Our machines are some of the toughest out there, and they can handle almost anything you throw in them. Almost. For example, horse blanket buckles won't do dryers any good at all... Unfortunately, our machines are not indestructible. Leaving aside obvious things that will damage machines, user error or simply lack of care can result in them being sent to the farm for repurposing. Here are some obvious, and not so obvious things to look out for, so your Speed Queen can live a long, happy life.
Overloading your machine
This one should be fairly self-explanatory. Overloading a machine beyond its intended capacity can cause serious damage to a machine's internal components. Our machine drums are intended for a specific weight, so putting 20kg of washing in a 10kg machine places a huge amount of stress on the moving parts, such as the motor and belt.
Additionally, overloading in a not so obvious manner can occur by setting the water level to low on top load washers. Being water conscious is to be commended but if the linen in the load is not fully and freely floating it puts enormous load on the internal drive components of a top load washer. The linen drags on the agitator instead of floating in the water. One overloaded load, through too much linen or having the water level set too low is enough to damage the drive belt. It's important to check the water level setting before starting every load. There is also a high risk of linen damage and stretching with certain items when the machine is overloaded.
Underloading your machine
Conversely, underloading your machine can also be a risk. Most people don't consider this a risk, but it is especially important for front load washers. An underloaded machine can place uneven stress on the drum and bearings attached to it. This stress can put the machine out of balance, causing abnormal wear and tear.
Lack of proper maintenance
We've gone into greater detail about how you can maintain your machines
in a previous article, but here is an overview. Check your hoses and filters, clean dirt, soap and grime buildup, clean the seals, and check the internal belts and other components for damage. We also recommend checking for chemical leaks, as these harsh chemicals will even rust stainless steel. If you neglect your machines, they will run poorly and fall apart far sooner than they otherwise would.
Poor installation
A poor installation, such as placing a Hardmount machine on the third story of your building, can lead to catastrophic damage to your machines. In this example, the hard-mount machine will likely
destroy itself as it spins, potentially even causing damage to the building itself. Installation is not something to skimp out on.
Incorrect usage
If you use your Speed Queen wrong or outside its intended purpose you can cause significant damage to the machine's internal components. Incorrect usage will vary from industry and machine being used, but a simple example could be placing horse blankets into a dryer with heavy buckles still attached. These buckles would at best only cause dents within the internal drum, but they could easily damage the more sensitive elements within the machine.
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