They will wash 900lbs of laundry in about an hour and a half. Only run about $160,000. Have 2-1996's a 2001, and a 2004 at work. Costs about $10K to refurb the hydraulic drive, but one of the 1996's has never been apart.
But seriously, I think washers, like most other stuff, is designed to wear out so you have to buy another one.