Top Load Washer - Single and Dual Action Agitators

Starting in the year 1995, Top Load washers with an agitator will have either a Single Action or a Dual Action Agitator. These agitators are made of polypropylene plastic.

• Single Action (Heavy Duty) Agitator: Also called a Flexcare agitator. Water and clothing is circulated in the tub through the action of the agitator. The top of the Single Action (Heavy Duty) Agitator moves in both directions (in concert with the bottom, since it is all one solid piece). The agitator does move back and forth. The entire agitator moves back and forth since it is one solid piece.
  • This Heavy Duty” (single action) agitator is different from the Dual Action agitator in higher end models in that it does not have holes in the side that the fabric softener runs out of upon dispensing; the fabric softener runs out of the agitator bottom when dispensed and mixes with the rinse water from the bottom.

• Dual Action Agitator: Also called a Gentlepower agitator. This provides better circulation and turnover of clothes than the Flexcare agitator. The top half operates independently of the bottom half to help drive the clothes down into the water. The top half of the agitator rides on lubricated nylon bearings. The agitator movement is approximately 360 degrees. The Dual Action Agitator top portion (auger) only rotates in one direction as it “locks” onto the agitator in one direction and rotates freely in the other. This auger action moves clothes downward in the center towards the agitator base where mechanical cleaning action takes place. The bottom portion of the Dual Action Agitator moves in both directions (back and forth).