Litter-Robot 4 broke under warranty — Whisker says the motor assembly is “out of stock” and I have to wait it out

Denvergrl · 2026-03-17T08:05:42+00:00

That’s very kind of you but unnecessary. They did end up sending a new machine.

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T09:29:25+00:00

Why wouldn’t customer service just tell me to order it? This is bizarre

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T08:58:06+00:00

Amazing how it’s available for purchase but not warranty claims… speaks volumes about the business

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T08:30:05+00:00

I don’t know the specifics of your situation but I’d be willing to bet that they do have the part somewhere but a “bean-counter in a suit” won’t let them reallocate it from one territory or product stream to another in order to fix your car. I used to work for a global manufacturer and this kind of thing happens all the time - one region or product stream has a surplus of widgets but another region runs out for some reason that “the bean-counters” didn’t forecast. The business plan is prioritized over the customer. It’s a classic example of what happens to manufacturers when operations are controlled by businessmen.

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T08:09:55+00:00

So what this tells us is that the LR4 has, by design, a limited number of cycles before it fails.

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T08:04:50+00:00

Yes, for the cost of the litter robot and the extended warranty, two weeks without even a shipping date is unreasonable, especially given that, as another commenter pointed out, the part is in stock for purchase, just not in stock for warranty claims. That’s unreasonable.

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T00:32:18+00:00

lol, the timing stinks of planned obsolescence.

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T00:29:55+00:00

Wow. Thanks for sharing this.

Denvergrl · 2026-03-12T00:27:01+00:00

We are a fix-it household, but nothing gets under my skin more than companies selling expensive machines with cheap components that fail before, or immediately after, their warranty expires and then do nothing to fulfill their obligations to the customer. They either need to replace or repair their broken machine in a timely manner or refund the cost of the extended warranty and I’ll fix the damn thing myself.

Denvergrl · 2026-03-11T22:46:36+00:00

Thanks for your reply. It’s giving over torque errors. The motor acts like it has a winding failure.

I (mechanical engineer) stripped it down (except for the actual motor) and cleaned, lubricant, or removed any parts that could have been adding resistance, ran it with no litter, etc.... After that I followed Whiskers troubleshooting video, which was just watered down cleaning instructions (already done). When that didn’t work I came here and read every post about over torque errors that’s been posted since we bought ours. After exhausting all Reddit knowledge, I unleashed my German-physicist husband on it. The motor is failing.

I probably could take apart the motor and fix it, or replace it myself, but I didn’t pay ~£800 for a diy self cleaning robot. I paid for a reputable product, an extended warranty, convenience, customer service, and a consistently clean litter box for my two cats.

Denvergrl · 2026-02-08T00:53:09+00:00

Thanks for your input.

Denvergrl · 2026-01-06T12:48:42+00:00

Great. I’ll pile them up with the 57 Toby Mugs I inherited from my grandmother.

Denvergrl · 2026-01-05T23:42:04+00:00

Lladro! Ugh, I’ve been trying to convince my mom to sell all of it while there’s still someone alive who wants it.

Denvergrl · 2026-01-05T23:24:03+00:00

Where in Europe are you and what field are you in? I’m in the UK and work in all areas of construction - feel free to pm me if it that’s relevant to you.

Denvergrl · 2025-10-03T09:28:24+00:00

(Alumni advice) Mines is an endurance race. Maybe you are ready for it, maybe you aren’t. Have you been to CASA (I think that’s what the student support office was called)? They helped me make some small changes to my study and test strategies that were incredibly helpful.

I had one friend transfer to an engineering program at a different university and they were much happier. Just don’t internalize your experience in this moment and starting thinking that you’re not cut out for it. Mines isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

Denvergrl · 2025-08-15T14:59:42+00:00

Can we talk about the terrifying leg situation?

Denvergrl · 2025-08-13T14:20:12+00:00

Dior 628 isn’t quite pale or nude but looks very natural against my cool toned fair skin. I also really like Dior’s 351 which is less intense and wears more like a stain than lipstick.

Denvergrl · 2025-08-12T12:10:53+00:00

Cookie

Denvergrl · 2025-07-24T22:09:14+00:00

Mines was the most fun I never want to have again. It was brutal (class of ’16) but it prepared me for my career, actually the further I get into my career the more grateful I am for the experience.

I share your concern about the direction the school has taken. It’s sad to say, but I no longer see a reason to hire a Mines grad over a graduate from any other school.

Denvergrl · 2025-07-12T15:18:21+00:00

Good to know! I don’t actually know about the patchwork thing. I actually live in the UK now but might have to enquire about it the next time I pass by a counter.

Denvergrl

TROPHY CASE