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Dave Harnish wrote:
> If you're thinking about buying a frontload washer, the short answer
> is 'do not do it'. I wrote about this in my newsletter back in April 2005:
>
> "I get asked about front load washers nearly every day, so I thought
> I would share my $.02 on the subject with you. Especially since I have
> already had to 'DOA' two more this month, and I am writing this on
> the 6th! I hate telling folks to scrap these beautiful looking machines!
>
> First, the positives: for the most part, these machines do a good job
> of washing clothes, using little water and detergent. They're very
> easy on fabric while deep-cleaning the toughest stains.
>
> However:
> I am seeing American-made front loaders' main bearings lasting only
> 5-7 years, and that's just not long enough (I do not see enough 'offshore'
> brand machines - Asko, Miele, etc - to know much about their reliability,
> but they seem to be doing better. Parts and support can be hard to find,
> though, at least in our area).
>
> It's tough to fix this inherent weakness, and it's the number one reason
> (of several) that I cannot recommend these machines.
>
> Here's the problem: When you hang 40-50 pounds of water, laundry,
> and basket out on the end of a rotating shaft supported by bearings pressed
> into plastic, you have a mechanical system that just cannot survive very
> long.
>
> Other problems include leakage at the seam between the two (plastic) tank
> halves, basket pulley failure, usually resulting in tub wear-through and
> leaks, and motor (3 phase) controller circuit board failures, just to name a
> few of the most common.
>
> Considering one of these washers can cost up to $1400, 5-7 years just is not
> a sound investment. And we won't even go into the electronics problems we
> have with them out here in the 'boonies' from electrical power that's
> anything
> but 'clean' and reliable. Or voltage 'spikes' from nearby lightning
> strikes...
>
> There is one bright spot on the horizon, but it's too early for me to tell
> you if
> it'll dawn or not. A company in Groveport, Ohio, Staber Corp, entered the
> residential front loader market a few years ago, and their machines look
> promising so far.
>
> They address the bearing problems by supporting their wash tub with bearings
> in both front and rear - a major improvement.
>
> Technically not front-loaders (they load from the top), these are what we
> call
> 'horizontal axis' machines, because the tub rotates horizontally like a
> typical FL,
> and like your dryer. Unique.
>
> Even though it appears they're using electronics driving a 3 phase motor
> like
> the others, this is one to watch. Cost is around $1200, though - still an
> awful lot
> of money to do your laundry, IMO. But check it out: www.staber.com "
>
> Sorry it's so long, but I thought it might be helpful to someone.
>
> God bless,
>
> Dave Harnish
> Dave's Repair Service
> New Albany, PA
> www.DavesRepair.com
> drs@sosbbs.com
> 570-363-2404
>
> Free home appliance tips from a 35-year pro repair technician!
> Save a service call! Get your monthly email newsletter here:
> (Back issues now posted too!) www.DavesRepair.com
>
> John 14:6
>
>
> "TomChristner" <tom.christner@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:1176087588.889702.192470@p77g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>> Hello,
>>
>> I've been looking for a good front loading washer. I like the
>> appearance of the Neptune, but the horror stories that I've heard
>> from close friends have made me shy away from that orphaned line.
>> Consumer Reports seems to like the Duet from Whirlpool, but I've
>> read some bad reviews from owners. The GE and LG look like junk and
>> the rest of the brands just seem to be rebadged models from another
>> company.
>>
>> Ok, then there is the Speed Queen. Appearance wise, it looks boring
>> and ultra commercial. Since my local dealer knows less about the
>> specs than I do, I'm coming here to find out the real truth about
>> these units.
>>
>> 1. Are they hard on clothes? I assume that the lack of agitator bar
>> eliminates that problem. Not sure though.
>> 2. Do they >
get mildew on the gasket between the door and the tub?
>> 3. Do they clean well?
>>
>> If you can help me with this, I'd greatly appreciate it.
>>
>
>
get a Fisher & Paykel GWL15
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Re: Speed Queen Front Loading Washer
