NCjohn
join:2009-07-02
Candler, NC
| direct drive washing machines
Hello folks.
I'm in the market (sort of) for a new washing machine, and I read somewhere that direct drive machines are the best from the standpoint of easier (cheaper) repairs. The sad fact seems to be that all home appliances these days are either crappy or crappier, and the question isn't whether or not they'll have to be repaired, but rather how soon and how often. SO... I thought that direct drive seemed like a good choice.
However, I've looked at washers at lots of web sites (including manufacturers'), and haven't found a single site that stated in the machine specs that it was direct drive. Does anyone know how to find this out?
Thanks. |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX
1 edit | NO. They all have transmissions.
Cars do too. |
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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX | That is not true. None of the front loaders I have worked on have had a transmission. But I would not consider them direct drive as they have a belt. |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX | OK is it direct drive or not? |
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Jtmo
Premium
join:2001-05-20
Novato, CA
1 edit | reply to NCjohn
I had a Maytag recently, direct drive, biggest POS I ever bought (Except taht Dodge Minivan). Replaced the $400 POS with a $150 one, no more noise, no more floods. |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX | reply to NCjohn
My Maytag is 29 years old. Ha. I think is an A 308. |
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MNark
join:2003-11-10
Saint Charles, MO | reply to NCjohn
Just bought an LG front loader last fall, has a big sticker on the top that say's "direct drive" |
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cdru
Go Colts
Premium,MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN
| said by MNark  :Just bought an LG front loader last fall, has a big sticker on the top that say's "direct drive" Measure the depth of the cabinet, then measure the depth of the tub. Subtract. Do you really think that there is a motor behind the tub directly attached? |
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MNark
join:2003-11-10
Saint Charles, MO
| said by cdru :Measure the depth of the cabinet, then measure the depth of the tub. Subtract. Do you really think that there is a motor behind the tub directly attached? I'm pretty sure gerbils aren't making it go round n round.
From the LG support website:
LG’s Direct Drive Motor does away with the complexity
of traditional motors that use belts and pulleys. The motor mounts to the back of the drum. This motor is quiet and easier to repair. |
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robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
| reply to mityfowl
said by mityfowl :OK is it direct drive or not? I believe that I was clear on that. The front loaders which I have worked on are belt drive.
My point was that you stated as fact
said by mityfowl :NO. They all have transmissions. You are WRONG -- they do NOT all have transmissions. |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX | Actually a belt in this instance is a reduction gear and/or a transmission. |
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Splitpair
Premium
join:2000-07-29
Cow Towne
 ·T-Mobile US
| reply to mityfowl
said by mityfowl :NO. They all have transmissions. Cars do too. Incorrect, direct drive such as in the LG consists of a variable speed motor connected directly to the wash drum, there is no transmission or belt are used in the application.
Wayne
--
If you cannot fix it with a buttset and some beanies you ain't a technician |
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SparkChaser
BURY BECK
Premium
join:2000-06-06
Downingtown, PA | reply to NCjohn
Fisher & Paykel, Toshiba, ,LG and Samsung are ones I know of that have a direct drive model. I think Fisher & Paykel was the first, around 1990. Don't know anything about the reliability. Maybe Robbin can help with an opinion on that. |
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pende_tim
Premium
join:2004-01-04
Andover, NJ
 ·ProLog
 ·ViaTalk
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| reply to cdru
I believe the LG uses a servo drive technology.
Probably using a "Pancake" motor? »www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/c···3/6.html
Very flat but larger diameter than typical motors.
--
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. |
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cdru
Go Colts
Premium,MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN
| reply to MNark
said by MNark :From the LG support website: LG’s Direct Drive Motor does away with the complexity
of traditional motors that use belts and pulleys. The motor mounts to the back of the drum. This motor is quiet and easier to repair. I'll stand corrected then. |
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wth
Premium
join:2002-02-20
Iowa City, IA
·Mediacom
| reply to NCjohn
OP needs to state if he's looking for a top or front loader, as I'll guess top loader. |
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mattmag
Premium,ExMod 2000-03
join:2000-04-09
NW Illinois
clubs:
·Mediacom
| reply to mityfowl
said by mityfowl :NO. They all have transmissions. Wrong answer.
A great number, if not ALL newer front loaders are direct-drive, and use a DC motor, not AC. I also know they have been using the same system for top-loaders for awhile now as well.
My Whirlpool Duet front-loader is a direct-drive DC motor. Very quiet, very efficient. Makes drum reversal a very easy thing to accomplish. |
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Bobcat
Premium
join:2001-02-04
Bedminster, NJ
·Verizon Online DSL
1 edit | reply to NCjohn
I have a Kenmore (made by Whirlpool) direct-drive washer. The coupler breaks every 5 1/2 years. It makes a ton of noise for the 4 preceding years, which means the washer almost always sounds like it's falling apart. It also slips into gear and spins while it's draining (it shouldn't spin then) during those 4 years.
I'd rather have a belt-driven model.
EDIT: I got the Kenmore/Whirlpool because it had a steel tub. The GE models had plastic tubs.
--
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. |
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tmh
@qwest.net
| reply to NCjohn
said by NCjohn :I've looked at washers at lots of web sites (including manufacturers'), and haven't found a single site that stated in the machine specs that it was direct drive. Does anyone know how to find this out? Thanks. Take a look at Fisher & Paykel washers. They are direct drive. Their tub washers are rated energy star. I have one and it works very well. |
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Lyserjic
join:2002-07-02
Deer Park, TX
| reply to NCjohn
I purchased a Samsung front loader in January of 08. Very quiet machine, vibration on high speed spin is nil. So far, no issues and it gets used every other day.
The machine is extremely well built in comparison to other brands I looked at the time I bought it. Very heavy construction when compared to other brands and top loaders. I'm happy with it, but.....
I (personally) don't think it cleans heavily soiled (mud, dirt, grease) clothes as well as a conventional top-loading machine. At times my work is in the field and can be very dirty, I usually have to set the machine for extra wash and pre-wash and full water modes to properly clean the clothes. The front loader seems to be easier on delicates and "good clothes".
If you are an office worker and don't get your clothes really dirty, a front loader will work great. If you are in construction or have kids and/or messy pets, get a top load washer. When the Samsung dies, I'm going back to a top loader, provided they don't go the way of 5 gallon toilets.  |
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