Whirlpool Design 2000...

[pstehle]

Whirlpool's biggest problem was that the clout Sears had with them forced them to build a "$199 Special" model throughout the belt-drive years, I believe the DD was come up with as a means of reducing costs. Unfortunately, the basic design of the whole belt drive line rested upon that $199 special, gussied up with more options, thicker finishes, and maybe a smidge heavier sheet metal. Those DDs were a real headache when they first came out, but at least they were easy to service. The plastic motor couplers would fail on a regular basis, and the paint was no thicker than absolutely needed, so the base frames would rust pretty quickly. WP worked out the worst issues within the first 5 or 10 years, though.

 

[phillymatt53]

Whirlpool's biggest problem was that the clout Sears had with them forced them to build a "$199 Special" model throughout the belt-drive years, I believe the DD was come up with as a means of reducing costs. Unfortunately, the basic design of the whole belt drive line rested upon that $199 special, gussied up with more options, thicker finishes, and maybe a smidge heavier sheet metal. Those DDs were a real headache when they first came out, but at least they were easy to service. The plastic motor couplers would fail on a regular basis, and the paint was no thicker than absolutely needed, so the base frames would rust pretty quickly. WP worked out the worst issues within the first 5 or 10 years, though.

I picked up a set of agitator dogs that gave out on me years ago, and also have that motor coupler as a spare just in case.