Whirlpool's New Agitator Toploader

[pulsator]

After months of anticipation for me, I FINALLY got to see the "new" topload washer that will be replacing all the low end DD washers! I was quite impressed with the machine, it actually felt solid! I was a little surprised to find that they have kept the same tub and agitator from the DD washers and slapped in a new transmission and suspension system!

I'll be getting one of these machines for Christmas and look! It has a bow already!

 

[pulsator]

Here's the money shot! Notice the tub ring... It's a bit different, but the tub and agitator are the same! This machine does have the cable suspension system just like the Cabrio machines.

 

[pulsator]

Here's a close up of the tub ring:

 

[pulsator]

Here's a clip of the tub. The quality will improve once the video has been processed!

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[mrb627]

Not Bad Looking

Interesting looking machine. I am interested in seeing on in action someday.

Malcolm

 

[coldspot66]

I bought the Kenmore version a few weeks ago, and have done a few loads in it. It behaves very much like a World Washer. The agitation is not as choppy as a DD. I still haven't figured out the rinsing sequence. I've only used a few cycles, but they seem to provide deep rinses, no matter where you set the rinse switch. Also it has no brake; spends alot of time coasting to a stop. Takes a while to fill also, as it has a lazy type waterfall that is aimed right at the clothes, and the tub revolves slowly as it's filling to wet the clothes. I think it would have been better to use the triple spray pattern of the DD washers of late. The washer wouldn't spend so much time filling. Overall seems to be a decent machine...time will tell about dependability. TREMENDOUS dislike for most here about DD washers, it's a hard act to follow.

 

[pulsator]

Hmmmm.... Don't suppose a video is possible? I'm so impatient to get mine!!!

 

[mrb627]

Price Point

What is the price point of these new machines?

Malcolm

 

[pulsator]

Whirlpool suggests $429, Lowes has them available via special order for $399 I believe.

 

[mrb627]

$399.00

Probably not a bad choice for an under $400.00 machine.

Malcolm

 

[llmaytag]

New Whirlpool

Presumably it's a neutral drain? I have the DD drive model and have never liked it as much as my Maytag Dependable Care. Also, are there spin-sprays? My Maytag had a spin-spray after wash, first and second rinse. My Whirlpool only includes it after the first rinse.

 

[kenmore700bill]

Also noticed that he base of this agitator base is lower and wider like the Maytag Load Sensor agitator whereas the Whirlpool Direct drive agitator base is narrow base and more slanted and they put the whirlpool DD top piece with softener dispensor.

 

[pulsator]

It is a neutral drain machine and I don't know about the spray rinses, I'll keep and eye out when I get one!

The agitator is actually a DD agitator! Nothing different from it's older cousins. Here is a link to the agitator for that washer.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...Basket and tub parts&brandDesc=WHIRLPOOL&mode

 

[llmaytag]

Neutral Drain

On the DD, if you lift the lid during the drain, it will shift, and drain/spin. Is this transmission the same?

 

[frigilux]

I wonder how fast the agitation is. Never cared for the hyper-fast 120-160 opm speeds on the Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAids.

 

[pulsator]

There is no transmission on this machine, just a pulley from the motor to the agitator shaft. The only "transmission" would be the mechanism that engages/disengages the basket. This machine won't spin if it has water in it, plus, you can't lift the lid anyway as it locks.

 

[vintagesearch]

what about the ones that have the auto load sense are they similar to these? they look interesting these new models....

 

[rapidry1000]

Went to the Whirlpool site for this machine. The user manual says rather than a deep rinse, it spin spray rinses for the normal cycle. Can someone confirm this?

 

[pulsator]

The autoload sense machines are the HE version. They have no agitator, just a wash plate like the other Cabrio machines.

Not sure about the rinses... There is a rinse option dial though:

 

[a440]

Interesting machine.
What is the max spin speed?
Price is not bad either.
Brent

 

[pulsator]

700 RPM

 

[mrfixit]

Pulsator:

Do you know how do they get the reciprocating motion on agitation without a transmission ?

 

[pulsator]

The motor is controlled by a computer and turns backward and forward for each and every stroke. It's the exact same way that their portable World Washer works. All topload HE washers work this way too.

 

[mrfixit]

With the motor going thru all of those reversals I'd wait a while and see how durable they are before I bought one.
It seems like there is a great opportunity for expensive electrical widgets to need replacing.

 

[mrb627]

Hydrowave

Sounds like the same mechanism that the GE hydrowave uses. The videos I have seen of the Hydrowave seem to circulate quite well.

Malcolm

 

[pulsator]

They are actually pretty durable as the computer control is very simple. I have a Whirlpool World Washer that I received for my 10th birthday that still runs flawlessly (I'm approaching 21). That machine was never a true daily driver though. My mother's Fisher Paykel washer has been a daily driver for as few as 3 and as many as 7 for 8+ years and is still running. While the machine was in it's first 6 months, mom tried to shove a king size down comforter in the machine and wash it on heavy duty, it ended up melting the tub ring and killing the computer during the spin cycle. That was replaced under warranty. Since, we've had to replace the cold inlet valve, the pump, and the touch-board but, the computer board that controls the motor's agitation and spin have not had a single issue!

 

[pulsator]

Here's a little comparison... I imagine this washer sounds somewhere in between these 2:

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[combo52]

NEW W TL WASHERS

Both these and the WWs which have been in production since the late 1980s DO HAVE a transmission a real oil and gear filled gear box. The GE hydrowaves do not have a transmission. If anything the constant stopping and reversing of the motor would make it last much longer than constant running at high speed in one direction. World Washers have used this system for over 20 years and I have never replaced a motor on one, I can't say that about any other washer I can think of.

 

[mrb627]

World Washer

You know, after seeing that WW in operation, I can't see anything terribly objectionable about them. At least they don't have that DAA which I can't stand.

The reversing action is so quick that it closely operates like a machine with a gearcase.

Malcolm

 

[pulsator]

The action in the World Washers is pretty good. I'm not sure how well the dual action agitator will work in the 4800 but, I'll probably end up putting this one in instead anyway.

http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Wash-Plate/2401