Interesting! I based my original comment only on my experience from visiting various friends in the US who all had these antiquated agitator style washers.

Know this is OT but can someone explain why americans still insist on making washers that look like they’re from the 1960s?

In europe, front loading washers has been the norm since at least the 80s. And yes. A german Miele front loading washer will also last «forever» if properly taken care of 🙂