Washer/dryer motors in the U.S. have traditionally been induction motors,
but apparently, universal/brush motors have/are commonly utilized in Europe
(and maybe elsewhere) for washer motors.
I found this out the way you did, years ago, by reading SER posts.

Generally, universal motors are cheaper to manufacture, more compact and can
operate at higher speeds than common 1750/3600 RPM AC induction motors.

Some applications that were typically AC induction motors here in the U.S.
are being replaced by universal motors.. table saws, for example.

--
Cheers,
WB
..............


"Jamie" t wrote in message
...
Jeff Liebermann wrote:

On Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:20:34 -0500, Jamie
t wrote:


I didn't know washing machines had brushed motors?


See video showing washing machine brushes and how to replace them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jlD5gnh9jw (5 min)

interesting, I don't work on such things but the few I have looked
at always had induction motors on them. I've never owned nor do I
even know any one that's ever had brushes replaced on their washing
machine..

Ours gets used almost every day and I replace them on the average
of every 5 years or so due to other problems, but never a motor..

In fact, I scabbed the motors from the last 2 I junked and both were
just AC induction. (squirrel cage types).

Jamie