Maytag Wringer Washer Off-Grid Motors

As the country moved toward spin-cycle washing machines, the Amish stayed with the old workhorses and still use them today.

Maytag wringer washers remain the most popular machines the Amish use and maintain, and they offer a complete line of Amish-made replacement parts to keep them running. Living off-grid meant many machines had to be converted to alternative power sources. Hence, the Amish developed conversion kits to run on alternative airpower, gas engines, and, most recently, 12-24VDC motors.

Sproul Reversible Air Motor Kit W20RWK

Includes pulley, belt, powder-coated bracket, and hardware. Uses a 2/3 HP Sproul air motor, 1500 Max RPM, 25CFM @ 60 PSI. 1/4” inlet, 5/8” shaft.  Air motors require continuous lubrication; therefore, an inline oiler is recommended.

12-Volt DC Motor Kit

Converts a Maytag wringer washer to DC motor operations. Includes 10’ of wire for battery connections, a belt, and a switch. Available for 12-Volt DC systems; draws 10-12 A at 12 V.

We also carry an 18V/20V tool battery motor kit. Click here for more information.

Gasoline Motor Hardware Kit

Universal bracket kit bolts across the legs on Maytag Wringer Washers E2L, JJC & and N2L model washing machines. It allows a horizontal-shaft gasoline engine to replace an electric motor for off-grid applications. The Amish use this with a 2.5-hp or similar-HP gasoline motor. The engine's weight maintains belt tension. (Belt and the gasoline engine pictured are omitted. Contact us for pricing if you are unable to purchase gasoline motors locally. The Amish use a 1-3/4" diameter pulley and a 36" belt. 

Safety Note: As with a home generator, a gasoline-powered motor should be run outdoors, away from doors, windows, and vents that may carry carbon monoxide into a house or building.

Gasoline Motor Mount Flex Shaft System

This is an interesting system used in Amish homes that allows the washing machine to be used indoors. The gasoline motor is mounted outside the house or basement wall, away from windows and doors, and a flex shaft runs through the wall into the washing machine.  The shafts can be purchased in up to 20-foot links, so they have some limitations on distance.

Ideally, the motor needs to be mounted directly outside the wall. The flex shaft allows it to pass through a basement wall at ground level. The cost can range from $600 to $1000, depending on distance, motor mounts, and other factors. You would still need to supply a 2.5-hp horizontal-shaft engine that can be removed and replaced, or a metal box cover that can be removed and replaced. We recommend adding a dead-man's kill switch inside the washing machine to ground the engine in the event of an emergency shutdown.  

Email us for a quote specifying the shaft length you need if you're interested in this system to run your household washing machine off a gasoline motor.

Click Here for the traditional electric motor. Both used take-off and new replacement motors are available. 

Click Here to view our complete Maytag Wringer Washer service and repair manual.