re: Speed Queen washers

Another option is to buy a refurbished direct drive Whirlpool/Kenmore/Maytag washer made before 2009. They are essentially commercial-grade machines that can be maintained and repaired with simple hand tools and very little time. Had my Whirlpool washer since 2005, just put a new 6-pad heavy-duty clutch, neutral drain assembly, water valve, new drain pump, and a few seals and it works better than new and cost about $200 in parts and about 2 hours of time. Think there are a few shops that will sell units they've refurbished with a 1-year warranty that have been upgraded with the same parts mine now has. The made these direct-drive washers for over 30 years with almost no changes in the mechanical drive system, they are solid and I hope mine will go another 19 years without repairs. The matching 29" dryer has yet to need any maintenance or repair though I picked up an OEM service kit for $40 that has a new belt, rollers, and tensioner assembly. It's also incredibly easy to service and maintain with basic tools, I just take the front panel off every few years to vacuum out some lint and clean the exhaust duct every year and that seems to prevent just about all issues from occuring in the first place.