CONTINENTALS & Auroras

[MichaelCa]

Anybody have experience (positive/negative) with either
the Continental hardmounts, or the new Aurora softmount ?

I know MSKLaundry has heard good things about the Auroras - I'm wondering if they'd be a better choice than HOrizons:

they have glass, but other than that they're all stainless steel, and supposedly built more like a hardmount, i.e. heavy-duty (longer life-span/less issues ?)

As for the larger Continental Frontloaders, i've narrowed my selection for purchasing new 35# to either them or Dexters.

any comments on them ?

[ajay]

continentals have earned a great deal of respect among fire houses - since they spin at a such a high g-force. The higher the g-force, dryer the clothes get. Also there's a regulation that fire uniforms must be washed after every use - since they're rubber uniforms - they need to come out dry out of the washers. Continentals are the only machines approved so far. In regards to comparing against the dexters, I own them for over 10 years now and customers still ask if I bought them recently. They look so preety. Continentals have that rugged look. But I'm not familar with repairing them - don't believe they could be that much more different than any other machine. Dexter are excellent choice in my opinion. I believe they cost the same, continental may be a little higher.

If you're adding machines, you may want to stick with the same brand, since stocking parts can be an issue.

ajay

[Tom Ala.]

I just got a good look at the Aurora yesterday and am very inpressed, it seams to have much better construction than the Allance unit. I am going to buy 5 units. The price $2000 each delivered set up and on factory bases. Is This a good price?
Tom

[MSKLAUNDRY.]

I think you can squeze a litlle more out of your dist but thats up to you. The going price was about 1750 give or take a little but since they are incuding the base that would add maybe $75. If they are going to install it and remove any existing stuff then I guess is not to bad. For that price make sure they install it properly.

1- Make sure they level the washers and make sure the leveling legs lock nuts are tight. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! If possible try not to extend the legs and keep them as far in as possible.
2- Make sure they change the drain (if you presently have gravity drain) and add standpipes for each washer. As this washer has a pump.
3 Make sure they set the computer setting per your instruction before they leave. because it is not an easy taEX: price, water level, super cycle price and all cycle times. You will most likely be changing it as the factory setting are not very good for us Americans. Don't know what those Europens peolple are thinking of?

If you need to know anything specific let be know.

[Anonymous]

I spent some time in the Continental booth in Vegas and got a good look at the Aroura washers.To me,it looks great and it meets a need,unfortunately while I was there,a guy came up and began a tirade on the Continental reps about what a piece of S*%# IT WAS.They quickly tried to calm him down and it was dicey for a little while.What make these shows so interesting is this kind of dynamic because only a few minutes later someone came by telling me how great they are.I know as a dealer early production runs have problems and I'd bet the early ones were the ones the guy was complaining about.Get references from your dealer and judge by their candid reactions.By the way,I was a Continental dealer for a few years thats why I now sell Dexter,take that for what its worth....

[PeterH]

Auroras can be order with or without a pump...

I've had the same experience in several booths. I'd be there looking over the machines, and some other looker would come up behind me and start bad mouthing that particular brand while praising another. Sometime I think they are paid to to it!

[E&R]

Don't forget to check to see if there are any rebates from the utilities since these Aurora qualified as high energy efficiency under CEE.

[E&R]

It may not matter ... One of the difference between pump drain vs gravity drain on these Aurora washer is that according to the washer's computer programming instructions (Advanced LOGI HS-5008 and H5020 Rev. 01), the bath level for Aurora fitted with pump drain cannot be change to high or extra high level setting due to safety reasons. Only low and medium bath level is available.