sold as well as manufactures had hoped. When sales did not take off there was little money or incentive to improve the overall product.
This was partially bad for Maytag, Maytag never brought an appliance to market that didn't need a lot of redesign and reliability improvements and the MT combo was no exception.
Maytag continued the buy back program into the 70s, I was offered a pair of 806s in 1975 if I scraped the machine and turned in the serial# tag.
As far as we know there are only 10 or so MTCs left, I will be surprised if this sale goes over $500, which is far from the record Ebay sale of one around ten years ago that went for around $3,400.00
John L.
I got a MTC in 1974 that a customer gave up on because of excessive service calls, it was replaced by a new GE combo that a large department store in the DC area still was being closed out, the GE was built in 1973.
The traded in MT was among the last produced by MT and was built in 1965. I repaired several items on the MT including rebuilding a noisey leaking transmission.
We used the MTC for about two years and overall performance was very good, it was certainly better than a regular small tub MT washer at cleaning, rinsing and lint and sand disposal, not as good at water extraction however. [ I never once had a problem with the machine jumping with an unbalanced load, the automatic re-balancing feature worked very well ]
The problem with combination W-D reliability stems from the fact that combos never sold as well as manufactures had hoped. When sales did not take off there was little money or incentive to improve the overall product.
This was partially bad for Maytag, Maytag never brought an appliance to market that didn't need a lot of redesign and reliability improvements and the MT combo was no exception.
Maytag continued the buy back program into the 70s, I was offered a pair of 806s in 1975 if I scraped the machine and turned in the serial# tag.
As far as we know there are only 10 or so MTCs left, I will be surprised if this sale goes over $500, which is far from the record Ebay sale of one around ten years ago that went for around $3,400.00
John L.
Be surprised!
<blockquote>
As far as we know there are only 10 or so MTCs left, I will be surprised if this sale goes over $500, which is far from the record Ebay sale of one around ten years ago that went for around $3,400.00
John L.
</blockquote>
Up over a grand....
<blockquote>
As far as we know there are only 10 or so MTCs left, I will be surprised if this sale goes over $500, which is far from the record Ebay sale of one around ten years ago that went for around $3,400.00
John L.
</blockquote>
Up over a grand....
jasonlittle
Well-known member
It’s up to $1025 now !
launderess
Well-known member
One bidder went in yesterday and trumped previous highest bid; he in turn was trumped, and then came back and put in highest bid to date.
This is going to go for serious money, you mark my words.
Meanwhile the poor initial bidders either have given up, or are lying low keeping their powder dry.
This is going to go for serious money, you mark my words.
Meanwhile the poor initial bidders either have given up, or are lying low keeping their powder dry.
Wow, who knows where it might go, keep in mind folks there are other ones out there that can be had, I know of two people that have MT 340Ws that are willing to sell and I will have an extra one when I get done restoring Greg's yellow one.
Also keep in mind while this is a very interesting machine it will be very difficult to get working and keep working due to the lack of parts especially a door boot.
John L.
Also keep in mind while this is a very interesting machine it will be very difficult to get working and keep working due to the lack of parts especially a door boot.
John L.
I hope this does not mean that someone's planning to bring back the Green Acres hovel with the original appliances, maybe as a museum next to the Ark Museum or that Bible Museum in DC or in Branson.
"Why George, you would look at that, a Maytag Machine that washed and dried laundry. Whooda thought of having such a thing?"
[this post was last edited: 9/20/2018-13:43]
"Why George, you would look at that, a Maytag Machine that washed and dried laundry. Whooda thought of having such a thing?"
[this post was last edited: 9/20/2018-13:43]
launderess
Well-known member
$1025 Takes It!
Looks like someone knew when they were better off, and there wasn't any further bidding after the last high of $1,025.
Looks like someone knew when they were better off, and there wasn't any further bidding after the last high of $1,025.
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