Here's my story, sad but true
It's about a washing machine that I once knew
It took my clothes and spun them around
With suds and bleach it would always pound
(Name That Tune, words changed of course)

After 26 years of excellent service my Maytag washer is all washed up for good.

I purchased a new Speed Queen (Made in the USA) to replace it, delivery set up for tomorrow.

Total cost, includes delivery, tax and removal of my beloved Maytag. $884.71
Forgot, purchased 2 stainless steel water connectors ($34.00) which added to the cost.

Or I could have used this instead:



Thought about it for about 10 seconds and made my choice.
Purchased at a local small appliance store which I have been doing business with for 40+years. The Speed Queen had the exact same dimensions as the one being removed.

Do my best to help keep the little guys in business.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

My washer committed suicide after 20 years of being force fed my socks and undies. I feel guilty somehow.

Runaround Sue.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

I figured at least a few posts, you had to show up.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

My uncle use to be the general manager for the speed queen factorys.

Feral, knew nothing about the brand and was told it is top shelf.
I guess they are used in a lot of laundromats.

And with the name Speed Queen I could have had a lot of fun referring to it. But I decided to behave myself.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

Sorry, it's all those years of detention with nothing to play with but my brain.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Well Rusty beat me to it. For once I had the answer to one of these and I was slow on the draw.

I'll gettcha next time Rusty!

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Real men love cats!

Try and keep it clean fellas.

Imagine a "Washing Machine Thread" here at the good ol S&W forum. We just about cover everything don't we.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

I was told a couple of years ago by an old school Maytag repairman that when Maytag changed hands or changed CEO's there was a general meeting and the new boss said "What is with these machines not needing any maintenance for 10 to 15 years." "I want built in obsolesence and a general lack of repair ability or parts availability so that these machines need to be replaced, not repair, five years tops."
I believe it...the same guy told us if you really want to keep a machine that is repairable you need to stay with those built before the 90's...wasn't much that could go wrong with those, timers, pumps, belts and motors that was about it.
Our 10 year old Maytag fridge started leaking water from somewhere inside which leaked down through the floor and into my gun room, fortunately I caught it before there was any significant damage. They couldn't get around to checking it out for nearly a week, thats OK...everything still works except what needs water. I won't be a bit suprised if the guy says "Theres nothing I can do, they don't make repair parts any longer...especially if your not covered under warranty."

That is exactly what I was told when I purchased mine.

Longevity on most brands, 5 to 7 years.
But I guess that would be a family using it constantly.

Huge items, comforters etc., straight to the laundromat I shall go.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

You won't regret the new Speed Queen.
I bought one last year to replace my at the time 6 y/o Maytag that crapped out.

The Speed Queen brand is supposed to be what the real Maytag used to be.
Industry-leading warranty and metal components instead of plastic.

We saw the difference in quality after the first load of laundry.
The clothes hadn't smelled that clean in a long time, and the cycle is about 1/2 - 1/3 as long as the Maytag was.

I worked for Speed Queen/Amana years ago. They made about the best machines then but don't know about today. I've made some repairs but my washer/dryer set from 20 years ago is still running strong.
Unless I learn otherwise I'll replace the pair eventually with them. Have a local guy to buy from too.

So far you guys are making me feel good with my purchase.

If I paid attention to reviews on line, I may never buy anything.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

My wife came running in to show me the pic of your washboard.
She's jealous that y'all have such a fine washer and she's still using the rock down in the stream.
I told he that as soon as the rock wears out we's a heading down to TheBigCity (Somerville) hardware store and getting her an even nicer washboard.

Thanks a bunch

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In dog years I'm dead.

There's probably a drain hole located in the freezer compartment that's plugged up --- You can usually find out how to fix refer leaks on the net.

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In dog years I'm dead.

I sold Speed Queen washers and dryers back in the 40s and 50s when I was in high school, then they had only stainless steel tubs. They were the top of the line in the industry and still are. Most of the Kenmores sold by Sears are actually made by Speed Queen that's how they've maintained their reputation through the years.

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Dick

Sounds like "Run around Sue" to me.

I've had to buy new sets three times in the last twenty five years. 1st. Wife got her set. Second took aset and the third took the fancy set. She thought it had warranty. I didn't make the warranty payment.

will your new machine be as environmentally friendly as this combo..................

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There's nowt so queer as folk

1982 Maytag top loader still going strong. I replace the electric valves every 5 yrs. or so when it starts to take too long to fill. It's only needed belts twice.
I like the washing ability of front loaders but they are way too complicated - and expensive.

I don't think Choate's Furniture and Appliance sells wash boards. Hope I'm wrong. I know they don't (Or didn't a few years ago) sell wash tubs. We needed one when the dog tangled with a skunk. Not sure who won that fight, the dead skunk or the stinky dog

Class III

I went from a huge LG front-loader and matching dryer to a big red plastic tub and a clothesline strung in the hallway.

Laugh, but it really didn't make a difference on the clothes except probably a lot less wear & tear on them.

I ain't worried. It don't look like the rock's gonna wear out any time soon

Sorry about your dog - Been there

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In dog years I'm dead.

I don't much mind the research and buying, but once the machines are delivered I sign the pink slip over to the wife.

Jeff, your fill valve has screens that may be plugged. Pull them out with needle nose pliers and clean in vinegar. Might save you a few bucks next time.

The 40 year old dishwater had to be replaced, it started leaking. Thanks to the mandated 'energy saver' features, it uses less water and doesn't get as hot. So it doesn't wash as well and the dishes aren't dry when it's done.

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Common sense isn't so common.

I'm not hijacking this thread, but I've got a Whirlpool dryer that's been drying my laundry since the mid 70s.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I don't mind working on them, but I'm not allowed to operate one. My "fiscally conservative" wife is afraid I'll use too much soap, too much hot water, not enough clothes for a full load, etc. She does allow me, in nice weather, to hang them outside on the solar clothes dryer (clothes line to you country people)

Back in the 50ties, I once got my hand caught in a ringer.

Congrats on the Speed Queen. I did exactly the same just 3-4 months ago. I contacted my local, small business appliance store where I have known the salesman for quite a few years and asked his opinion. He asked a couple questions and recommended the Speed Queen. All stainless tub, very small agitator, large capacity, and rugged no nonsense. None of the 63 million settings to do things that you don't need, and "NO COMPUTERIZED CONTROLS". I now do about 1/3 less loads as it has a larger capacity, and it saves water as it cleans in less time. I'm planning on keeping this one at least 20 years.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Our almost 40 year old Whirpool gave it up this past January - I really miss the harvest gold

Ready for the "haul-away":

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Lou

Old School Simplicity.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

Sounds a bit like my wife...except she's older and unreplaceable.

She's out for the evening so the fight hasn't started.

My wife is only OCD with ONE THING.......... Doing Laundry! There are only a RARE FEW days a year she isn't washing something. If Cody, my Golden Retriever could hold his breath for 45 minutes she'd stick him in there too! Needless to say, even though I don't normally buy the extended warranty on appliances, my Washer and Dryer both have them - and believe me they are always worth the extra investment.

We now have Whirlpool's and after 6 years of torture they have performed flawlessly - but hey, I still have 4 years left on the extended warranty.

Loutent, mine looks almost just like that. It's harvest gold, too.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

The Speed Queen was delivered and hooked up this afternoon.

Hillbilly77, you were right, great machine.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson