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.

 

[cadman]

Hello everybody.

When will we see a film of the Whirlpool Design 2000? It would be interesting to see what came of it and how it was developed, plus the washability tests. I've also been looking for commercials on this washer. Thanks so much.

P.S. This was advanced technology at the time.

Tune in this Wednesday and you just might get your wish....

 

[gelaundry4ever]

Tune in this Wednesday and you just might get your wish....

I will!

 

[neptunebob]

But still I wonder: Back in 1985/6 did any consumers even notice a difference between the belt drive and the direct drive? I kind of think not, though probably notice that the DD agitated furiously. Combo do you know?

 

[DADoES]

1985/6 was the segue from 24" direct-drive to 27" direct-drive for the full-size models ... 2" less width than belt-drive (other than compacts).

Direct-drive has different operational sounds than belt-drive, pauses during the cycle for mode shifting, the machine/motor shuts off completely when the lid is opened during spin which belt-drive doesn't, and a deeper basket so it seems reasonable that there was notice of those differences.