Which washing machines have a collapsible tank?

Which washing machines have a collapsible tank? The need to replace washing machine bearings arises after several years of using the equipment in almost every case. To replace the part with a working one, you need to completely disassemble the washing machine and gain access to the inside of the tank. If the manufacturer has equipped the machine with a collapsible tank, then repair work will not cause any difficulties, otherwise the process will be more labor-intensive and costly. Let's find out which famous brands of washing machines with collapsible tanks can be found in household appliance stores.

Where is the tank cast and where is it collapsible?

It is better to prevent a problem than to eliminate its consequences. Therefore, if the question arises about buying an automatic car, it is better to immediately focus on models equipped with a collapsible tank. This will allow you to effortlessly replace bearings if necessary.

The first place on the list is occupied by the Belarusian brand Atlant. The units are equipped with elements that can be freely disassembled and reassembled. It is worth noting the “Korean” ElG, the manufacturer uses a similar system for laying out the washing machine tank. However, in some fully unwinding LG machines, it will still not be possible to replace the bearings; you will have to contact a specialized service.

Most famous brands produce washing machines in two variations: with a cast tank and with a collapsible one. We are talking about the following companies:

Samsung;
Electrolux;
AEG;
Siemens;
Bosch.

To determine whether the machine can be completely disassembled, it is necessary to study the full characteristics of each machine being considered for purchase.

Also on the market are samples equipped with a monolithic design. These include brands:

Indesit;
Ariston;
Kandy;
Whirlpool;
Ardo.

It is not profitable for manufacturers of washing equipment to produce units with a collapsible tank. That is why more and more models are equipped with a cast element. However, if this criterion is fundamental when choosing, it will not be difficult to find a reliable and functional washing machine that can be completely unscrewed.

How to find out about the design of the tank?

If you decide to purchase a machine with a dismountable tank, do not hesitate to ask the seller for the information you are interested in and check it in the accompanying documents. Most often, a collapsible element is made of metal, and a monolithic element is made of plastic. This information will also help you understand the characteristics of the equipment. You can find out whether the machine is completely disassembled in the following ways:

Study the technical data sheet of the washing machine. Typically, polymer non-disassembling tanks are installed only in units with a maximum spin speed of up to 1600 rpm. If there are more rotations, then the machine uses exclusively stainless steel containers. By looking at the maximum spin speed, you can guess which tank is inside.
Ask the sales manager. It can be difficult to get an intelligible answer from an ordinary store consultant. If the salesperson’s words do not inspire confidence in you, it is better to resort to other methods described.
Talk to qualified craftsmen in advance. Competent specialists will tell you which models you should pay attention to first.
Inspect the equipment in person.Exhibition samples of equipment do not have a bottom, so if you slightly tilt the washing machine and look under it, you can see what material the tank is made of.

Fewer and fewer automatic washing machines that have a collapsible tank are being produced. Manufacturers strive to offer customers equipment equipped with monolithic containers made of wear-resistant and high-strength polymers. This is done to reduce the company’s production costs, as well as to minimize the resources consumed by the device. For example, non-spinning rubber tanks retain heat longer and, therefore, spend less kilowatts on heating water during washing.

However, the cost of completely replacing a non-separable unit when the bearings fail will immediately exceed all possible savings from a polymer tank.

Choose a machine with a collapsible unit

Why is it worth focusing on models with a collapsible tank? We wrote above that the bearings and seal of any washing machine will wear out over time and will require replacement. A freely disassembling tank will allow you to save on machine repairs and will greatly reduce the complexity of the process of replacing bearings.

Let's talk about the structure of one of the main elements of the machine. The collapsible tank consists of two parts connected to each other by bolts, clamps or rivets to ensure a tight connection. In this case, the element can be easily disassembled by loosening or releasing the fasteners, and gaining access to the installation location of the oil seal and bearings.

Most brands produce washing equipment without the ability to disassemble the tank. Even if the tank is split into two parts, you will not only have to install new bearings, but also replace the rear forecastle.

Manufacturers do not provide the ability to divide a non-separable tank. However, the most skillful and savvy users still take on the “impossible.” To do this, they cut the part, perform the necessary manipulations with the bearings and connect the halves with sealant. However, there is a list of disadvantages of this method: not everyone is able to cut the tank straight and connect the cut hermetically. Also, no specialist can guarantee that the machine will work for many years after such intervention.